The U.S. Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) Immigrant Visa allows qualified foreign nationals to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States through permanent employment with a U.S. employer. According to the supplied information, the EB-3 category is available for skilled workers, professionals, and other (unskilled) workers who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must generally have a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer and, in most cases, an approved labor certification before filing an immigrant petition.
About the EB-3 Immigrant Visa
According to the supplied information, the EB-3 immigrant visa category is intended for:
- Skilled Workers.
- Professionals.
- Other Workers (Unskilled Workers).
The programme provides a pathway to lawful permanent residence for eligible foreign workers whose employers are willing to sponsor them for permanent employment in the United States.
Visa Summary
| Programme | U.S. Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) Immigrant Visa |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Visa Category | Employment-Based Permanent Immigration |
| Eligible Applicants | Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers |
| Job Offer Required | Yes |
| Labour Certification | Generally Required (with limited exceptions for Schedule A occupations) |
| Petition Form | Form I-140 |
Eligibility Categories
Skilled Workers
According to the supplied information, skilled workers are individuals who:
- Perform skilled labour requiring at least two years of training or experience.
- Work in jobs that are not temporary or seasonal.
- Meet all education, training, or experience requirements listed in the labour certification.
Relevant post-secondary education may be considered as training.
A permanent full-time job offer and labour certification (or Schedule A application, where applicable) are generally required.
Professionals
According to the supplied information, professionals must:
- Hold at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a recognised foreign equivalent.
- Work in an occupation where a bachelor’s degree is the normal entry requirement.
- Meet all job requirements listed in the labour certification.
Education and experience cannot be substituted for the required bachelor’s degree.
A permanent full-time job offer and labour certification (or Schedule A application, where applicable) are generally required.
Other Workers (Unskilled Workers)
According to the supplied information, other workers are individuals who:
- Perform work requiring less than two years of training or experience.
- Work in jobs that are not temporary or seasonal.
- Meet the requirements specified in the labour certification.
A permanent full-time job offer and approved labour certification are required.
Labour Certification
According to the supplied information, most EB-3 petitions require an approved Form ETA-9089 Permanent Employment Certification issued by the U.S. Department of Labor.
However, Schedule A occupations are generally exempt from obtaining a Department of Labor-approved labour certification because the Department of Labor has already determined that there are insufficient U.S. workers available for those occupations.
The supplied information states that Schedule A currently includes:
- Professional Nurses.
- Physical Therapists.
- Certain individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences or arts (including college and university teachers).
- Immigrants with exceptional ability in the performing arts.
English Language Requirement for Commercial Vehicle Operators
According to the supplied information, following Executive Order 14286 and updated Department of Labor guidance, employers seeking permanent or temporary labour certification for jobs involving commercial motor vehicle operation must include an English language proficiency standard where applicable.
Evidence of English language proficiency may include:
- Documentation showing the applicant passed a standardised English language examination; or
- A signed statement from the employer confirming that the applicant meets the required English language standard.
According to the supplied information, USCIS will also accept visas issued after 15 June 2026 as proof of English language proficiency for eligible commercial vehicle operators.
Immigrant Petition Process
According to the supplied information, employers file EB-3 petitions using Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers).
Applicants should ensure that all supporting documentation and filing requirements are met before submission.
Family Members
According to the supplied information, if the Form I-140 petition is approved:
- A spouse; and
- Unmarried children under 21 years of age
may also be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence based on the approved petition.
How to Apply
According to the supplied information, applicants should:
Step 1
Secure a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer.
Step 2
Obtain the required labour certification where applicable.
Step 3
Ensure all education, training, and experience requirements are satisfied.
Step 4
Have the sponsoring employer file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) with the required supporting documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for an EB-3 visa?
According to the supplied information, the EB-3 category is available for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Is a job offer required?
Yes. According to the supplied information, applicants generally must have a permanent full-time job offer from a U.S. employer.
Is labour certification required?
According to the supplied information, labour certification is generally required, except for certain Schedule A occupations.
Can my family accompany me?
Yes. According to the supplied information, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence based on the approved petition.
Which form is used for the petition?
According to the supplied information, employers file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers.
Conclusion
The U.S. EB-3 Immigrant Visa 2026 provides a pathway to permanent residence for qualified foreign nationals with employer sponsorship. According to the supplied information, eligible skilled workers, professionals, and other workers who meet the education, experience, and labour certification requirements may qualify for this employment-based immigration category. Individuals interested in long-term employment opportunities in the United States should carefully review the programme requirements and work with a sponsoring employer to complete the application process.
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