US EB3 Visa Requirements: Fast-Track Your Green Card

Dreaming of a life in the U.S.? The EB‑3 visa could be your gateway. As one of the most accessible employment-based green cards, it’s open to skilled workers, professionals, and even unskilled laborers. This guide breaks down the latest US EB3 visa requirements, helping you prepare for success from day one.

1. What is the EB3 Visa?

The EB‑3 visa, also known as the Employment-Based Third Preference visa, allows skilled foreign workers to gain U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) based on their professional experience and qualifications. To qualify, applicants must meet specific US EB3 visa requirements related to job type, employer sponsorship, and eligibility criteria.

2. US EB3 Visa Requirements: Who Is Eligible?

The EB-3 visa opens a pathway to U.S. permanent residency for foreign workers with varying skill levels. Below are the types of applicants who meet the USA EB 3 visa requirements.

2.1. General Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the EB‑3 visa in any subcategory, applicants must meet the following foundational criteria, which form the core of the US EB3 visa requirements:

• A permanent, full‑time job offer from a U.S. employer who agrees to sponsor the visa.
• An approved PERM labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, demonstrating that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position.
• Employer sponsorship via Form I‑140, filed with USCIS on the applicant’s behalf.
• Proof the job is non-temporary, not seasonal, and permanent.
• Admissibility under U.S. immigration law - that is, no disqualifying criminal, health, or other issues.

2.2. EB3 Visa Categories and Specific Requirements

Meet the US EB3 Visa Requirements for U.S. employment

Skilled Workers (EB‑3B)

• Must have at least two years of training or work experience in a specialized role—not entry-level—qualifying them for skilled positions, as outlined in the EB3 visa requirements USA.
• Training may include vocational schooling, apprenticeships, or documented job experience.
• The offered job must require those two years of experience—if it doesn’t, it doesn’t qualify under this category.

Professionals (EB‑3A)

• Must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent), and this degree must be normally required for the position offered.
• Education cannot be substituted by experience—a full academic credential is compulsory.
• The PERM-certified job must specify the degree as a requirement.

Other (Unskilled) Workers (EB‑3C)

The EB-3C category is for foreign nationals who can conduct unskilled employment with less than two years of training or experience. Jobs must be full-time, permanent, and non-seasonal, meeting important US EB3 visa requirements. This option is suitable for those without formal degrees, as it provides a practical road to permanent residency in the United States.

Caregiving, cleaning, farm labor, and entry-level service employment in industries such as hospitality and maintenance are all common.

Because it is designed to fill labor shortages in vital areas, the third EB-3 visa category is very beneficial to candidates seeking a green card faster. Although the employment is classed as unskilled, the chances it provides are numerous, making it a dependable and popular immigration choice for individuals all over the world.

3. Required Supporting Documents

To support your EB‑3 visa petition, both the U.S. employer and the applicant must prepare key documents in line with US EB3 visa requirements:

Employer Must Provide:

• PERM Labor Certification (ETA‑9089) – Proves no U.S. workers are available for the position.
• Form I‑140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) – Includes wage proof like tax returns or payroll docs.
• Prevailing Wage Determination & Recruitment Records – Demonstrates compliance with labor regulations.
  (Prevailing Wage Determination: The minimum salary for the job, determined by industry norms and job location, as given by the United States Department of Labor. It ensures fair compensation and the integrity of the US labor market.)
• Job Offer Letter – Details of position, duties, salary, location, and start date.

Applicant Must Provide:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond intended entry).
• Education and experience documents based on category:
• Skilled Workers: Diplomas, certificates, employer letters (2+ years).
• Professionals: Bachelor’s degree and transcripts.
• Other Workers: Training certificates or proof of ability.
• Resume/CV, passport photos, Form DS-260 confirmation (if consular), and Form I-693 (medical).
• Civil and police records, plus certified translations of non-English documents.

4. How to Apply for an EB3 Visa?

Applying for a US EB‑3 visa involves a two-part process requiring close coordination between the U.S. employer and the foreign worker. To meet all US EB3 visa requirements, both parties must complete specific steps in sequence. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

US EB3 Visa Requirements explained for new applicants

4.1. Employer Responsibilities

The U.S. employer initiates the EB‑3 visa process through the following steps, all of which are essential to meet USA EB 3 visa requirements:

1. Obtain PERM Labor Certification:

File ETA Form 9089 with the Department of Labor to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available and that the foreign worker will be paid the prevailing wage.

