The EB-3 visa is an employment-based green card category that allows U.S. businesses to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent residency. Unlike the EB-1 and EB-2 categories, the EB-3 visa is open to a broader range of occupations, making it a critical option for filling workforce gaps. 

This visa requires a PERM Labor Certification, proving that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job. Once certified, the employer files a Form I-140 petition with USCIS to classify the foreign worker under EB-3 eligibility. 

Professionals 

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or higher (or its foreign equivalent) 
• The degree must be required for the offered job 

Skilled Workers 

• Jobs requiring at least two years of training or work experience 
• Must meet employer qualifications 

Other Workers (Unskilled Labor) 

• Jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience 
• Used for industries with high demand for workers, such as hospitality, caregiving, and food services 

For Employers 

• Talent Acquisition – Sponsor foreign professionals and skilled workers to fill crucial roles 
• Workforce Stability – Retain employees long-term through green card sponsorship 
• Regulatory Compliance – Our team ensures full compliance with Department of Labor and USCIS requirements, minimizing risks of delays 

For Employees 

• Path to Permanent Residency – Secure a U.S. green card and build a stable future 
• Family Sponsorship – Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can also obtain green cards 
• Career Security – Gain access to long-term employment opportunities in the U.S. 

• PERM Labor Certification – Employers must prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job 
• Form I-140 Petition – Employers submit an immigrant petition to USCIS for EB-3 classification 
• Priority Date – Determines visa availability based on country of origin and visa bulletin updates 

• PERM Process: No government filing fee, but recruitment and advertising costs apply 
• I-140 Petition Fee: $715 (USCIS fee) 
• Asylum Fee: $300 or $600 (depends on company size) 
• Premium Processing (Optional): $2,805 (expedited 15-day processing) 

At IBP Immigration Law, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans for employers and employees navigating the EB-3 visa process. 

Step 1: PERM Labor Certification 

• Employer recruits U.S. workers and files a labor certification with the Department of Labor 
• This step ensures no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position 

Step 2: I-140 Petition Filing 

• Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS 
• Premium processing is available to speed up adjudication 

Step 3: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing 

• If the foreign worker is in the U.S., they can apply for an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) 
• If outside the U.S., they complete Consular Processing through a U.S. embassy 

• PERM Labor Certification: 12+ months due to recruitment requirements 
• I-140 Petition: 4-9 months (or 15 days with premium processing) 
• Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: 6-12 months, depending on visa availability 

For the most up-to-date processing times, check the USCIS Processing Times page.