Understanding EB-3: Your Path to U.S. Employment Immigration

Looking to work and live in the United States? The EB-3 visa might be your ticket in. It's one of the most popular employment-based green card options for people with skills, degrees, or experience, whether you're a seasoned professional, a skilled worker, or someone ready to take on a full-time role that requires less formal training.

What makes the EB-3 stand out? It offers a clear path to permanent residency through U.S. employer sponsorship. From EB-3 visa sponsorship jobs in healthcare and engineering to roles in construction or hospitality, this visa category covers a wide range of occupations and backgrounds.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what the EB-3 visa is in the US, the EB-3 visa requirements, how to apply, EB-3 visa processing time, and even details like EB-3 visa cost and who qualifies, support document translation guidelines, and more. Whether you're just starting your journey or weighing EB-3 vs H-1B, this article has you covered. Let’s get started!

What is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigration option that helps people live and work in the United States permanently. While it’s not a green card itself, it’s part of the process that leads to one. If you’ve got a job offer from a U.S. employer and meet certain qualifications, the EB-3 can open the door to becoming a lawful permanent resident.

It’s open to a broad range of applicants—whether you’re a skilled worker, a college-educated professional, or someone ready to take on roles that don’t require much formal training. Since it’s employer-sponsored, your U.S. employer must actively support your application.

The EB-3 plays a major role in filling workforce gaps in healthcare, construction, education, hospitality, and other key industries. Whether you’re exploring EB-3 visa sponsorship jobs or just curious, this visa category is a reliable route toward long-term residence.

Categories Within the EB-3 Visa

The EB-3 is divided into three groups based on your background and the kind of job you're applying for:

• EB-3(A): Skilled Workers
  For applicants with at least two years of job experience or training. Common jobs include welders, electricians, mechanics, and technicians. You don’t need a degree, but your work history should line up with the job being offered.

• EB-3(B): Professionals
  This group is for people with a U.S. bachelor's degree (or its foreign equivalent) applying for a role that requires that level of education, such as engineers, teachers, or accountants.

• EB-3(C): Other Workers
  This covers roles that require less than two years of experience or training. These include essential positions like cleaners, farm workers, or kitchen staff. Demand in this subcategory is high, but availability is more limited.

Together, these three subcategories offer different ways to access the U.S. immigration system through employment and start the process of getting a green card.

EB-3 Visa Requirements

The EB-3 visa requirements depend on which of the three subcategories you fall under: skilled workers, professionals, or other workers. Each path has its criteria for education, work experience, and job eligibility, but all EB-3 applicants need a valid job offer from a U.S. employer.

Let’s break it down:

Educational Qualifications

• Skilled Workers (EB-3(A))
  You don’t need a college degree, but you do need some kind of vocational training or certification that proves you’re qualified. Think technical school, trade certification, or on-the-job training that totals at least two years.

• Professionals (EB-3(B))
  A U.S. bachelor's degree or a foreign equivalent is a must here, and it has to match the job you're applying for. For example, you can’t apply for an engineering role with a biology degree.

• Other Workers (EB-3(C))
  There’s more flexibility in this group. While a high school diploma or GED might help, it’s not always required. What matters most is that you're ready and qualified to take on the job as described.

Work Experience

EB3 skilled worker applicants need at least two years of hands-on experience or training in their field. It has to be real-world work that proves you're ready to hit the ground running.

Professionals aren’t technically required to have work experience, but if you do, it can make your case stronger.

Other workers are applying for jobs that require less than two years of experience or training, so there’s less pressure in this area, but you still need to show you can do the job.

Job Offer and Labor Certification

Every EB-3 applicant needs a full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. employer. This is non-negotiable.

In most cases, the employer also has to go through a process called PERM labor certification. That means proving to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that they couldn’t find a qualified U.S. worker for the job and that hiring you won’t take opportunities away from American workers.

Summary of What Each Category Requires

• Skilled Workers: Two years of experience or training, plus a job offer that matches your background.
• Professionals: A bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in a relevant field, and a job that requires it.
• Other Workers: You’re applying for an unskilled job (less than two years of training required), and you meet whatever specific criteria the employer outlines.

Understanding these EB-3 visa requirements is the first step to figuring out which track fits you and whether you're ready to move forward with an EB-3 job offer and employer sponsorship.

Who Qualifies for the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is open to a wide range of workers from all kinds of industries. If you have a job offer and meet the basic EB-3 visa requirements, there’s a good chance you’ll fit into one of the three subcategories. Here’s a quick look at the types of roles that typically qualify:

• Skilled workers (EB-3(A)) include tradespeople, technicians, and others with hands-on expertise—think plumbers, mechanics, or welders.
• Professionals (EB-3(B)) are usually college-educated workers like engineers, teachers, or accountants—anyone in a job that requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Other workers (EB-3(C)) covers jobs in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, food service, or construction. These are often essential roles that don’t require much formal education or training.

Best Fit for Each EB-3 Subcategory

• EB-3(A): Skilled Workers
  You’ll fit here if you’ve got at least two years of work experience or training in your field, plus the skills needed to do the job you’re being hired for.

