EB-3 Visa for Skilled and Unskilled Workers

You may qualify for permanent resident status in the third preference category of employment-based immigration if:

• 1. You are a professional worker with at least a bachelor's degree
• 2. You are a skilled worker with a minimum of two years training and experience
• 3. You are an unskilled worker

PROFESSIONAL WORKERS

• You may qualify as a professional worker if:
• You hold at least a U.S. baccalaureate degree or foreign equivalent degree.
• You are a member of the professions.
• Evidence of commanding a salary or other remuneration for services that demonstrates exceptional ability.

To show that you are a member of the professions, your U.S. employer must demonstrate that the minimum of a baccalaureate degree is required for entry into the occupation

SKILLED WORKERS

You may qualify as a skilled worker if

• You are capable of performing skilled labor not of a temporary or seasonal nature.
• There are no qualified workers available in the U.S. ready, willing, and able to take the job.

To demonstrate that you are a skilled worker, you must show that

• You have at least two years of training or experience in a particular skill.
• You meet any other requirements of the individual labor certification.
• You meet the requirements for Schedule A designation.

UNSKILLED WORKERS

You may qualify as an unskilled worker if you do not hold a U.S. baccalaureate degree or foreign degree equivalent, or do not have at least two years of training or experience in a particular skill. To qualify, you must demonstrate that you meet any educational, training and experience, and other requirements of the labor certification.

HOW TO OBTAIN A GREEN CARD

LABOR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

Labor certification by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is required for EB-3 professionals, skilled and unskilled workers. Your U.S. employer must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the DOL that no qualified U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are able, willing, and available to take the job offered.

However, labor certification is not required if your occupation is designated as a Schedule A occupation.

Schedule A Occupations

Schedule A is a list of occupations for which the DOL has determined there are not sufficient U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified and available. In addition, Schedule A establishes that the employment of foreign workers in such occupations will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed. 

Professionals and skilled workers whose occupation is listed on Schedule A may apply for Schedule A designation. To apply for Schedule A designation, your U.S. employer must submit a labor