One app for all your study abroad needs
EB3 visas are a 3rd priority worker visa that is meant for 3 categories of people to visit the US. The 3 categories include skilled workers, unskilled workers, and professionals. The visa is a part of the employment-based visas provided by the US government every fiscal year (October 1st – September 30th). Those possessing EB3 visas are provided with labor certification that is approved by the Department of Labor. The Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers) receive 28.6 percent of the yearly limit of the visas of employment–based immigrant visas. Keep reading to learn more about the skilled worker visa USA.
| Visa Name | Skilled Worker Visa USA |
| Validity | Permanent |
| Fee | Varies |
| Processing Time | 1-6 years |
This Blog Includes:
- What are the Benefits of the EB3 Visa?
- Who is Eligible for a Skilled Worker visa USA?
- Documentation Required for a Skilled Worker Visa USA
- How to Apply for a Skilled Worker visa USA?
- What are the Skilled Worker Visa USA fees?
- How Long is the EB3 Green Card Processing Time?
- Do I Get Access to American Healthcare With an EB3 Visa?
- FAQs
What are the Benefits of the EB3 Visa?
The benefit of the EB3 visa is that foreign workers can go to the US. Moreover, they can work in the country and live there permanently without obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). After a few years, they are even allowed to switch jobs. Such workers can get a green card and are required to pay the taxes. They are permitted to live and travel to other US states and even outside the US.
Who is Eligible for a Skilled Worker visa USA?
The eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa USA visa are as follows:
- The applicant must have a valid and permanent offer letter from an American employer
- Additionally, the applicant must meet the job requirements. For example, education requirements, work experience
- Moreover, the employer must qualify to sponsor a US work visa. For example, the employer must be financially stable, and could not find qualified or willing workers in the US itself,
Learn about the Work Visa USA Requirements
Sub-Category Requirements
The following are the skilled worker visa requirements as per subcategory. Note: Labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer is mandatory irrespective of the category the applicant is applying for.
| Skilled Worker visa USA Type | Eligibility Requirements |
| Professionals | Possesses a U.S. baccalaureate or foreign equivalent degree and demonstrates that a baccalaureate degree is a normal requirement for entry into the occupation, must be performing work for which qualified US workers cannot take up, and meet other requirements |
| Skilled Workers | Must demonstrate 2 years of work experience, education, or training that meets the job requirements specified on the labor certification, relevant post-secondary education, and must be performing work for which qualified US workers cannot take up |
| Unskilled Workers (Other Workers) | Demonstrate the ability to perform unskilled labor (requiring less than 2 years of training or experience), that is not of a temporary or seasonal nature, must be performing work for which qualified US workers cannot take up, and meet other requirements |
Here is How You Can Get a Student Visa for USA
Documentation Required for a Skilled Worker Visa USA
The applicants must present certain documents to receive a skilled worker visa USA. These are as follows:
- The applicant must have a valid passport and must secure an employment offer letter from the employer
- Must have approved labor certification and petition
- The applicant must also submit the DS 261 confirmation page
- Two photographs and signed medical and vaccine documents
- CV/ resume, and academic records
- Court and criminal records
- Any other additional documents, if applicable
Learn all about the US visa Restrictions
How to Apply for a Skilled Worker visa USA?
The skilled worker visa USA application process can include a lot of steps. These steps are as follows:
- The employer must acquire a labor certification. It is required to hire a foreign worker to prove that no US citizen can fill the role. The labor certification can be acquired from the US Department of Labor (DOL)
- Additionally, the employer must file a petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services by filling out the Form I-140
- Next, the employee must fill out the DS-261, form, complete the medical examination and vaccination
- Additionally, the applicant must submit the relevant documents
- Next, the candidate can sit for the visa interview. The US official would be asking questions to clarify whether the applicant is qualified to receive the visa
- Lastly, an NVC package must be issued to the applicant. However, the applicant is now allowed to open the same and must submit it to the immigration offer at the port of entry. At this point, the applicant is allowed to travel to the US.
Learn about the reasons For US visa rejection
What are the Skilled Worker Visa USA fees?
The Skilled Worker Visa USA visa requires fees at different stages. The application fee is 85 USD. The fees might have to be paid by the US employee or the potential employee. The following are the documents that require application fees.
| Skilled Worker Visa USA Fee Requirement | Paid By |
| Form DS-261 processing fee | Employer |
| Fees to obtain supporting documents | Employee |
| Medical examination fees | Employee |
| Any translation fees from a foreign language to English | Employee |
| USCIS Form I-140 petition filing fee | Employee |
Find out the Latest US visa News
How Long is the EB3 Green Card Processing Time?
The Skilled Worker visa USA fees processing time can range between 1-3 years. However, it is possible that the processing can extend to 6 or more years. There is an annual visa cap for the EB 3 visa. Hence, the visa processing time is generally long. Applicants who come under the yearly limit can get their forms processed in a matter of a few months.
Do I Get Access to American Healthcare With an EB3 Visa?
Yes. Under the Skilled Worker visa USA, the applicant can receive access to American healthcare. However, it is important to note that American Healthcare services are the highest in the world. For example, to treat a broken leg a person must pay approximately $2,500. Similarly, staying at the hospital can cost around $10,000.
FAQs
The skilled worker visa or the EB3 visa is granted to skilled workers with more than 2 years of work experience. It is also granted to professionals with a higher education degree and even unskilled workers (less than 2 years experience).
Applicants who qualify for a skilled worker visa are those who are approved by the Home Office. Such applicants must have a certificate of sponsorship for a job that cannot be filled by a US citizen.
Skilled US workers are people who have knowledge, skills, and training to apply to the relevant work. A skilled worker must have gained the same with the help of formal education, on-the-job training, or work experience.
We hope you now understand what a Skilled Worker Visa USA is, its requirements, the application process, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
Relevant Reads:
25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.
