Unlock Your Path to Permanent Residency with an EB-3 Visa

Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: Find Your Opportunity in the U.S.

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Navigate Your Green Card Journey with Expert Guidance

The EB-3 visa category, as defined by U.S. immigration law, provides a pathway for Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers seeking employment-based opportunities in the United States. This visa category not only enables foreign nationals to pursue their professional ambitions but also serves to enrich the U.S. economy and society through their contributions. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of these categories and how the process unfolds.

The Three EB-3 Visa Categories

1. Skilled Workers

This category is designed for individuals who have acquired specialized skills through a minimum of two years of training or work experience. The employment being sought must meet the following criteria:

Permanency: The job should be permanent in nature, rather than temporary or seasonal.
Skill Level: The role should require a worker with skills gained through formal training or practical experience.

Examples of roles in this category include skilled tradespeople (e.g., electricians, mechanics, or carpenters) or technical workers.

2. Professionals

This category is tailored for individuals who have attained a higher level of education, typically evidenced by a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or its foreign equivalent. To qualify, applicants must:

Possess the required academic degree as a standard entry requirement for their field of work.
Perform duties for which there are no qualified U.S. workers available.

Important Note: Education and experience cannot be substituted for the bachelor’s degree requirement in this category. Professionals in fields such as engineering, education, accounting, and healthcare often fall under this category.

3. Other Workers

This category includes individuals who perform unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience. The roles must meet the following criteria:

Nature of Work: The labor must not be temporary or seasonal.
Demand for Workers: There must be a demonstrated lack of qualified U.S. workers to perform the job.

Examples of jobs in this category include roles in construction, hospitality, and general labor industries.

Basic Requirements for Each EB-3 Category

Each category offers a unique pathway for individuals with different skills and qualifications to contribute to the U.S. economy and society. In summary, the eligibility requirements are:

1. Skilled Workers

Must demonstrate at least 2 years of job experience or training.
Must perform work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

2. Professionals

Must demonstrate possession of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign degree equivalent, and that a bachelor’s degree is the normal requirement for entry into the occupation.
Must perform work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.
Note: Education and experience cannot be substituted for a baccalaureate degree.

3. Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)

Must be capable of performing unskilled labor (requiring less than 2 years training or experience), that is not of a temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.

While the eligibility requirements for EB-3 visas are less stringent compared to other employment-based categories, applicants must navigate significant backlogs, particularly in the Other Workers category. Prospective applicants should consult the Visa Bulletin to assess wait times based on their country of origin and visa priority date. For those in the U.S. on nonimmigrant status like the H-1B Visa, maintaining status through annual or 3-year renewal of H-1B status is essential.

The Application Process for EB-3 Visas

1. Labor Certification: The employer must obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor unless exempt.

2. Filing Form I-140: The employer files Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As part of this petition, the employer must demonstrate:

Ability to Pay the Wage: Employers must provide financial documentation, such as annual reports, tax returns, or audited financial statements, to prove their ability to pay the offered wage.

3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing:

If the applicant is already in the United States on a valid nonimmigrant status, they may file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) concurrently with Form I-140 (if eligible).
For applicants outside the U.S., the case proceeds through consular processing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Labor Certification: A Key Requirement

EB-3 visa petitions typically require a labor certification approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This certification ensures that:

There are insufficient U.S. workers available to perform the job being offered.
The employment of a foreign national will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.

In some cases, the EB-3 petition may proceed without a certified labor certification if it meets the criteria for Schedule A occupations, such as nurses or physical therapists.

Family of EB-3 Visa Holders

Your spouse may accompany you to the United States. During the process of applying for permanent resident status, your spouse is eligible to file for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your minor children (unmarried and under the age of 21) may also be admitted.

The Importance of Expert Guidance

Navigating the EB-3 visa process involves numerous legal and procedural complexities, including labor certification, visa petitioning, and compliance with U.S. immigration regulations. An experienced immigration attorney can:

Help determine which category (Skilled Workers, Professionals, or Other Workers) best fits your qualifications.
Assist employers in compiling the necessary evidence to demonstrate ability to pay and job availability.
Provide guidance on maintaining legal status while awaiting visa availability.

Take the Next Step with HarrisLaw

At HarrisLaw, we specialize in employment-based immigration and offer personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you’re an employer seeking to sponsor foreign talent or an individual pursuing your American dream, we are here to help.

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Navigate Your Green Card Journey with Expert Guidance

The Three EB-3 Visa Categories

1. Skilled Workers

2. Professionals

3. Other Workers