Sometimes, workers who are skilled in their trade or profession but do not have an advanced degree may feel that they have no avenue for entry into the United States on a visa. However, EB-3 visas do not hold the same high-level requirements as EB-2s but still provide an avenue for entry into the US. EB-3 visas can be broken down into a number of more specific categories based upon your level of experience, education, and the field in which you work. This can make EB-3 visas a challenge to apply for; an experienced legal advisor can guide you through the categories you may qualify for and help you apply.
EB-3 Visa Subcategories
Before applying for an EB-3 visa, please review the three subcategories to determine which one fits your needs.
For Professional Workers
Workers who have achieved a university degree in their field are considered professional workers, but some workers may have finished their education with a bachelor’s degree; this means that they do not qualify for the more stringent EB-2 category. The EB-3 provides these foreign nationals with another option for employment-based visas, as a bachelor’s degree and less than five years of experience are sufficient for the application.
For Skilled Workers
Some professions do not require higher education but are still categorized as highly professional jobs. In this case, if an applicant possesses two or more years of training and experience, they may qualify for an EB-3 absent any higher education degrees as part of the “skilled worker” category. Some examples of skilled workers include chefs, construction workers, and journalists. The experience and training required to qualify for this EB-3 category are not clearly defined, so speaking with a lawyer familiar with employment-based visas will help to ensure an effective and comprehensive application.
For Unskilled Workers
In some cases, a worker may be seeking entrance to the United States on an employment-based visa but does not possess any experience in higher education and has not undergone years of training. In situations like this, the worker may still qualify for an EB-3 as part of the “unskilled worker” category.
Unskilled workers include such employees as gardeners, janitors, and housekeepers. Those who do not qualify for the professional or skilled worker categories of the EB-3 can still submit in the unskilled worker category; however, any job requirements presented as part of the job offering (such as completing a training period of one year) must be completed before the foreign national can begin work with the sponsoring employer in the United States.
Speak To The Experienced Immigration Law Firm
When considering how to best make a case for entry into the US on an employment-based visa, determining what information is required and which categories you may be eligible for can be a challenge. The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge can assist you in choosing which employment visa category you best qualify for and can assist you in compiling a comprehensive and effective petition that will give you the best chance of success. Get in touch to discuss your unique circumstances and begin your journey to US employment sponsorship by giving us a call at 703.273.5500 or request a consultation online.