US EB-3 Green Card
PROGRAM
Stable Employment
IN THE UNITED STATES
For individuals seeking permanent residence in the U.S. and willing to work honest jobs to achieve it, the US EB-3 Green Card Program offers an ideal pathway to permanent residency. Our team is here to assist you throughout the application process, ensuring that your journey is smooth and efficient. We assist EB3 applicants comprehensively throughout their journey to obtain an EB3 green card.
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ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT
We work closely with you and your family to assess your eligibility for the EB3 visa.
DOCUMENT PREPARATION
We help you gather and prepare all the necessary documents and materials required for the EB3 green card application.
EMPLOYMENT AND SPONSORSHIP GUIDANCE
We assist in navigating the employment and sponsorship process with your U.S. employer.
APPLICATION SUPPORT
We offer support in preparing all the documents and materials needed for your application.
LABOR CERTIFICATION AND SPONSORSHIP
We provide guidance through the labor certificate application (Form 9089) and the sponsorship petition (I-140) processes.
DS-260 APPLICATION PROCESS
We guide you through the DS-260 green card application once the I-140 is approved.
CONSULAR INTERVIEW PREPARATION
We prepare you and your family for the consular interview.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
We assist you and your family with preparation and arrangements for your relocation and settlement in America.
Why Choose Us:
YOUR PATH TO A SUCCESSFUL EB3 APPLICATION
Our services are designed to prevent our clients from ending up in unfavorable employment situations, facilitate seamless cooperation between applicants and sponsoring employers, and provide comprehensive support in preparing for a new life in the U.S.
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Smooth Application
PROCESS
Our goal is to ensure our clients experience a smooth and successful green card application process.
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Experienced
TEAM
As Americans with three decades of collective experience in assisting people with Employment-Based (EB) green cards, we ensure that your applications are completed correctly, fully respecting U.S. immigration law and policy.
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Safety and
WELL-BEING
We are committed to ensuring our clients avoid employment that could expose them to dangerous or extreme working conditions.
We prioritize your safety, access to education, services, and opportunity.
WHAT IS THE EB-3 VISA?
The EB-3 Visa, also known as the Employment-Based Third category or Employment Sponsored Visa Type 3, is a pathway created by the US government in 1990 to welcome workers from around the globe. This visa is intended for immigrants and comes with a green card, allowing them to live and work in the US.
If you have this visa, your spouse and any children under 21 who aren't married can also move to the US with you and get green cards.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN EB-3 VISA?
There are three main groups who can qualify for an EB-3 visa:
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Skilled Workers
EB-3A
You need at least two years of work experience or training and a job offer from a US employer who's tried and failed to find a US worker for the job.
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Professionals
EB-3B
You must have a bachelor's degree (or a foreign equivalent) and a job offer in the US that requires your level of education.
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Other Workers
EB-3C
This is for people doing less skilled work that needs less than two years of training or experience. You'll need a job offer from a US employer who couldn't find a local worker.
ELIGIBILITY DETAILS FOR THE EB-3 VISA:
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Be between 18 to 55 years old.
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Be in good health.
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Have no criminal record.
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You don't need to show proof of financial resources.
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You shouldn't have been deported from the US.
Holding an EB-3 green card means you can live and work in the US with the same freedoms as a permanent resident, such as healthcare, social benefits, and the freedom to travel to many countries without a visa.
You can apply for US citizenship later.
THE PROCESS
Step 1
LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS ETA-9089 FORM
UNDERSTAND LABOR CERTIFICATION
Start with Your Employer:
The journey to an EB3 visa begins when your future American employer applies for a prevailing wage determination from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Job Validation:
This step ensures there are no available U.S. workers for the job and that you, as a foreign worker, will be paid fairly.
FILLING OUT THE
ETA-9089 FORM
Information Collection:
This form gathers details about the job you're being offered, including duties and salary, and information about you and the employer.
Demonstration of US Job Search:
Your employer needs to prove they tried to find a U.S. worker for the position through advertising and other recruitment efforts.
