United States · Permanent Residency

EB-3 skilled workers and professionals

Third-preference immigrant visa category covering skilled workers (minimum 2 years experience), professionals (bachelor's degree), and other workers (unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years training).

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Workers with bachelor's degrees, skilled tradespersons, and general workers with a permanent full-time job offer.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • Full-time, permanent job offer from a US employer
  • Approved permanent labor certification (PERM) from the Department of Labor
  • Professionals: US bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent
  • Skilled Workers: At least 2 years of job experience or training
  • Employer must prove continuous ability to pay the prevailing wage
Process

How the process works

  1. Employer files Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) with DOL
  2. Employer conducts mandatory recruitment campaign (newspaper ads, state job order)
  3. DOL certifies PERM application (ETA 9089)
  4. Employer submits Form I-140 to USCIS
  5. Apply for Green Card when priority date is current
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Certified PERM, bachelor's degree diploma or 2+ years employment proof, Form I-140, employer tax returns
Good to know

What to keep in mind

All EB-3 petitions strictly require an employer sponsor and an approved PERM labor certification.

Official source: USCIS — Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

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