• EB-3(B): Professionals
  This is the category for people whose job requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or the foreign equivalent, plus the right degree to match. It’s ideal for fields like medicine, finance, or IT.

• EB-3(C): Other Workers
  If you’re open to EB-3 visa sponsorship jobs in roles that require less than two years of training, this category could be a good match. It includes many vital, entry-level positions that keep the U.S. economy running.

How to Apply for an EB-3 Visa

Applying for an EB-3 visa involves several key steps, and your U.S. employer plays a major role in getting the ball rolling. Here’s a breakdown of how the process works from start to finish, including what forms you’ll need and what documents to gather along the way.

Employer’s Role in the Process

• Job Offer
  Before anything else, you need a valid EB3 job offer from a U.S. employer. This must be for a full-time, permanent position.

• Labor Certification (PERM)
  Your employer usually starts the process by applying for labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This step shows that there aren’t enough qualified U.S. workers for the position and that hiring you won’t negatively affect wages or working conditions in the U.S.

Filing the I-140 Petition

Once the labor certification is approved (if required), the employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the official petition to bring you to the U.S. under the EB-3 category.

Documents for Form I-140
Here’s what typically goes into the petition:

• Filing Fee: This is one part of the overall EB-3 visa cost.
• Job Offer Letter: A detailed offer outlining job duties, salary, and terms.
• Labor Certification: If needed, this DOL-approved document is required.
• Employer’s Proof of Ability to Pay: Financial documents that show your sponsor can afford to hire you.
• Education Credentials: Degrees, diplomas, or certifications proving your qualifications.
• Form G-28 (if you have legal representation): Filed by your immigration attorney or accredited rep.
• Certified Translations: Any documents not in English must include certified translations.
• Other Supporting Evidence: Depending on your job type and qualifications, more documentation may be required.

Visa Application and Required Forms

Once your I-140 is approved, you move to the next step: applying for the actual visa (green card) abroad or adjusting your status inside the U.S.

If you're outside the U.S., you’ll submit Form DS-260, the online immigrant visa application. After that, you’ll be scheduled for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Documents Needed for the DS-260 Stage:

• Birth Certificate
• Marriage or Divorce Records (if applicable)
• Police Clearance Certificate from countries where you’ve lived
• Military Records (if applicable)
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (usually for family-based visas, but occasionally needed here)
• Medical Exam Results from an approved physician
• Passport-Sized Photos
• Diplomas, Work Certificates, or Proof of Training
• Additional Documents depending on your category (like an EB-3 visa for nurses or caregivers)
• Certified translations of any non-English documents

Keep in mind that each case is different. The required documents and the time it takes to gather them can vary based on your background, the job, and your country of residence. To avoid issues, follow instructions from the National Visa Center (NVC) or the specific U.S. consulate processing your case.

EB-3 Visa Interview Process

• Consular Interview: Applicants attend an interview at the U.S. consulate in their home country or the country of current residence.

• Documentation Review: Consular officers assess the applicant's eligibility, review submitted documents, and ask questions about their qualifications and intentions in the U.S.

• Visa Approval or Denial: Following the interview, the visa is either approved, and the applicant receives instructions on visa issuance, or further administrative processing might be required.

Certified Translation for EB-3 Visa

If you're applying for an EB-3 visa and any of your documents are in a language other than English, you’ll need to submit certified translations along with them. This applies to everything from your birth certificate to your diploma and even police clearance letters.

USCIS is strict about this: they won’t accept anything that isn’t in English unless it comes with a certified translation that meets their standards.

Here’s what that involves:

• Certification Statement
  Each translation must come with a signed statement from the translator or the translation company. It should say that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge. This is what makes it “certified.”

• Translator Qualifications
  The person doing the translation must be fluent in both English and the language of the original document. They should also be familiar with legal or technical terms, especially for documents like degrees, licenses, or court papers.

• Format
  The translation should look like the original document in layout and structure. If you’re using a professional translation service, they’ll usually deliver it on official letterhead, complete with the translator’s name, signature, and contact information.

• Attach the Original
  Always include a copy of the original document with the translation. USCIS wants to see both, side by side.

• Notarization (Sometimes)
  Notarization isn’t always required, but certain U.S. consulates or embassies might ask for it, especially if you're submitting your EB-3 visa application from abroad.

Getting your certified translations right the first time saves you from frustrating delays. If you're applying for an EB-3 visa for nurses, caregivers, or any role that requires diplomas, licenses, or training records, this step is especially important.

EB-3 Visa Processing Time

Wondering how long the EB-3 visa takes? Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. EB-3 visa processing time can vary widely depending on your case, where you're from, and how smoothly everything goes.

Let’s break down the main factors that can affect how long it takes.

What Affects EB-3 Processing Time?

USCIS Workload
Petitions are reviewed in the order they’re received. So, when there’s a high volume of applications or your case is complex, expect delays.

Country of Origin
Some countries face longer waits than others due to visa limits and higher demand. This can especially affect applicants from countries like India, China, or the Philippines.

