by Quick answer: The main EB3 visa requirements are a permanent job offer from a US employer, an approved labor certification from the US Department of Labor and an approved Form I-140 petition filed by that employer. You must also fit one of three groups: skilled workers, professionals or other workers. The EB-3 is an immigrant visa, so it leads to a US green card.
This guide explains the EB3 visa requirements, the three worker groups, the step-by-step process and the official fees.
Last verified: 4 October 2026 against the US Department of State, the US Department of Labor and the Code of Federal Regulations.
What is an EB3 visa?
EB-3 is the employment-based third preference immigrant visa. It lets a US employer sponsor a foreign worker for permanent residence. According to the Department of State, it receives 28.6% of the yearly worldwide limit of employment-based immigrant visas, plus any unused visas from the first and second preferences.
EB3 visa requirements: the three groups
| Group | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Skilled workers | Jobs needing at least 2 years of training or work experience, not temporary or seasonal |
| Professionals | Jobs needing at least a US bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent |
| Other workers | Jobs needing less than 2 years of training or experience, not temporary or seasonal |
So, unlike some routes, EB-3 can include jobs with lower qualification levels, through the other workers group.
Step 1: Labor certification (PERM)
First, your employer must get a permanent labor certification from the Department of Labor. To do this, it then files Form ETA-9089. The certification confirms that there are not enough US workers able, willing, qualified and available for the job, and that hiring you will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similar US workers. Also, the filing date becomes your priority date. A certification is valid for 180 days, so the employer must use it in time.
Step 2: Form I-140
Next, the employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with USCIS.
Step 3: National Visa Center and interview
After USCIS approves the petition, it goes to the National Visa Center (NVC). Then, once your priority date is current, you complete the immigrant visa application, Form DS-260, and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
EB3 visa fees and who pays
- Immigrant visa fee: $345 per person for employment-based applications, paid to the Department of State.
- Labor certification costs: under 20 CFR 656.12(b), an employer must not seek or receive payment of any kind for activities related to obtaining labor certification.
Therefore, be careful with any agent who asks you to pay for the labor certification.
EB3 visa requirements for Filipino, Nigerian and Indian workers
The EB-3 rules are the same for every nationality. However, you can only move forward once your priority date is current. You can track this in the Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin before you plan your move.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer for an EB3 visa?
Yes. In fact, a US employer must offer you a permanent job and file the petition for you.
Can unskilled workers get an EB3 visa?
Yes, through the other workers group, for jobs that need less than two years of training or experience.
Does an EB3 visa lead to a green card?
Yes. As an immigrant visa, it leads to US permanent residence.
For other routes, read what is visa sponsorship and more visa sponsorship job guides.
Official sources
- US Department of State: Employment-based immigrant visas
- US Department of Labor: Permanent labor certification
- eCFR: 20 CFR 656.12
- US Department of State: Fees for visa services
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. US immigration rules are complex, so confirm your case with a qualified US immigration attorney.
