The EB-3 visa is one of the most popular U.S. employment-based immigration options for foreign workers looking for a path to a Green Card. It is designed for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers, offering a straightforward route to permanent residency as long as you have a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you.

In this guide, you will learn how to apply for EB-3, the full process, the requirements, the processing time, and how EB-3 sponsorship works.

🟦 What Is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigration category that grants permanent residency to foreign workers. It has three subcategories:

1. Skilled Workers

• Minimum 2 years of experience or training

• Job must not be temporary

2. Professionals

• At least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent

3. Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)

• Jobs requiring less than 2 years of training

• Very high demand (caregivers, hotel staff, food processing, etc.)

If you want to apply for EB-3, your U.S. employer must prove that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the job.

🟦 EB-3 Visa Requirements

To qualify for the EB-3 category, both you and the employer must meet several criteria.

📌 Worker Requirements

You must have:

• The required experience or education

• A full-time job offer from a U.S. employer

• Ability to pass background and medical checks

• A valid passport

📌 Employer Requirements

The employer must:

• Offer a permanent, full-time job

• Pay the prevailing wage

• Complete the PERM Labor Certification

• File Form I-140 for sponsorship

These are the essential EB-3 requirements that apply to all categories.

🟦 How to Apply for the EB-3 Visa (Step-by-Step Process)

Step 1 — PERM Labor Certification

The employer must:

1. Advertise the job in the U.S.

2. Prove no eligible U.S. workers applied

3. File ETA-9089 with the Department of Labor

This is the longest part of the process.

Step 2 — Employer Files Form I-140

Once PERM is approved, the employer submits:

• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)

• Proof of ability to pay salary

• Your qualifications

After submission, you receive a priority date.

Step 3 — Apply for Your EB-3 Green Card

After I-140 approval and when your priority date is current, you can apply for permanent residency through:

If you are inside the U.S.

➡️ File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)

If you are outside the U.S.

➡️ Attend Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy

🟦 How Long Does the EB-3 Visa Take?

Processing time varies but typically:

• PERM: 6–10 months

• I-140: 6–8 months (or 15 days with premium processing)

• Green Card stage: 6–12 months

Total time: 1.5 to 3 years, depending on the category and country of chargeability.

🟦 EB-3 Visa Fees

Costs depend on employer and government fees:

• PERM: Free (but employer covers advertising costs)

• I-140 filing: $700

• Premium processing (optional): $2,805

• Medical exam: Varies

• DS-260 (consular): $325

• I-485 (inside U.S.): $1,440

Employers often cover part or all EB-3 sponsorship expenses.

🟦 EB-3 Visa Jobs and Sponsorship

To receive EB-3 sponsorship, you must secure an employer willing to start the PERM process. High-demand EB-3 jobs include:

• Caregivers

• Hospitality workers

• Food processing workers

• Truck drivers

• Warehouse workers

• Construction

• Manufacturing

Many agencies and employers specialize in EB-3 unskilled worker sponsorship, making it one of the most accessible immigration paths.

🟦 Conclusion

Knowing how to apply for the EB-3 visa gives you a clearer path to obtaining permanent residency in the United States. While the process is long and requires employer participation, the EB-3 visa remains one of the best and most reliable ways to move to the U.S. with a Green Card.

🟩 FAQ Section 

1. How long does the EB-3 visa take?

Between 1.5 and 3 years depending on processing speed and country.

2. Do I need a sponsor to apply for EB-3?

Yes. A U.S. employer must file PERM and I-140 for you.

3. Can EB-3 lead to a Green Card?

Yes. EB-3 is a direct pathway to permanent residency.

4. Is the EB-3 visa easy to get?

It depends on the category, but EB-3 unskilled workers often have the highest demand.

5. Can my family come with me under EB-3?

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 receive derivative Green Cards.