EB-3 — Skilled Workers and Professionals

Visa overview

EB-3 is the third employment-based preference and the broadest of the employment routes to permanent residence. It has three sub-groups: professionals holding a bachelor’s degree, skilled workers in roles requiring at least two years of training or experience, and other workers in roles requiring less than two years. All three require a US employer to sponsor the applicant and to complete labour certification, which tests whether qualified US workers are available for the role at the prevailing wage. EB-3 is often the appropriate category where a role is genuinely professional but does not meet the advanced-degree threshold of EB-2.

Who may qualify

• Professionals whose role requires a US bachelor’s degree or a recognised foreign equivalent
• Skilled workers in roles requiring at least two years of training or experience
• Other workers performing roles requiring less than two years of training or experience
• Applicants with a permanent, full-time job offer from a US employer prepared to sponsor

This is general information about the category, not an assessment of your circumstances.

Key requirements

• A permanent, full-time job offer from a US employer
• An approved labour certification for the specific role and location
• Qualifications and experience that genuinely match the role as advertised
• An approved immigrant petition filed by the employer
• An available visa number for your category and country of chargeability

Typical application process

1. 1The employer defines the role and determines the prevailing wage
2. 2The employer conducts the required recruitment and files for labour certification
3. 3Once certified, the employer files the immigrant petition with USCIS
4. 4Respond to any Request for Evidence
5. 5Monitor visa availability for the sub-group and country of chargeability
6. 6File for adjustment of status if in the United States, or complete consular processing if abroad
7. 7Attend the interview and complete the medical examination where required

Documents commonly required

• Degree certificates and transcripts, with a credential evaluation for foreign qualifications
• Employment letters evidencing the experience the role requires
• The employer’s job offer and the approved labour certification
• Passport and civil documents, including birth and marriage certificates
• Police certificates from countries of residence, as required at the immigrant stage
• Medical examination by an authorised physician

Typical processing considerations

EB-3 has three sequential stages — labour certification, petition, and immigrant visa or adjustment — and each has its own duration. Visa availability differs markedly between the three sub-groups and between countries of chargeability, and it is frequently the longest component. Recruitment requirements must also be completed before anything is filed. No date or outcome can be guaranteed.

Common questions about the EB-3