EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card for Skilled & Unskilled Workers
Overview
EB-3 is an employment-based green card for skilled workers, professionals, and “other” (unskilled) workers who have a permanent, full-time U.S. job offer. It generally requires PERM labor certification from the Department of Labor — proving no qualified U.S. workers are available — after which the employer files Form I-140. Timing depends heavily on your priority date and the visa bulletin. Genius Getaway supports the documentation across these stages.
Who Qualifies
- You fit one of the EB-3 subcategories: skilled worker (2+ years of training or experience), professional (a U.S. bachelor's or foreign equivalent), or other/unskilled worker (less than two years).
- You have a permanent, full-time U.S. job offer.
- The employer can pay the prevailing wage and complete PERM recruitment.
- A labor certification shows no qualified, willing U.S. workers are available for the role.
Documents We Help Prepare
- PERM labor certification (ETA-9089)
- Form I-140
- Employer's ability-to-pay evidence (tax returns, financial statements)
- Your qualifications — degrees, experience letters, and a credential evaluation if the degree is foreign
- Detailed job offer and description
- Passport
- Final stage: DS-260 (consular) or Form I-485 (adjustment) with civil documents, medical exam, and police certificates
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Employer completes PERM recruitment and files for labor certification
- 2
Department of Labor certifies the PERM
- 3
Employer files Form I-140 with ability-to-pay and qualification evidence
- 4
Wait for your priority date to be current on the visa bulletin
- 5
Final step — DS-260 consular interview abroad, or I-485 adjustment if in the U.S.
- 6
Green card issued
Timelines & Fees
EB-3 timing is driven by PERM processing times and by priority-date backlogs on the monthly visa bulletin, which vary significantly by country of birth and can be lengthy. Government fees apply at each stage, and the employer pays certain PERM-related costs. Government filing and visa fees are set by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State and change periodically — confirm current amounts at uscis.gov and travel.state.gov. Our service fee is separate and quoted upfront before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the EB-3 subcategories?
Skilled workers (two or more years of training/experience), professionals (a bachelor's degree), and other workers (unskilled roles needing less than two years). Each has the same green-card goal but different eligibility.
What is PERM labor certification?
A Department of Labor process where the employer tests the U.S. labor market through required recruitment to confirm no qualified U.S. worker is available before sponsoring you.
What is a priority date and visa bulletin?
Your priority date is your place in line, set when the case is filed. The monthly visa bulletin shows which priority dates can move to the final green-card step, and waits vary by country.
What's the difference between EB-2 and EB-3?
EB-2 is for advanced degrees or exceptional ability and can have different wait times; EB-3 covers bachelor's-level, skilled, and unskilled roles. The best fit depends on the job and your credentials.
Can my family get green cards too?
Yes — your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are generally included as derivatives on the same case.
Consular processing or adjustment of status?
If you're abroad, you finish through a consulate (DS-260); if you're already in the U.S. in valid status with a current priority date, you may file I-485 to adjust.
Related Services
Ready to Get Started?
Book a consultation and let Genius Getaway support your EB-3 documentation across PERM, I-140, and the final green-card stage.
Important Disclaimer
- We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. Department of State.
- We do not guarantee visa approval — all decisions are made solely by the relevant government authorities.
- We provide document preparation, review, and application support only, and do not provide legal advice.