Application Accuracy
Mistakes, missing documents, or incomplete forms are common reasons for delays. If USCIS needs more information, your case goes on hold until they receive it.

Backlogs and Priority Dates
Each year, the U.S. only issues a limited number of EB-3 visas. If demand is high, your petition may be stuck waiting for a current priority date, especially in oversubscribed categories like the EB-3 visa for nurses or other high-demand jobs.

How Long Each Step Takes (On Average)

• Form I-140 Processing:
  USCIS can take several months to over a year to process Form I-140. It depends on the service center and how busy they are at the time.

• Visa Application and Interview:
  After your I-140 is approved, you’ll file Form DS-260 and schedule a consular interview. Depending on your embassy or consulate, this can take several months.

• Final Visa Issuance:
  If all goes well at the interview, your EB-3 visa is typically issued within a few days to a few weeks. But if there are additional background checks or admin delays, it could take longer.

Keep in mind: These timelines are just estimates. Processing times change often, so it’s a good idea to regularly check the USCIS and U.S. consulate websites for updates based on your category, country, and location.

FAQs on EB3 Visa

Can my EB3 Visa Be Denied?

An EB-3 visa application may be denied for a variety of reasons, including insufficient documentation, ineligibility due to failure to meet specific criteria, security concerns, criminal records, or health conditions. Furthermore, instances of providing false information or fraudulent documents may result in an immediate denial. In some cases, administrative processing may cause the decision to be delayed, and applicants may be denied if concerns arise during this extended review. If an application is denied, applicants are typically notified of the reasons, and while some denials can be appealed or reapplied for if issues are addressable, seeking legal advice may provide insight into potential next steps to resolve the concerns that led to the denial.

Can F1 Student Apply For EB3 Visa?

F1 students studying in the United States can apply for an EB-3 visa under certain conditions, the most important of which is a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor them for the visa. This job should meet the requirements of the EB-3 visa category for which they intend to apply, requiring either relevant educational qualifications or work experience commensurate with the job offered. To confirm the need for hiring a foreign worker, employers frequently must obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor. Following the job offer, the employer usually starts the process by filing Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with USCIS on the student's behalf. Seeking guidance from an immigration professional or attorney versed in employment-based immigration is beneficial to navigate the intricate EB-3 application process successfully.

How Much Does the EB3 Visa Cost?

There are several components to the cost of an EB-3 visa application. The filing fee for Form I-140, the primary petition, is around $700 or more, depending on the category of the sponsoring employer. Visa processing fees for the DS-260 application are typically about $345, and additional visa issuance fees might range from $120 to $400 if processing through a U.S. consulate abroad. Hiring an immigration attorney incurs extra costs, varying based on case complexity and attorney rates. These fees and costs are estimates and subject to change; therefore, accurate estimates should be obtained by consulting the USCIS and consulate/embassy websites for updated fee schedules.

Can I Bring My Family With Me on an EB-3 Visa?

Yes. If your EB-3 visa is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can usually apply for immigrant visas too. Your spouse may also be eligible to apply for work authorization after arriving in the U.S.

Can I Change Jobs After Getting an EB-3 Visa?

Not right away. The EB-3 is tied to the specific job and employer who sponsored you. Once you get your green card and meet certain conditions, you may be able to change jobs, but leaving too early can raise red flags with immigration authorities.

Do I Need to Speak English to Qualify for the EB-3 Visa?

English isn’t a formal requirement for the EB-3 visa itself, but many employers will expect a basic level of communication, especially for jobs involving teamwork, safety, or customer service. For roles like the EB-3 visa for nurses, English proficiency is often mandatory.

Is Premium Processing Available for EB-3?

Yes, for Form I-140, your employer can request premium processing, which speeds up USCIS’s decision to 15 calendar days. It costs extra, but it can be worth it if you're on a tight timeline.

Can I Apply for the EB-3 Visa While Outside the U.S.?

Absolutely. Many EB-3 applicants apply from abroad through consular processing. You’ll complete the DS-260 form, schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, and enter the U.S. once your visa is approved.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Your EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is one of the most accessible ways to gain permanent residency in the U.S. if you’ve got the skills, qualifications, and a willing employer. Whether you’re a skilled worker, a recent graduate with a professional degree, or someone exploring EB-3 visa sponsorship jobs in industries like caregiving or nursing, this pathway opens real opportunities for a long-term future in the United States.

From understanding EB-3 visa requirements to gathering documentation and preparing for consular interviews, the process has a lot of moving parts—but it’s completely manageable with the right guidance and preparation.

Need help getting your documents in order?
MotaWord offers everything you need to support your EB-3 application—including certified translations, academic, and professional experience evaluations. All services are fully USCIS-compliant and delivered quickly, accurately, and affordably. Start your immigration process with MotaWord today!

“We collected and distilled information on immigration for our site visitors from USCIS and other sources as a basic guide. MotaWord is a translation platform providing certified translations for immigration applicants and not a law firm. The information provided should not be construed as legal advice and might not be current. For current information, please refer to the USCIS website or speak to your licensed immigration attorney.”