Practice Area

EB-3 Visa

Green card for skilled workers, professionals & other workers.

The EB-3 visa provides a permanent pathway to the United States for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. Whether you already have a U.S. employer or are evaluating your visa path, BBA Immigration handles every step — from PERM labor certification through green card approval.

Many skilled workers assume a green card requires an advanced degree. For EB-3, two years of experience or on-the-job training can be enough — and an employer you already work for may meet the sponsorship requirements. It is worth finding out where you actually stand.

Request a Consultation Call 281-503-1455

Three EB-3 Categories

The EB-3 classification covers three types of workers, each with specific requirements:

EB-3A Skilled Workers — Positions requiring at least 2 years of training or experience. Includes electricians, plumbers, welders, machinists, and other skilled trades.

EB-3B Professionals — Positions requiring a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent. Covers engineers, IT professionals, accountants, and other degreed professionals.

EB-3C Other Workers — Positions requiring less than 2 years of training. Includes food processing, hospitality, manufacturing, and other permanent full-time roles.

The EB-3 Process: 4 Stages

The employer-sponsored green card process follows a structured path. BBA Immigration handles the legal work at every stage:

PERM Labor Certification (6–9 months) — Your employer conducts a DOL-approved recruitment campaign to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available.

I-140 Immigrant Petition (4–8 months) — We file the petition proving the job offer is real and you meet all qualifications.

Wait for Visa Number (varies) — Depending on your country of birth and category, processing times vary.

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing (6–12 months) — The final step to receive your green card.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for an EB-3 visa, you need a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you. The employer must obtain a PERM labor certification showing no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position. You must also meet the minimum qualifications for the position — whether that's a degree, years of experience, or specific training. BBA Immigration evaluates your background and matches you with the right EB-3 category to maximize your chances of approval.

Industries We Serve

BBA Immigration has extensive experience filing EB-3 petitions across a wide range of industries:

Healthcare — Nurses, physical therapists, medical technicians, CNAs

Construction & Skilled Trades — Electricians, plumbers, welders, machinists

Manufacturing & Production — Machine operators, quality control, production workers

Food Processing & Hospitality — Chefs, bakers, food production, restaurant staff

Technology & Engineering — Software engineers, IT professionals, data analysts

Energy — Oil & gas, wind, solar sector professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the EB-3 process take?+

The total process typically takes 18–36 months, depending on your country of birth and the visa bulletin. PERM takes 6–9 months, I-140 takes 4–8 months, and adjustment of status takes 6–12 months. Some countries have longer wait times due to visa backlogs.

Can I change employers during the EB-3 process?+

You can change employers, but you may need to restart the PERM process with the new employer. After your I-140 is approved and you've had a pending adjustment of status for 180+ days, you can 'port' to a similar position with a new employer.

What's the difference between EB-3 and EB-2?+

EB-2 requires an advanced degree (master's or higher) or exceptional ability. EB-3 covers skilled workers (2+ years training), professionals (bachelor's degree), and other workers. EB-2 generally has shorter wait times but stricter qualification requirements.

Does my employer pay for the EB-3 process?+

Employers typically pay for the PERM recruitment costs and filing fees. However, arrangements vary. We help both employers and employees understand the costs upfront so there are no surprises.

Related Practice Areas

PERM Labor Certification Schedule A — Nurses EB-2 NIW For Employers

Back to All Practice Areas