TIMELINE EXPECTATION:
Generally, it takes about 11 months to get labor certification approved.
Step 2
IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR ALIEN WORKER, I-140 FORM
POST-LABOR CERTIFICATION: WHAT'S NEXT?
Your Employer's Role Continues
After getting labor certification, your employer must petition for you by filing Form I-140 with USCIS.
Documenting Everything
The form will detail the job offer, your qualifications, and the employer’s ability to pay you as promised.
Waiting for Approval
USCIS's decision on the petition is a make-or-break moment for your EB3 visa application.
Moving Forward
An approval takes you closer to your visa, while a denial means reassessing your options. We emphasize the importance of collaborating with reputable employers and experienced consultants like Invest Migrate to mitigate the risk of setbacks caused by a failed I-140, which could potentially delay your application by a year or more.
Post-Approval
After your I-140 application is approved and the priority date listed in the I-140 approval is current, the petition will proceed to the Department of State (DOS).
Visa Fee Payment
The National Visa Center (NVC) will send you a Visa Fee Invoice, which you can pay online. Once the payment is made, you can begin filling out the online DS-260 application.
TIMELINE EXPECTATION:
Standard Processing: Expect a 4 to 6 month wait.
Faster Option: Priority processing can reduce the wait to 15 days for an additional fee.
Step 3
VISA APPLICATION
WAITING FOR A VISA NUMBER
After I-140 Approval:
With your Form I-140 approved, the next step involves waiting for a visa number to become available. This depends on a number of factors including volume of EB3 green card petitions globally and caseloads at U.S. embassies or consulates in applicants’ country of residence.
Country-Specific Wait Times:
Applicants from most countries can expect a waiting period of up to approximately 19 months for their priority dates to become current. Priority dates for applicants from China and India will wait much longer for their priority dates to become current.
SUBMISSION TO THE US EMBASSY
Application Process Initiation:
Once your visa number is available, submit all gathered documents to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Complete Document Preparation:
Gather all specified documents promptly to avoid delays.
Interview is Crucial:
The interview at the U.S. Embassy plays a vital role in obtaining your EB3 visa. Prepare accordingly.
Approval and Entry:
If your interview is successful, you'll be granted your visa and can plan your travel and start in the U.S.
TIMELINE EXPECTATION:
Country-Specific Wait Times: The length of the wait can vary significantly based on your home country's demand for EB3 visas. Visa availability can take time and depends on multiple factors including demand and per-country limits
Step 4
IMMIGRANT VISA ELECTRONIC APPLICATION, DS-260 FORM
OVERVIEW OF FORM DS-260
Accurate Information Requirement:
The DS-260 form is your official application for an immigrant visa (green card) when applying from abroad. Ensuring that all information provided on the form is accurate and complete is crucial. Mistakes can lead to delays or denials.
Submission through NVC:
This form is processed via the National Visa Center (NVC) and is crucial for the continuation of your visa application at the U.S. Embassy or consulate in your home country.
PROCESSING AND INTERVIEW
Keeping Track:
Keep a copy of your DS-260 form as you might need to refer to your answers during the interview.
Scheduling an Interview:
Following the approval of your DS-260, the U.S. Embassy or consulate will schedule an interview.
TIMELINE EXPECTATION:
Once you submit your DS-260, the NVC will process your application, which typically takes about 3 months. Be prepared for potential processing delays depending on the specific circumstances of your case and local embassy workload.
Step 5
VISA INTERVIEW PROCESS
FOR APPLICANTS ABROAD AFTER DS-260 APPROVAL
Interview Scheduling:
After settling the visa fee and submitting the DS-260, the National Visa Center (NVC) will schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You will receive a notification with the date, time, and location of your interview.
Preparation:
This stage involves validating your documents and ensuring alignment with the information provided in your DS-260 application.
