EB3 Green Card: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

The EB3 green card category is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (unskilled laborers). It is one of the most widely used employment-based immigration paths for foreign nationals who have a job offer from a U.S. employer.

EB3 Subcategories:

• Skilled Workers: Must have at least 2 years of job experience or training.
• Professionals: Must hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent.
• Other Workers: For positions requiring less than 2 years of experience or training.

All EB3 petitions require PERM labor certification. This means the U.S. employer must test the labor market and prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the position.

Once the PERM is certified, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS on behalf of the worker. If the applicant is in the U.S. and the priority date is current, they may concurrently file Form I-485 to adjust status.

The EB3 category is popular for nurses, teachers, cooks, landscapers, IT specialists, and tradespeople. It allows both skilled professionals and non-degree holders to obtain U.S. permanent residency, provided they have a valid job offer.

Priority dates for EB3 can vary significantly by country, and wait times for some countries may be several years. The Visa Bulletin must be checked regularly.

Applicants under EB3 must work for the sponsoring employer after receiving their green card. If they change employers too soon, it may affect their immigration status.