EB-3 Visa Cost, Processing Time and Requirements

An EB-3 visa is a type of employment-based immigration visa in the United States. It’s designed for foreign workers who have a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the following categories:

1. Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least two years of experience or training in a specific job.

2. Professionals: Individuals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent and who are working in a job that requires a degree.

3. Other Workers: Individuals performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience.

For the EB-3 visa, a sponsor refers to the U.S. employer who is offering the job to the foreign worker. Here are some key steps for finding an EB-3 visa sponsor:

1. Search for U.S. Employers Hiring for EB-3 Positions

• Many companies across industries may be eligible to sponsor workers for an EB-3 visa if they have a need for foreign talent.

• Job boards, company career pages, or immigration attorneys can be great resources to identify such employers.

2. Offer of Employment

• The U.S. employer must provide a permanent, full-time job offer to the foreign worker.

• This offer must be in one of the eligible categories (skilled workers, professionals, or other workers).

3. Labor Certification (PERM)

• The employer must obtain a labor certification from the U.S EB-3 Visa Sponsor. Department of Labor, proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact U.S. workers’ wages or working conditions.

4. Petition for the Visa (Form I-140)

• The employer files the Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• After the I-140 is approved, the foreign worker can apply for a visa at the U.S. consulate or adjust status if they are already in the U.S.

5. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

• Once the petition is approved and the priority date becomes current, the worker can either apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status (if in the U.S.) or consular processing (if outside the U.S.).

Tips for Finding a Sponsor:

• Networking: Consider reaching out to your professional network, industry contacts, or job fairs to identify companies that sponsor foreign workers.

• Use an Immigration Lawyer: An immigration lawyer can help navigate the process and connect with employers who may sponsor an EB-3 visa.

• Target Industries with High Demand: Fields such as healthcare, engineering