2. File Form I‑140:

Submit Form I‑140 to USCIS along with financial documents (e.g., tax returns, audits) to show the employer can afford the offered wage.

3.Track Priority Date:

Once I‑140 is approved, a priority date is issued. The foreign worker can proceed once the date becomes current based on the visa bulletin.

4.2. Applicant Responsibilities

Once you’ve met the EB3 visa USA requirements and your petition is approved with the priority date becoming current, the foreign worker can begin their part of the application process.

1. Receive NVC Notification:

The National Visa Center (NVC) sends a case number, invoice ID, and application instructions.

2.Choose Processing Path:

• Consular Processing: Submit Form DS‑260 and attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Adjustment of Status (AOS): If in the U.S., file Form I‑485, plus Form I‑765 (work permit) and I‑131 (travel document) if needed.

3.Complete Medical & Submit Documents:

Get a medical exam with a certified physician and prepare civil documents like birth and police certificates.

4.Attend Interview & Biometrics:

When the EB3 visa requirements USA are fulfilled, the next step is to appear for an interview and submit biometrics (fingerprints, photo) if required

5. Get Final Decision & Green Card:

If approved, receive your immigrant visa (via consulate) or green card (via AOS), granting U.S. permanent residency.

5. Costs to Apply Under US EB3 Visa Requirements

When planning your EB-3 visa journey, it's important to understand the costs involved. While meeting the US EB3 visa requirements is the first step, being financially ready matters just as much. Total expenses vary by case, but here are the key fees to expect:

• Form I-140 Filing Fee: Around $715, paid by the employer when petitioning for you.
• Form I-485 Filing Fee (Adjustment of Status): Approximately $1,440 if you are applying from within the U.S.
• Form DS-260 Fee (Consular Processing): About $345 for applicants applying from outside the U.S.
• Medical Examination and Vaccination Costs: Typically $200–$500 per person. Required for all applicants under US EB3 visa requirements, but paid to certified physicians.
• Dependent Fees: If including your spouse or unmarried children under 21, expect roughly $3,000 per dependent for their application costs.
• Premium Processing Fee (Optional): For faster processing of your Form I-140, the fee is $2,805. This speeds up adjudication to about 15 calendar days.
• Biometric Services Fee: Around $85, usually required for applicants filing within the U.S.
• Attorney or Legal Fees: These vary widely, commonly ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on case complexity and services provided.

6. EB3 Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)

The EB-3 visa process can seem complex, but UOM simplifies every step. From verifying your US EB3 visa requirements to helping you settle in the U.S., our proven system ensures a smooth, structured path to permanent residency.

Step-by-step guide showing US EB3 Visa Requirements

1. Application Review

• UOM reviews your work experience to determine if you meet the EB3 visa USA requirements.
• You’ll receive a customized checklist to verify all required documents before proceeding.

2. Document Preparation

• UOM verifies and organizes all personal and employment-related documents.
• We connect you with qualified U.S. sponsors (if applicable) and ensure compliance with the job offer.

3. PERM Filing & Application

• UOM immigration attorneys manage the PERM labor certification and Form I-140 filing process.
• We continuously monitor your application and provide real-time updates.

4. Consulate Interview and Approval

• UOM prepares you for your consulate interview (if filing overseas) or Adjustment of Status interview (if filing from the U.S.).
• Our team reviews your documents carefully to make sure they meet all US EB3 visa requirements, and conducts a mock interview to ensure you are fully prepared.

5. Green Card and Relocation

• UOM assists you with your entry into the United States and post-arrival procedures.
• You receive your Green Card and begin working with your sponsoring employer.

Conclusion

Navigating the U.S. immigration process can be challenging, but the EB‑3 visa offers one of the most accessible and structured paths to permanent residency for foreign workers. Whether you're a skilled professional, degree holder, or unskilled laborer, understanding and fulfilling the US EB3 visa requirements is essential to your success.

Ready to begin your journey? Contact UOM to simplify the EB-3 process and meet all US EB3 visa requirements with confidence.

Take the first step toward your Green Card — and your new life in the U.S.