EB-3 Visa: Your Pathway to Living in The U.S.
The EB-3 visa, also known as the Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Third Preference, is a green card that allows foreign workers to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States. This visa category is specifically for individuals who possess skills that are either professional, skilled, or unskilled. These individuals are typically employed in occupations where there is a shortage of qualified U.S. workers.
Types of EB-3 Visa.
The EB-3 visa is divided into three main categories:
- EB-3 Professional: For individuals with advanced degrees or specialized experience in occupations such as architecture, engineering, medicine, law, and teaching.
- EB-3 Skilled: For workers with technical skills or training in occupations where there is a shortage of U.S. workers, like electricians, plumbers, welders, and mechanics.
- EB-3 Other Worker: For unskilled workers in occupations that primarily require physical labor, such as service workers, salespersons, and factory workers.
General Requirements
To be eligible for an EB-3 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Non-U.S. Citizen: You must be a foreign national.
- Valid Passport: A valid passport is required.
- Clean Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record.
- Good Health: You must be in good health and pass a medical examination.
- Job Qualifications: Your skills, experience, or education must meet the specific requirements of the EB-3 category you are applying for.
Additional Requirements by Category:
- EB-3 Professional: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the relevant field is typically required.
- EB-3 Skilled: At least two years of relevant work experience is necessary, and your skills must be in demand in the U.S. labor market.
- EB-3 Other Worker: Ability to perform unskilled labor.
Steps to Obtain an EB-3 Visa
The process of obtaining an EB-3 visa typically involves the following steps:
- Employer Filing: Your U.S. employer, who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, must initiate the process by filing a Form I-140 petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition certifies that there is a job available in the United States and that no qualified U.S. worker is available to fill the position.
- Labor Certification Approval: Upon approval of the Form I-140 petition, the USCIS will issue a labor certification, which confirms that the job offer is genuine and that the prevailing wage rate will be paid.
- Visa Application: With the labor certification in hand, you can then apply for the EB-3 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Visa Interview: The final step involves attending an interview with a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate. During this interview, you will be asked questions about your application and may need to provide additional documentation.
How Long Does the EB-3 Visa Process Take?
The processing time for an EB-3 visa can be quite lengthy and is influenced by a number of factors, including:
- Visa Category: The specific subcategory of the EB-3 visa (professional, skilled, or other worker) can impact processing times.
- Country of Origin: The country from which the application is filed can affect wait times due to visa backlogs.
- USCIS Caseload: The current workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can influence processing speeds.
- Completeness of Application: A complete and accurate application will expedite the process.
Typical processing times for EB-3 visas range from 2 to 5 years or more.
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