TIMELINE EXPECTATION:
Between 90 days to 2 years
FOR APPLICANTS WITHIN THE U.S. AFTER I-485 APPROVAL
Form I-485 Submission:
Those already in the U.S. on valid visas should file Form I-485 to adjust their status.
Local Immigration Office Interview:
A successful interview here results in the acquisition of a permanent green card.
Waiting Period:
Expect an 8 to 14 month wait before your green card interview with USCIS is scheduled.
Work Permits:
Eligible applicants can obtain work permits, allowing them to remain and work in the U.S. while awaiting their interviews and green card approval.
TIMELINE EXPECTATION:
Between 8 to 14 months
Step 6
ARRIVAL IN THE UNITED STATES
RECEIVING YOUR EB3 VISA APPROVAL
EB3 visa issued:
Following a successful interview, if the consular officer grants your application, you are issued an EB3 visa. This pivotal moment allows you to enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Entering with an EB3 Visa:
With this visa, you're entitled to work and reside in the U.S. It marks the beginning of your new life as a U.S. permanent resident.
Port of Entry Process:
Upon arrival in the U.S., you'll pass through customs. Here, an immigration officer will review your visa and other documentation before formally admitting you.
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a
U.S. GREEN CARD HOLDER
Congratulations!
Arriving in the United States with your EB3 visa is the culmination of your immigration process, ushering in a new phase of life with vast opportunities and responsibilities.
Employment:
You have the right to work in almost any job (some restrictions apply to positions requiring U.S. citizenship for security reasons).
Reside Anywhere:
As a green card holder, you can live in any state within the U.S. based on your preference or job location.
Responsibilities:
You're expected to obey all laws of the United States, the states, and localities. You're also required to file U.S. income tax returns and maintain your permanent residence in the U.S.
Selective Service Registration:
Males between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service.
Social Security Number (SSN):
If you didn't apply for an SSN as part of your visa process, do so upon arrival. It's necessary for employment, opening a bank account, and accessing other services.
Renewal of Green Card:
Your green card must be renewed every ten years, similar to a passport, though you remain a permanent resident even if the card expires.
Path to Citizenship:
If you wish, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements unless you're eligible sooner through marriage to a U.S. citizen or other special circumstances.
We Are Here to Guide You
EVERY STEP OF THE JOURNEY
The journey to obtaining an EB3 visa is complex and influenced by multiple factors, such as the USCIS Center processing your application, your country of origin, and the specifics of your application. While the processing time can vary significantly - from as quickly as one year to potentially several years - understanding each step of the process and preparing diligently can help navigate through it effectively.
Patience and attention to detail are crucial as you progress through each stage, from labor certification to the final interview.
We will be with you every step of the way!
LOCATIONS
ARIZONA
Known for its desert landscape and the Grand Canyon, Arizona offers stunning natural beauty and a warm climate.
GEORGIA
Georgia boasts a rich history and diverse landscapes, from the bustling city of Atlanta to the scenic beauty of its coastal beaches and mountains.
INDIANA
Indiana is renowned for its agricultural industry and the Indianapolis 500, a world-famous auto race.
OHIO
Ohio is characterized by its industrial heritage and major cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
NEW JERSEY
Known for its beautiful shorelines and proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey offers a blend of suburban and urban living.
TENNESSEE
Known for its vibrant music scene, particularly in Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee is the birthplace of country, blues, and rock 'n' roll.
PENNSYLVANIA
Steeped in American history, home to landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
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What documents are necessary for the EB3 Visa application?The EB3 visa application requires several documents, although the exact paperwork depends on your individual situation. It's wise to keep a record of all submitted documents and retain them for up to three years due to the possibility of audits. Essential documents generally include: Written contract between the U.S. employer and the beneficiary Valid passports for the beneficiary and any dependents Photographs Medical and vaccination records Academic records Previous work experience records Criminal records Evidence of significant awards or honors
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What's the difference between a visa and a green card?The terms "visa" and "green card" often cause confusion, though they relate to the types of U.S. entry permissions. A visa allows foreigners to enter the U.S. for a set period, categorized into nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas. Nonimmigrant visas include types like H-1B and L-1, requiring holders to return home post-validity. In contrast, an immigrant visa or green card allows permanent residency. The EB3 category grants an immigrant visa or green card, permitting permanent U.S. residency.
