What is EB-3?
EB-3 is a permanent residence visa (Green Card) for the United States that is issued based on a job offer. This means you enter the process with a US employer and ultimately receive a direct Green Card (not a temporary visa).
EB-3 Categories
EB-3 has three subcategories:
Skilled Workers
Requires at least 2 years of work experience or related training
Job must be permanent and full-time
Examples: Technicians, professional chefs, welders, industrial electricians, CNC operators, some non-academic IT positions
Professionals
Requires a related bachelor's degree
Degree must be equivalent to a US bachelor's degree
Examples: Accountants, engineers, teachers, some IT positions
Other Workers (Unskilled)
Requires less than 2 years of experience
Often simpler jobs (factory, cleaning, warehouse, agriculture)
Visa wait time is usually longer than the above two categories
Main EB-3 Requirements
Unlike investment or elite visas:
EB-3 does NOT require:
• Language certificate (IELTS / TOEFL)
• Investment
• University degree (in all cases)
• Specific age
EB-3 definitely requires:
• Real Job Offer
• Valid US employer
• PERM Labor Certification
Official EB-3 Process Steps (Very Important)
Step 1: PERM (US Department of Labor Approval)
Employer must prove:
No qualified US worker found for this position
Proposed salary matches US market rates
⏱ Time: 8 to 14 months
Step 2: I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
Employer proves to USCIS:
Ability to pay your salary
You meet the job requirements
⏱ Time: Regular: 6 to 9 months | Premium: 15 business days
Step 3: Waiting for Visa to Become Current
This depends on:
Your country of birth
EB-3 subcategory
For Iranians usually:
Skilled / Professional: Shorter queue
Other Worker: Longer queue
Step 4: Green Card
Two scenarios:
If outside the US:
Consular Processing
Interview at embassy
Entry = Active Green Card
If inside the US:
Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Simultaneous work authorization (EAD) and travel (Advance Parole)
Total EB-3 Processing Time
Realistically:
Skilled / Professional:
Approximately 2.5 to 4 years
Unskilled:
3.5 to 6 years (sometimes more)
EB-3 Benefits
Direct Green Card
Spouse and children under 21 included
Freedom to change jobs after some time
Citizenship after 5 years
No need for capital or language
Risks and Critical Points (Professional Section)
1. Fake Job Offer
Biggest risk of EB-3
If employer is not real → Complete case rejection
2. Payment of Fees by Applicant
According to law:
PERM fees should NOT be paid by the applicant
(Many companies bypass this law)
3. Changing Employers
Before receiving Green Card = Dangerous
After receiving Green Card (and reasonable work period) = Allowed
Who is EB-3 suitable for?
Those who don't have a fast track through elite or investment programs
Those who are willing to be patient
Those whose goal is permanent US residence, not just quick entry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EB-3?
EB-3 is a permanent residence visa (Green Card) for the United States that is issued based on a job offer. This means you enter the process with a US employer and ultimately receive a direct Green Card (not a temporary visa).
Who is EB-3 suitable for?
EB-3 is suitable for those who don't have a fast track through elite or investment programs, are willing to be patient, and whose goal is permanent US residence, not just quick entry.
What is the total EB-3 processing time?
For Skilled / Professional: approximately 2.5 to 4 years and for Unskilled: 3.5 to 6 years (sometimes more).
Does EB-3 require a language certificate?
No, EB-3 does not require a language certificate (IELTS / TOEFL), investment, university degree (in all cases), or specific age. However, it definitely requires a real Job Offer, valid US employer, and PERM Labor Certification.
EB-3 Registration Form
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