Extraordinary Ability Green Card

For skilled workers and professionals seeking permanent employment in the United States

The EB-3 Skilled Worker and Professional Green Card allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence in the United States.

This category is designed for individuals who have the skills, training, or education needed to fill permanent positions in the U.S. workforce when qualified workers are not available domestically.

The EB-3 visa provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency (a U.S. green card) for individuals whose employment contributes to the U.S. economy and labor market.

Understanding the EB-3 Category

The EB-3 classification is part of the third preference employment-based immigrant visa category.

It includes three primary subcategories based on the applicant’s qualifications.

Skilled Workers

Individuals whose positions require at least two years of training or work experience.

Professionals

Individuals whose jobs require a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent.

Other Workers

Individuals performing jobs that require less than two years of training or experience.

Each subcategory allows employers to sponsor qualified workers for permanent residence when the position cannot be filled by available U.S. workers.

Key Requirements for EB-3 Classification

Applicants must meet both employment and immigration eligibility requirements.

Permanent Job Offer

A U.S. employer must provide a permanent, full-time job offer.

Labor Certification (PERM)

The employer must complete the PERM labor certification process, which verifies that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.

Relevant Education or Experience

Applicants must meet the educational or experience requirements associated with the specific EB-3 subcategory.

Employer Sponsorship

Unlike some other immigration categories, EB-3 requires a sponsoring U.S. employer.

EB-3 Petition Process

The EB-3 process involves several stages and is typically initiated by the employer.

1. PERM Labor Certification

The employer completes the labor certification process with the U.S. Department of Labor to demonstrate that the job opportunity cannot be filled by available U.S. workers.

2. Filing Form I-140

After labor certification approval, the employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with USCIS.

3. USCIS Review

USCIS reviews the petition to verify the employer’s ability to pay the offered wage and the applicant’s qualifications.

4. Permanent Residency Application

Once the petition is approved and the priority date becomes current, the applicant may apply for permanent residency through adjustment of status or consular processing.

Benefits of the EB-3 Green Card

The EB-3 category provides a pathway to long-term employment and permanent residency in the United States.

Permanent Residency

Approval results in lawful permanent resident status in the United States.

Employment Opportunities

Foreign workers may pursue stable employment with a sponsoring U.S. employer.

Family Benefits

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may also obtain permanent residency as derivative beneficiaries.

Pathway to Citizenship

Permanent residents may later become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Comparing EB-3 With Other U.S. Immigration Options

Workers seeking employment-based immigration to the United States may qualify for several categories depending on their qualifications and professional background.

The table below compares the EB-3 category with other common employment-based immigration pathways.

For workers with the required qualifications and a sponsoring employer, the EB-3 category provides a structured pathway to permanent residence in the United States.

Working With an Immigration Attorney

EB-3 petitions involve multiple stages, including labor certification and immigration filings.

Immigration counsel can assist with:

• Guiding employers through the PERM labor certification process
• Evaluating whether the position meets EB-3 classification requirements
• Preparing documentation for the immigrant petition
• Managing the immigration timeline and priority date process

Because EB-3 petitions involve both employment and immigration compliance requirements, professional guidance can help ensure the process is completed accurately.