EB-3 Visa Cost, Processing Time and Requirements

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa designed for individuals who wish to live and work permanently in the United States. The visa is available for:

1. Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least two years of experience or training in a specific job.
2. Professionals: Those who have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a foreign country.
3. Unskilled Workers: Workers performing labor that requires less than two years of experience or training.

What Does an EB-3 Visa Sponsor Do?

The EB-3 visa sponsor is typically the employer who is offering a permanent, full-time job to the foreign worker. The sponsor is required to handle the majority of the application process, and here are the main steps:

Process to Apply for EB-3 Visa with a Sponsor:

1. Labor Certification (PERM Process):

   • Before filing for an EB-3 visa, the employer must go through the Labor Certification process with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This proves that there are no U.S. workers available for the position and that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect U.S. labor conditions.

2. I-140 Petition:

   • Once the Labor Certification is approved, the employer files the I-140 Immigrant Petition on behalf of the foreign worker. This petition proves that the worker qualifies for the job and that the employer can pay the offered wage.

3. Priority Date:

   • After the I-140 petition is approved, the worker needs to wait for their priority date (the date the employer filed the labor certification or I-140 petition) to become current according to the Visa Bulletin. This determines when the worker can move forward with the application.

4. Adjustment of Status (Form I-485):

   • If the worker is already in the U.S., they can apply for an Adjustment of Status through Form I-485 to become a permanent resident (green card holder). If the worker is outside the U.S., they will go through consular processing and apply for the EB-3 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

5. Approval and Green Card:

   • Once the application is approved, the foreign worker will receive their EB-3 visa and can travel to the U.S. to start their job with the sponsoring employer.

Employer Requirements:

For an employer to sponsor a worker for the EB-3 visa, they must:

• Demonstrate the ability to pay the worker the offered wage, which is usually shown through financial documents such as tax returns and company financial statements EB-3 Visa Sponsor.
• Offer a permanent, full-time job that aligns with the EB-3 category (skilled, professional, or unskilled).
• Follow labor laws and be willing to provide documentation for audits by the Department of Labor (DOL) if required.

Additional Notes:

• Waiting Time: The EB-3 visa has annual caps, so there might be long waiting times based on the applicant’s country and visa demand.
• Permanent Residency: The EB-3 visa leads to permanent residency, allowing the worker to live and work in the U.S. without restrictions.

If you’re looking to apply for an EB-3 visa and need a sponsor, you will typically need to find an employer who is willing to offer you a permanent, full-time job and go through the process outlined above. Would you like guidance on how to find employers or tips on applying for an EB-3 visa