The EB-3 visa is an employment-based third preference visa that allows skilled workers, professionals, and other workers to work and live permanently in the United States. The visa category is divided into three subcategories, each with its own specific requirements:
- EB-3(A): Skilled Workers
- EB-3(B): Professionals
- EB-3(C): Other Workers
Skilled workers are those who have at least two years of job experience or training, while professionals must hold a baccalaureate degree or equivalent. Other workers must be performing a job for which there is no qualified U.S. workforce available.
To be eligible for an EB-3 visa, a foreign worker must have a valid and permanent job offer from a U.S. employer and must have the qualifications to meet the job description in terms of the level of education and job experience. The employer must also prove that they could not find an available, qualified, or willing U.S. worker for the job position.
The EB-3 visa offers several advantages, including the opportunity to live and work permanently in the United States, the ability to bring eligible family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to the U.S., the possibility of eventual U.S. citizenship, and flexibility in changing employers, with certain limitations.
The application process for an EB-3 visa involves the employer filing a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, and demonstrating a continuing ability to pay the offered wage as of the priority date. The petition must generally be accompanied by an approved, individual labor certification from the Department of Labor on Form ETA-9089.
In conclusion, the EB-3 visa is a permanent worker visa that allows skilled workers, professionals, and other workers to work and live permanently in the United States. The visa category is divided into three subcategories, each with its own specific requirements. To be eligible for an EB-3 visa, a foreign worker must have a valid and permanent job offer from a U.S. employer and must have the qualifications to meet the job description in terms of the level of education and job experience.