Overview

28.6% of worldwide visas plus any unused EB-1 and EB-2 visas are available in this category each year. Please visit the visa bulletin for wait times for all sub-categories for EB-3. A Labor certification application is required. National interest waivers are not available but an applicant may fall under Schedule A of the Department of Labor regulations, in which case s/he does not have to test the labor market but must submit an Application for Permanent Employment Certification and meet special requirements when filing the Petition with USCIS.

This category is further separated into 3 subdivisions.

Professional Workers

Professionals must hold a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree or foreign equivalency that is normally required for the job offer. A professional in this category is traditionally: architects, lawyers, physicians, engineers and teachers. The following occupations also qualify: accountants, computer systems analysts, physical therapists, chemists, pharmacists, medical technologists, hotel managers for large hotels, fashion designers, certain upper-level business managers and commercial airline pilots of 747s or other large aircraft.

Skilled Workers

This sub-category does not require a college degree but at least two years of experience or training is necessary to qualify. The work cannot be temporary or seasonal.

See http://online.onetcenter.org for the exact number of years of education and experience required for your particular occupation.

Other Workers

Other workers who have less than two years experience in their occupation and cannot qualify for the other two sub-categories may apply for a green card through this classification. There is a long wait for this sub-category. Refer to the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin at http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html, “Employment-Based”, “Other Workers” column for information on the availability of a green card in this employment preference.