BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
EB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

EB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3.5–12 years

Estimated Cost

USD $1,340–$1,640

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Skilled workers (2+ years training), professionals (bachelor's degree), and other workers (unskilled labor).

The EB-3 is a US employment-based green card for three categories: skilled workers (2+ years' training), professionals (US bachelor's degree or equivalent), and unskilled "other workers." Employers file Form I-140 after completing DOL PERM labor certification, proving no qualified US workers are available for the role.

The visa grants permanent residence — holder and family live and work in the US indefinitely. Spouses receive green cards and may work without restriction. Around 40,040 visas are issued annually. Total timeline from PERM filing typically runs 3.5 to 12+ years due to per-country backlogs.

This visa is ideal for foreign workers with a permanent US job offer who meet the skilled, professional, or unskilled worker criteria and can manage a multi-year wait for a green card.

United States

Curious about life in the United States?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Form I-140 filing feeUSD $715
Asylum Program Fee (Standard)USD $600
Asylum Program Fee (Small)USD $300
Immigrant visa fee (consular processing)USD $325
TotalUSD $1,340–$1,640

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

~40,040/year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Skilled Workers: Minimum of 2 years of job experience, training, or education; position must be permanent and full-time.

Professionals: Must hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent; position must require a bachelor's degree.

Unskilled Workers (Other Workers): Positions requiring less than 2 years of training or experience; must be permanent and full-time.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-140 and filing fee ($715).

Certified PERM Labor Certification.

Employer's proof of financial ability to pay the offered wage.

Evidence of worker's qualifications (diplomas, experience letters).

Valid passport, birth certificate, and medical exam records.

Police clearance certificates (for consular processing).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Provides a clear path to permanent residency for a wide range of skill levels.
  • Includes categories for both degree holders and those with specialized experience.
  • Spouse and children under 21 can obtain green cards.
  • Employer-sponsored stability.

Worth Knowing

  • Longest processing times among the three categories due to PERM and visa backlogs.
  • Highly dependent on employer sponsorship and recruitment success.
  • Subject to significant visa backlogs for certain countries (e.g., India, China, Philippines).
  • Cannot self-petition.
  • PERM required
  • Significant backlog for some countries

Application Process

1

File I-140 petition

Self-petition or employer files with USCIS

2

USCIS approval

Wait for I-140 approval

3

Wait for priority date

If visa numbers unavailable

4

File I-485 or DS-260

Adjust status or consular processing

5

Attend interview

If consular processing

6

Receive green card

Permanent resident status

Application Forms

I-140
Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Fill online
ETA 9089
Application for Permanent Employment Certification
Fill online
DS-260
Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application
Fill online

Ready to see if the EB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery