EB-3 Skilled Workers, Professionals & Other Workers Visa
The EB-3 process usually takes 6–18 months for PERM approval, 6–12 months for I-140 processing, and about 15 business days with Premium Processing.
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What is the EB-3 Skilled Workers, Professionals & Other Workers Visa (EB-3) Visa?
The EB-3 category covers a broad range of workers: skilled workers performing jobs requiring at least 2 years of training or experience, professionals holding a US bachelor's degree or equivalent, and unskilled workers in positions requiring less than 2 years of training. Almost all EB-3 petitions require an approved PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor before an employer can file Form I-140. While priority dates are generally longer than EB-1/EB-2, EB-3 remains the primary pathway for many employer-sponsored immigrants.
Who is Eligible?
1
Skilled workers with at least 2 years of work experience may qualify under the EB-3 Skilled Worker category
2
Professionals with a bachelor’s degree can apply through the EB-3 Professional category
3
Unskilled workers may qualify for permanent full-time jobs under the EB-3 Other Workers category
4
A permanent full-time job offer from a US employer is generally required
5
Schedule A occupations, such as certain healthcare roles, may be exempt from the PERM labour certification process
6
Religious workers and international broadcasters may qualify under special employment-based categories
7
Employees of multinational companies may be eligible through employment-based immigration pathways
8
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can usually be included as dependent applicants
Step-by-Step Application Process
1
Employer Initiates PERM
US employer conducts recruitment as required by DOL to prove no qualified US workers are available for the position.
2
File ETA Form 9089 (PERM)
Employer electronically files the labor certification application with the Department of Labor; processing takes 6–18 months.
3
PERM Approval
DOL certifies that hiring the foreign worker will not adversely affect US workers; without this, I-140 cannot proceed.
4
File Form I-140 with USCIS
Employer files Immigrant Petition; Premium Processing available to reduce USCIS review to ~15 business days.
5
Wait for Priority
Date Monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin; EB-3 backlogs can be significant especially for India and China-born applicants.
6
File I-485 or Consular Processing
Once priority date is current, file Adjustment of Status in the US or attend consular interview at a US Embassy abroad.
7
Green Card Issued
Permanent resident card issued valid for 10 years; applicant may apply for US citizenship after 5 years (3 if married to US citizen).
Required Documents
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Valid passport (all pages)
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PERM / ETA 9089 labor certification approval notice
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Degree certificates confirming bachelor's level or equivalent
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Evidence of 2+ years training or experience (skilled workers)
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Official transcripts from all universities attended
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Employment offer letter from sponsoring US employer
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Employer's job description and prevailing wage determination
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Tax returns and financial statements (employer must prove ability to pay)
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Proof of employer-employee relationship documentation
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Beneficiary's work history (resumes, pay stubs, reference letters)
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Professional license if required for the occupation
Note : Additional documents may be requested based on profile assessment
Processing Time
8–24 months
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
PERM / ETA 9089 |
$0 government fee (attorney fees apply) |
Form I-140 Filing Fee |
$715 |
Premium Processing (I-907) |
$2,805 (optional) |
Form I-485 (per adult applicant) |
$1,440 (includes biometrics) |
Medical Exam (Form I-693) |
~$200 – $500 |
Estimated USCIS Total |
~$4,960 (primary + premium) |
Note : Fees are subject to change as per government updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EB-3 visa category?
The EB-3 visa is a US employment-based immigrant visa for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers with a permanent job offer in the USA.
