Overview of the U.S. EB-3 Employment-Based Immigration Program
The U.S. EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) program is an employment-based immigrant visa category designed for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. It allows the principal employee and their immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) to obtain permanent green cards in the United States when sponsored by a U.S. employer. This program prioritizes positions that cannot be sufficiently filled by U.S. workers, requires applications to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Labor (DOL) regulations, and relies heavily on the employer’s role in sponsorship.
3 Main Categories of EB3:
- Skilled Workers: Require a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience or specialized training.
- Professionals: Require a bachelor’s degree or its U.S./foreign equivalent in a related field.
- Unskilled Workers: Do not require prior experience or advanced education; only good health and a clean background are needed. These roles typically involve manufacturing, packaging, agriculture, or restaurant work.


