The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that allows foreign workers to obtain U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) through sponsorship by a U.S. employer. Employers facing labor shortages often use this visa category to bring in skilled, professional, or unskilled foreign workers.
In this article, we will cover the role of an
EB-3 Visa Sponsor
eligibility criteria, the sponsorship process, and how foreign workers can find U.S. employers willing to sponsor them.
What is an EB-3 Visa Sponsor?
An EB-3 visa sponsor is a U.S.-based employer who is willing to hire and petition for a foreign worker to permanently work in the United States. Sponsorship means the employer is responsible for:
Filing necessary immigration paperwork with the U.S. government.
Paying for the required labor certification process (PERM).
Proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.
Demonstrating financial ability to pay the foreign worker’s salary.
The employer must offer a permanent, full-time job that meets the requirements of one of the three EB-3 visa categories.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa applies to three types of workers:
1. Skilled Workers (EB-3A)
- Requires at least two years of job experience or training.
- The job must be permanent and full-time (not seasonal or temporary).
- Examples: Electricians, welders, chefs, IT specialists, mechanics.
2. Professionals (EB-3B)
- Requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent).
- The job must require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification.
- Examples: Engineers, teachers, accountants, healthcare workers.
3. Unskilled Workers (EB-3C – Other Workers)
- Requires less than two years of experience or training.
- The job must be permanent and not seasonal.
- Examples: Farmworkers, construction laborers, restaurant staff, janitors.
Industries That Commonly Sponsor EB-3 Workers
Many U.S. industries face labor shortages and actively sponsor foreign workers under the EB-3 visa, including:
- Healthcare – Nurses, medical technologists, physical therapists.
- Hospitality – Hotel staff, restaurant workers, housekeeping.
- Construction – Carpenters, electricians, plumbers.
- Manufacturing – Factory workers, machine operators.
- Agriculture – Farm laborers, food processing workers.
- Logistics & Warehousing – Forklift operators, shipping clerks.
Requirements for an EB-3 Visa Sponsor
A U.S. employer must meet the following criteria to sponsor a foreign worker:
1. Obtain a PERM Labor Certification
- The employer must prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available.
- They must conduct recruitment efforts (e.g., job ads, interviews).
- The PERM application is submitted to the Department of Labor (DOL).
2. File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
- The employer files Form I-140 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- They must prove financial capability to pay the worker’s salary.
3. Offer a Permanent, Full-Time Job
- The job must be long-term and not a temporary contract position.
4. Pay the Prevailing Wage
- The employer must pay the foreign worker at least the wage set by the DOL for that job type and location.
EB-3 Visa Sponsorship Process
Step 1: Employer Conducts Recruitment & PERM Labor Certification
- The employer advertises the job to test the U.S. labor market.
- If no qualified U.S. applicants are found, the employer submits a PERM application to the DOL.
- Processing Time: 6-12 months.
Step 2: Employer Files Form I-140 Petition
- Once the PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
- They must submit financial documents proving they can pay the worker.
- Processing Time: 6-12 months (or 15 days with premium processing).
Step 3: Priority Date and Visa Bulletin
- Each case gets a priority date (the date PERM was filed).
- Applicants must wait for their priority date to become current per the Visa Bulletin.
- Wait Time: Varies by country (longer for India, China, the Philippines).
