EB-3 skilled workers and professionals
Third-preference immigrant visa category covering skilled workers (minimum 2 years experience), professionals (bachelor's degree), and other workers (unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years training).
Who this pathway suits
Workers with bachelor's degrees, skilled tradespersons, and general workers with a permanent full-time job offer.
Eligibility at a glance
- Full-time, permanent job offer from a US employer
- Approved permanent labor certification (PERM) from the Department of Labor
- Professionals: US bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent
- Skilled Workers: At least 2 years of job experience or training
- Employer must prove continuous ability to pay the prevailing wage
How the process works
- Employer files Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) with DOL
- Employer conducts mandatory recruitment campaign (newspaper ads, state job order)
- DOL certifies PERM application (ETA 9089)
- Employer submits Form I-140 to USCIS
- Apply for Green Card when priority date is current
Documents you will typically need
- Certified PERM, bachelor's degree diploma or 2+ years employment proof, Form I-140, employer tax returns
What to keep in mind
All EB-3 petitions strictly require an employer sponsor and an approved PERM labor certification.
Official source: USCIS — Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.
Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for EB-3 skilled workers and professionals
Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.
Supporting Tools & Verification Checklists
Institutional Legal Services & Representation
Comparable Pathways Across Other Destinations
Related Category Pathways
Employment-based Green Card overview
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
EB-1 extraordinary ability and priority workers
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
EB-2 advanced degree and exceptional ability
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Complex/legal matter: define service limits and refer to appropriately authorised counsel where required.

