EB3

EB-3 is the third preference category for U.S. employment-based immigration, covering skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. All subcategories require PERM labor certification.

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Current Priority Dates

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Historical Trends

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Subcategories

EB-3 Skilled Workers

For positions requiring at least 2 years of work experience or training.

Basic Requirements:

• Position requires at least 2 years of experience, training, or education
• No qualified U.S. workers available for the position
• Full-time permanent job offer

Common Occupations:

• Chefs, pastry chefs
• Electricians, plumbers
• Mechanics, technicians
• Nurses (non-RN)

EB-3 Professionals

For positions requiring a Bachelor's degree.

Basic Requirements:

• Position requires at least a Bachelor's degree
• Applicant holds the required degree
• No qualified U.S. workers available for the position

Difference from EB-2:

• EB-2 requires Master's degree or Bachelor's + 5 years experience
• EB-3 Professional only requires Bachelor's degree
• EB-3 wait times may be shorter than EB-2 (situation dependent)

EB-3 Other Workers / EW (Unskilled Workers)

For positions not requiring a degree or 2+ years of experience.

Basic Requirements:

• Full-time permanent work
• Not temporary or seasonal employment
• No qualified U.S. workers available for the position

Common Occupations:

• Housekeepers, nannies
• Food processing workers
• Farm workers
• Domestic service workers

Important Notes:

• Typically longest wait times
• Limited annual quota (approximately 5,000)
• Wait times may exceed 10 years

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Application Process

PERM Labor Certification Process

1. PWD Request (2-3 months)

   • Employer requests Prevailing Wage Determination from DOL
   • Establishes minimum wage for the position

2. Recruitment (2-3 months)

   • Post job on State Workforce Agency website for 30 days
   • Run two Sunday newspaper ads
   • Complete other required recruitment activities

3. PERM Filing (6-12 months)

   • Submit Form ETA-9089
   • DOL reviews recruitment results
   • May be selected for audit

4. I-140 Filing (4-8 months)

   • File within 180 days of PERM approval
   • Premium processing available

5. Wait for Priority Date

   • Monitor monthly visa bulletin
   • Prepare I-485 or DS-260 materials

6. Green Card Application

   • File I-485 when priority date is current (if in U.S.)
   • Or proceed with consular processing (if abroad)

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Priority Date Strategies

EB-2 Downgrade to EB-3

When EB-3 dates are faster than EB-2:

• Can file new EB-3 PERM
• Evaluate time and cost trade-offs
• Priority date may be earlier

Filing Multiple Categories

• EB-2 PERM + EB-2 NIW
• Use whichever category becomes current first
• Increases flexibility

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Related Resources

• Employment-Based Immigration →
• Green Card Glossary →
• Latest Priority Dates →