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The EB-3 visa is one of the most stable and accessible employment-based green card options for individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States. It allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals for full-time, permanent roles, and it’s open to a wide range of skill levels, from unskilled workers to professionals with degrees.
We work closely with both employers and employees to structure EB-3 petitions from start to finish. Here is a clear breakdown of how the process works and what applicants can expect.
Who qualifies for an EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 visa is divided into three subcategories:
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Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least 2 years of job experience or training.
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Professionals: Individuals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
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Unskilled Workers (Other Workers): Individuals performing unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of training or experience (e.g. hospitality, food service, caregiving, warehousing, etc.).
In all cases, the job offered must be permanent and full-time, and the employer must show that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the role.
The Employer's Role: Labor Certification and Sponsorship
The process begins with the employer.
To sponsor a worker, the employer must:
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Determine the job role and wage level, using DOL guidelines.
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Complete the PERM labor certification, which involves a structured recruitment process to prove no U.S. worker is available or willing to take the job at the prevailing wage.
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File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) once the PERM is approved.
This part of the process is highly regulated, and it’s essential that both the job offer and recruitment efforts are documented correctly. That’s why we work closely with employers to structure everything from job descriptions to wage compliance.
The Employee's Role: Preparing for the Move
Once the I-140 petition is approved, the foreign worker can move forward with consular processing (if abroad) or adjustment of status (if already in the U.S. in legal status).
At this stage, applicants must:
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Provide civil and financial documents
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Complete a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
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Undergo a medical exam
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Prepare to relocate and begin work at the designated job site
For families, the EB-3 visa allows the spouse and children under 21 to apply as dependents. This means the entire family can receive green cards through the same process.
How Long Does The EB-3 Visa Take?
Timing depends on a few key factors:
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Nationality: Some countries (like India or China) have longer wait times due to annual caps.
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Employer readiness: Delays often come from incomplete documentation or poor planning on the employer’s side.
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USCIS and DOL processing: This can range from several months to over a year.
In general, for countries without a backlog, most EB-3 processes can be completed in 3-4 years . We always provide an honest assessment of current timelines before moving forward.
You can read about the wait times for EB-3 compared to other categories in our article: Why waiting 3-4 years is not a long time
Why Our Clients Chose TADE for EB-3
We’ve helped families from around the world, especially in sectors like transportation, hospitality, and manufacturing, successfully obtain EB-3 visas with clarity and peace of mind.
One of our recent EB-3 families is now preparing for a new life in Florida. What made the process smooth wasn’t just the paperwork, it was the structure. From the moment they reached out, they had a clear timeline, transparent expectations, and a single point of contact. We made sure every employer document was handled properly, every family member had the right forms and support, and no detail was left untracked.
When you’re moving across borders and building a new life, that kind of support makes all the difference.
If you’re an employer considering EB-3 sponsorship, or a candidate exploring this path for your family, we’re here to help you navigate it with clarity, care, and full alignment from day one.
EB-3 Visa FAQ's
The EB-3 unskilled visa is an employment-based immigration category that leads to U.S. permanent residency. Once approved and a visa number becomes available, you receive a green card and can live and work permanently in the United States.
The EB-3 unskilled category does not require a university degree or specialized training. You must have a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you and meet the basic job requirements listed in the labor certification.
A U.S. employer must complete the PERM labor certification process and file Form I-140. This proves there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position and allows you to move forward in the green card process.
The EB-3 unskilled green card timeline typically takes about 3 to 4 years. This includes labor certification, petition processing, and waiting for your priority date to become current under the Visa Bulletin.
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply as derivative beneficiaries. Once approved, they also receive U.S. permanent resident status.
Related EB-3 Visa Articles for workers
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