EB-3 Visa Processing Time and Costs

The EB-3 visa processing time varies based on country of origin and USCIS workload. The typical timeline is:

• PERM Labor Certification – 6 to 12 months
• I-140 Petition Approval – 6 to 12 months (or 15 days with premium processing)
• Visa Bulletin Wait Time – Varies based on country quotas
• Consular Processing/Adjustment of Status – 6 to 12 months

Costs Associated with EB-3 Sponsorship

Note: The employer must cover the costs of labor

EB-3 Visa Sponsor

 certification and recruitment but may require the worker to pay some fees related to visa processing.

isa Sponsor: A Complete Guide for Employers and Foreign Workers

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States through sponsorship by a U.S. employer. This visa category is essential for businesses that need to fill labor shortages with skilled, professional, or unskilled workers.

In this guide, we will explain what an EB-3 visa sponsor is, the eligibility requirements, 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 that is willing to hire a foreign worker for a permanent, full-time job and take responsibility for the necessary immigration paperwork. Sponsoring an EB-3 worker involves proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job and complying with Department of Labor (DOL) regulations.

Who Can Be Sponsored Under the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is divided into three subcategories:

1. Skilled Workers – Requires at least two years of training or experience in a particular field.
2. Professionals – Requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) relevant to the job.
3. Unskilled Workers (Other Workers) – Requires less than two years of training or experience and is typically for labor-intensive jobs.

Each category requires a U.S. employer to file a petition on behalf of the foreign worker.

Industries That Commonly Sponsor EB-3 Workers

Many industries experience labor shortages and frequently sponsor foreign workers through 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 and Warehousing (Forklift operators, shipping clerks)

Requirements for an EB-3 Visa Sponsor

A U.S. employer must meet the following requirements to sponsor a foreign worker under the EB-3 visa:

1. Obtain a PERM Labor Certification – The employer must prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.
2. File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) – This petition is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to confirm that the employer has the financial capability to pay the foreign worker.
3. Offer a Permanent, Full-Time Job – The position cannot be temporary or seasonal.
4. Pay the Prevailing Wage – The employer must pay the foreign worker at least the prevailing wage set by the DOL.