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About

The EB-3 Visa is part of the U.S. employment-based immigration program (third preference). It's for people who want to live permanently in the U.S. through a job. This visa supports three groups:

Skilled Workers – people with at least 2 years of training or experience.
Professionals – those with a bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree, and the job normally needs that degree.
Other Workers (Unskilled) – workers who fill roles that need less than 2 years of training, but are still full-time and not seasonal.

You must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer, plus a Labor Certification through the PERM process showing no qualified U.S. worker is available. Then your employer files an I-140 petition to start your permanent residency journey.

Who can apply

You need a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer.
The employer must complete the PERM labor certification, proving they couldn’t hire a U.S. worker and that the pay meets the typical wage for that region.
For skilled workers – at least 2 years experience or training.
For professionals – a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), required for the occupation.
For other workers – capability to do unskilled work that needs less than 2 years training.

Once the PERM certification is approved, your employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker). After that, you either adjust status in the U.S. or apply through consular processing abroad.

If approved, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can move to the U.S. with you as permanent residents.

Benefits

It offers a direct path to a green card (permanent residency), often with no extraordinary skills needed.
It’s flexible—many types of jobs can qualify as long as they’re full-time and permanent.
You can bring your immediate family along to live together.
It can eventually lead to U.S. citizenship, if you choose.
In some cases, when waiting due to priority dates, you may be able to switch employers if the new job is similar and your I-140 is already pending for 180+ days.

Real-Life Example

Marisol, a trained dental assistant from Colombia, gets a job offer from a U.S. dental clinic needing a full-time staff member. The clinic starts the PERM process, showing none of the local applicants meet the job requirements and securing the usual wage for that role in their city.

Within months, the PERM is approved. Her employer files the I-140 petition, and after priority dates open, Marisol moves to the U.S. with her husband and young daughter—each becoming a permanent resident. She’s thrilled to start her U.S. career, and her family is settled and happy together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the PERM Labor Certification?

It’s the step where your employer proves that no qualified U.S. worker could fill the position and that you’ll be paid the prevailing wage for that job area.

Do I need a degree or experience?

Depends: Skilled Worker: at least 2 years training or experience. Professional: bachelor’s degree required. Other Worker: unskilled role with less than 2 years training.

Can my family come with me?

Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you as permanent residents too.

What if I’m already in the U.S.?

If you're here on another visa, you may apply for adjustment of status once your I-140 is approved and a visa number is available.

Can I change employers waiting on process?

Possibly—if your I-140 has been pending for at least 180 days and the new job is in a similar field or role.

Is there a visa limit?

Yes, there's an annual cap per category and some countries have longer wait times. Your “priority date” (when your employer filed PERM) determines your place in line.