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Is a degree mandatory for applying for an EB-3 visa?Not necessarily. The EB-3 visa caters to three main groups: Professionals with at least a bachelor's degree, skilled workers with over two years of experience, and other workers in non-seasonal jobs with less than two years of experience. Therefore, individuals without a degree can qualify based on work experience.
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Where are opportunities located?Currently, we collaborate with Immigration Sponsors situated in the following locations: Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee.
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How long is the work commitment?For unskilled workers under the EB-3 category, there's typically a 1-year commitment to the sponsoring employer.
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Is English proficiency required?Basic knowledge of English is necessary for the EB-3 visa; however, applicants don't need to be fluent.
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Can I reapply if my previous U.S. visa application was denied?Yes, applicants can reapply for an EB-3 visa unless the previous denial was due to fraud or criminal reasons.
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Is it difficult to obtain an EB3 visa?The EB3 visa is generally less scrutinized than the EB1 and EB2 categories, especially for unskilled workers. The main challenge is the potentially long waiting period, rather than the application process itself.
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How long is the EB3 visa valid?The EB3 visa grants permanent residency, meaning it doesn’t expire. Green card holders should renew their card every 10 years or if it's lost, stolen, or damaged. After 5 years of permanent residency, you may apply for U.S. citizenship.
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How long does the EB3 visa process typically take?Processing times vary widely from one year to several years, depending on factors like your application's specifics, your country of birth, and the processing center.
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Can my family accompany me on an EB3 visa?Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for visas to accompany or follow to follow you.
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Is a job offer required for the EB3 visa?Yes, a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer is required for the EB3 visa.
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What is the labor certification process?The labor certification (PERM) verifies there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job, and that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect U.S. worker wages or conditions.
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How can I prepare for the consular interview?Understand your application details, the nature of your job in the U.S., and be prepared to answer personal and professional questions truthfully.
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Can I travel outside the U.S. with an EB3 visa?Yes, you can travel, but you should not stay outside the U.S. for extended periods without proper documentation to avoid jeopardizing your permanent resident status.
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What happens if my EB3 application is denied?You'll receive a notice explaining the reason for denial. Depending on the grounds, you might address the issues and reapply or appeal the decision.
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After receiving my EB3 visa, when should I move to the U.S.?Your visa will have an expiration date by which you must enter the U.S. Plan your move accordingly, allowing for preparation and settlement.
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Can EB3 visa holders apply for U.S. citizenship?Yes, after meeting specific requirements, including living in the U.S. for five years as a permanent resident.
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How do I verify the status of my EB3 application?You can check your application status online through the USCIS website using your receipt number.
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How to transition from an EB-3 green card to U.S. citizenship?Transitioning from an EB-3 green card to U.S. citizenship involves naturalization. U.S. citizenship offers benefits such as immunity from deportation and the ability to work in federal jobs. Applicants must submit Form N-400, which includes a copy of the green card, a passport-sized photo, and the processing fee, to USCIS. Although the green card is a requirement for entering the U.S., the actual card is obtained after arrival, with the visa initially serving as proof of permanent residency status.
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Am I qualified to apply for an EB-3 Green Card?Any foreign national who meets the following requirements is eligible to apply for an EB-3, Category C green card for unskilled workers: 1. Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa. The job must be full-time and permanent. 2. Labor Certification: Your employer must obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor, demonstrating that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job. 3. Unskilled Labor: You must be capable of performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience. This labor must not be temporary or seasonal in nature. 4. Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Additionally, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are be eligible to apply for admission to the United States as derivatives of your EB-3 visa. It is recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration consultant to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements and to guide you through the application process.