EB-3 Skilled Worker and Professional Green Card

EB-3 Visa

The EB-3 is a third preference employment based green card for skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, and other (unskilled) workers. EB-3 requires a U.S. employer sponsor, a permanent full time job offer, and a PERM labor certification. Chary Law represents employers and beneficiaries across the EB-3 pipeline, including healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and professional services.

Overview of the EB-3 Visa

EB-3 has three subcategories: skilled workers (positions requiring at least two years of training or experience), professionals (positions requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent), and other workers (unskilled positions requiring less than two years of training).

EB-3 priority dates can be backlogged, particularly for India and China. In some cases, downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3 (or upgrading the reverse direction) can accelerate the green card based on visa bulletin movement.

Who Qualifies for an EB-3 Green Card

Skilled worker: the role requires at least two years of training or work experience and the beneficiary meets the requirement.
Professional: the role requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent and the beneficiary holds it.
Other worker: the role requires less than two years of training; this category is heavily backlogged.
Job offer: a permanent full time job offer from a U.S. employer.
PERM labor certification: approved PERM showing no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role.

How the EB-3 Process Works

The employer first conducts the required PERM recruitment campaign and files ETA Form 9089 with the Department of Labor. After PERM certification, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS. Once approved and the priority date becomes current, the worker adjusts status or consular processes.

Premium processing is available for EB-3 I-140 petitions. Strategic counsel can help with subcategory selection, downgrade strategies, and timing relative to priority date movement in the visa bulletin.

EB-3 Spouse and Family Options (Derivative Green Cards)

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of EB-3 principals are derivative beneficiaries who receive their own green cards based on the principal’s approved petition and current priority date.

Concurrent filing: dependents may file I-485 concurrently with the principal when the priority date is current.
EAD and Advance Parole: spouses and children can apply for EAD and Advance Parole during I-485 processing.
Long waits: in heavily backlogged EB-3 categories, families may need to maintain non immigrant status for years before adjusting.
Aging out: CSPA calculations are critical in long waits; counsel should run the math early and revisit as the visa bulletin moves.
Education: children attend U.S. schools as permanent residents and qualify for in state tuition once domiciled.

Schedule a Consultation With Chary Law

Chary Law plans EB-3 strategy with priority date movement in mind. Contact us to evaluate timing, subcategory, and potential downgrade options.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. Results in prior cases do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your individual circumstances.