If you’re interested in coming to the United States of America for work, you may have heard of the EB-3 visa. It’s an employment-based green card that requires sponsorship from a U.S. employer. Beyond that, however, how much do you know about this visa? As the premier immigration lawyer in New York, the Zohar Law Firm is here to help you understand the EB-3. Read on as we explain, then contact us for more information on obtaining yours.
What is an EB-3 Visa and Who Qualifies For It?
What is an EB-3 Visa and Who Qualifies For It?
An Overview of the EB-3 Visa
The EB-3 visa grants permanent residency to those who qualify. Professionals and skilled and unskilled workers can apply for this type of visa. Its requirements are less strict than EB-1 and EB-2 green cards, but it has longer wait times. Fortunately, applicants can apply for it at any time, and the EB-3 is valid for 10 years.
EB-3 Visa Requirements
As with any green card in the United States, applicants must satisfy several requirements before applying for the EB-3. The requirements are as follows, and the Zohar Law Firm is here to help you determine whether you meet them:
You must be a professional (hold a Bachelor’s degree), a skilled worker (have at least two years of training or work experience), or an unskilled worker (perform a job that requires less than two years of training).
There must not be any qualified American workers eligible for the job position.
You must have a valid job offer from a U.S. company that can sponsor you.
How to Apply for the EB-3 Visa
In order to apply for the EB-3 visa, there are multiple steps to follow:
The U.S. company sponsoring you must receive a labor certification and submit an I-140 Petition on your behalf.
Complete Form DS-260, but only if applying through the consulate. You can also apply to adjust your status if you are legal in the United States at the time when Step 1 is completed.
Undergo a medical examination and provide vaccination and health records.
If you are applying from abroad, apply for the EB-3 Visa at the closest U.S. embassy and await your visa interview. If you are applying from within the United States, there might not be an interview scheduled.
EB-3 Visa Processing Time
Depending on the country you are coming from and your application, it can take at least a year for your EB-3 visa to process from steps 2-4 above. Step 1 can also take a year or so to complete. However, in some cases, it can take several years to get approved. Those coming from countries with many applicants, such as China or India, may have to wait even longer.
Are you interested in determining whether you qualify for an EB-3 visa? The Zohar Law Firm is here to help, so contact us today to get started. If you would like additional information about the EB-3 visa, please consider reading a copy of an initial letter we routinely send to employers so they understand the process.