EB-3 green card
US federal rules as of October 30, 2026. Sources re-checked against official pages on October 30, 2026. Where a figure could not be confirmed, this page links the official source instead of stating it.
EB-3 is an employer-sponsored green card category with three groups: skilled workers (jobs needing at least two years of training or experience), professionals with a bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent, and other workers (jobs needing less than two years). Most EB-3 cases need PERM labor certification first.
What are the steps?
PERM, then Form I-140, then a wait for your priority date, then Form I-485 or consular processing. See PERM explained and the H-1B to green card guide.
How long does it take?
It depends on your country of chargeability. Check the current Visa Bulletin; LiveRec does not copy the dates because they change monthly.
Who pays?
The employer cannot get payment for PERM activity. See PERM.
What does USCIS require for each group?
| Group | Job requirement on the labor certification | What you show |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled workers | At least 2 years of experience or training. Relevant post-secondary education may count as training | You meet the job requirements, with academic records and letters from employers |
| Professionals | At least a US bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent, normally the requirement for entry into the occupation | Same. USCIS says education and experience may not be substituted for a bachelor's degree |
| Other workers | Less than 2 years of training or experience | You meet the requirements on the labor certification |
All three need a permanent, full-time job offer from a US employer and a labor certification, with a Schedule A exception for professional nurses and physical therapists and for exceptional ability groups.
What does the process look like?
- The employer completes PERM. See PERM explained.
- The employer files Form I-140 with the certified Form ETA-9089. USCIS says this must be within 180 days of DOL approval to preserve the priority date.
- After approval, you wait for your priority date to be current in the Visa Bulletin.
- File Form I-485 or complete consular processing.
- Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible to apply with or after you if the I-140 is approved.
What does USCIS add for commercial drivers?
USCIS shows an alert saying the Department of Labor issued guidance, effective June 15, 2026, that employers must include an English language proficiency standard in permanent labor certification for jobs operating a commercial motor vehicle. For those petitions, USCIS says evidence may be a passed standardized English exam or a signed statement from the petitioner, and visas issued after June 15, 2026 generally will be accepted as proof. This affects a small group but is a good example of why you should read the current page.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a bachelor's degree can be replaced with experience in the professional group.
- Mixing up the groups. The category follows the job requirement on the certification.
- Not keeping experience letters that match the dates and duties.
- Paying the employer's PERM costs. See PERM.
FAQ
Is EB-3 easier than EB-2? Requirements differ; waits differ by country and month.
Can I switch between EB-2 and EB-3? Sometimes, depending on the job and degree. Ask an attorney.
Can an EB-3 case be upgraded to EB-2? If the job and your degree qualify, the employer can file in a different category. Ask the employer's attorney.
Is EB-3 for unskilled workers? USCIS lists "other workers" for jobs needing less than 2 years of training or experience that are not temporary or seasonal.
Where do I check dates? The monthly Visa Bulletin. LiveRec does not copy dates.
Next step: Green card overview.
Sources
- USCIS, EB-3, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3, accessed 31 October 2026
- DOL, PERM labor certification, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-30, page blocks automated reads so no figure is copied from it
- USCIS, visa availability and priority dates, https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-30, no figure is taken from it
- DOL, FLAG: Permanent Labor Certification (PERM), https://flag.dol.gov/programs/perm, accessed 31 October 2026
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.