BDV Solutions
February 6, 2023

EB-3 Visa: A Flexible Green Card Pathway for Employment-Based Immigration

Overview of U.S. Immigration Options

Family-Based vs. Employment-Based Visas

For most looking to emigrate to the United States, family and employment-based visas are the two primary options. Without family currently living in the United States, family-based immigration is not a practical possibility for many candidates. Employment-based visas offer more flexibility for those looking to establish life in the U.S. on their own account.

Why EB-3 Stands Out

The Employment Based (EB)-3 visa category is gaining popularity among multiple audiences because it is a viable choice for individuals that want a green card pathway with limited time, it is subjectively an easier route for adjustment of status cases, and it has a significant impact on the business community.

What is EB3?

The Three EB-3 Sub-Categories

This visa category results in obtaining a Green Card and includes 3 sub-categories: Skilled, Other (Unskilled), and Professional Worker.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this visa type, no qualified American workers can be readily available to fill the posted position.  

Why EB-3 Is Gaining Popularity

Faster Adjustment of Status

Once overwhelmingly popular among middle-aged individuals living outside of the United States, the EB-3 category has now become increasingly favorable among younger individuals primarily in pursuit of high skilled roles, now hoping to adjust status to obtain work and permanent residency faster. The EB-3 visa supplies an alternative pathway for permanent residency, giving non-immigrant visa holders added options outside of OPT (Optional Practical Training) or an H1B visa, and offers a shorter process than for those that do consular processing.

Flexibility for Non-Immigrant Visa Holders

By applying for the EB-3 visa while in the U.S on a current non-immigrant visa, the applicant can continue using their non-immigrant visa while going through immigrant visa processing.

The EB-3 Process and Benefits

Work Opportunities in Key Industries

While many individuals endure the lengthy and stringent process of obtaining high skilled employment sponsorship, EB-3 applicants undergo a process that doesn’t limit their work in the United States to their verified interests and talents. These applicants can fill various vacant positions in food service, janitorial service, and manufacturing; often starting work within 1-3 years of the start of their process.

No Formal Education or Work History Required

With no requirement to prove work history or formal education, this category has been a longstanding, plausible possibility for people looking to work in the United States and earn a path to citizenship in less time than other visa options.

Economic Impact of the EB-3 Visa

Filling Hard-to-Fill Jobs in the U.S.

For the business community across the country, its undeniable how beneficial this visa category is as it has steadily supplied workers for hard to fill jobs that American workers have shown little interest in performing.

Supporting Post-Pandemic Labor Needs

In a post-pandemic economy, almost every industry is in critical need of unskilled laborers. The EB3 unskilled visa can routinely supply long term labor solutions in a shorter turnaround timeframe to the most fragile U.S. industries.

Is EB-3 Unskilled the Right Choice for You?

Who Should Consider This Visa?

As the United States develops methods to support its competitive edge in the global economy against countries like Canada and Germany, using the legal immigration system to strengthen the workforce is one of the best ways to keep diverse skillsets, talent, and attraction. As it relates to business, most of the policy proposals and media attention go to high skilled immigration while the EB3 category upholds the backbone of the American economy: unskilled, blue-collar work.

Next Steps to Apply

Immigrating to the United States is not a final destination for many but for those in search of a green card pathway, a fast and practical way for adjustment of status, or a way to immediately contribute to and strengthen a local economy, EB3 Unskilled is the best choice.

Conclusion: A Practical Path to Permanent Residency

The EB3 visa has gained popularity in a time where financial security and global mobility are two of the most highly regarded assets, as individuals across the globe recognize the value and flexibility that this visa category supplies far beyond others.  

To learn more about EB3 Unskilled or to see if you are a suitable candidate for this visa, click here.  

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