20 EB-3 Visa Sponsorship Jobs: Secure Your U.S. Green Card Through Employment

The EB-3 visa is a valuable pathway for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the United States. Designed for skilled workers, professionals, and certain unskilled workers, the EB-3 visa allows individuals to secure a U.S. Green Card through employer sponsorship. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about EB-3 sponsorship jobs, including eligibility requirements, application steps, and tips for finding the right employer.

What Is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that grants foreign workers permanent residency in the U.S. It is categorized into three subcategories:

• EB-3(A) Skilled Workers: Requires at least two years of job experience or training.
• EB-3(B) Professionals: Requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.
• EB-3(C) Other Workers (Unskilled Workers): Requires less than two years of training or experience.

Employers must sponsor foreign workers under this visa category, and applicants must meet specific job qualifications to be eligible.

How to Secure an EB-3 Visa Sponsorship Job

Step 1: Find an Employer Willing to Sponsor You

The first and most critical step in obtaining an EB-3 visa is securing a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa. The employer must be able to demonstrate that they cannot find qualified U.S. workers for the position.

Where to Find EB-3 Sponsorship Jobs

• Job Portals: Websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor frequently list U.S. employers offering EB-3 visa sponsorship jobs.
• Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in helping foreign workers connect with U.S. employers seeking long-term employees.
• Networking: Join professional groups and attend industry-specific events to connect with potential employers.
• Company Websites: Some U.S. companies explicitly state their willingness to sponsor foreign workers in their job postings.

Step 2: Employer Files PERM Labor Certification

Once you secure a job offer, your employer must obtain a Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This certification ensures that hiring a foreign worker does not negatively impact job opportunities for U.S. workers.

The employer must:

• Conduct a labor market test to confirm that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.
• Advertise the position in multiple locations as part of the recruitment process.
• File ETA Form 9089 with the DOL.

Step 3: Employer Files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)

Once the PERM labor certification is approved, the employer must file Form I-140 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition establishes that:

• The employer has the financial ability to pay the offered wage.
• The foreign worker meets the job’s educational and experience requirements.

After USCIS approves Form I-140, the applicant can move forward with the visa process.

Step 4: Wait for Visa Availability

EB-3 visa applicants must wait for their priority date (the date the I-140 petition was filed) to become current. Since there are annual limits on EB-3 visas, applicants from certain countries (such as India, China, and the Philippines) may experience longer wait times. The U.S. Department of State publishes a Visa Bulletin each month, which helps applicants track their visa availability.

Step 5: File for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

Once the priority date becomes current, applicants must complete one of the following steps:

Option 1: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) – If You Are in the U.S.

If you are already in the U.S. on a valid visa, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status to a permanent resident (Green Card holder). This process includes:

• Submitting biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
• Attending an interview with a USCIS officer.
• Completing medical examinations.

Option 2: Consular Processing – If You Are Outside the U.S.

If you are outside the U.S., you must apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. This involves:

• Filing Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application).
• Undergoing medical examinations.
• Attending a visa interview at the U.S. consulate.

Once approved, you will receive an immigrant visa in your passport and must enter the U.S. within a specified timeframe.

Step 6: Enter the U.S. and Receive Your Green Card

Upon entering the U.S., you will be processed as a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Your Green Card will be mailed to you, officially granting you permanent residency and the ability to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.

Processing Time and Costs

Processing Time

The entire EB-3 visa process can take anywhere from 1 to 10 years, depending on:

• Your country of origin.
• PERM labor certification and USCIS processing times.
• Availability of visas in your category.

Costs Involved

The primary costs associated with the EB-3 visa process include:

• PERM Labor Certification: No government filing fee (employer covers recruitment costs).
• Form I-140 Filing Fee: $700.
• Form I-485 Filing Fee: $1,140 (if adjusting status in the U.S.).
• Consular Processing Fee: Approximately $345.
• Medical Exam Fees: Varies by country.

Final Thoughts

The EB-3 visa sponsorship jobs pathway offers foreign workers a valuable opportunity to secure permanent residency in the U.S. However, the process requires patience, an employer willing to sponsor you, and careful attention to each step of the application process. By understanding the EB-3 visa requirements and working with reputable employers, you can take the necessary steps toward achieving your goal of living and working in the United States.

If you’re considering applying for an EB-3 visa, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help streamline the process and improve your chances of success. Start your journey today and take the first step toward securing your U.S. Green Card through employment!