Understanding The EB3 Visa: What Employers Need to Know
Want to hire from abroad? In an increasingly globalized world, foreign workers provide competitive talents that you, as an employer, may need. Now, the US government runs five employment-based visa programs that allow foreign professionals and other workers to come to the country for work.
One of these is the EB3. This visa program essentially allows US employers to benefit from foreigners’ skill sets and job experience by giving them access to long-term employment opportunities in the country. It’s preferred by many employers and employees because it is a lot less stringent in terms of requirements than other types of work visas.
That said, as an employer looking to outsource your workforce, here’s everything you need to know about this visa program:
There are Three Kinds of EB3 Visas
The type of EB3 visa you will apply for will depend on the talent you’re sourcing. Basically, you can go for one of these three types:
- Professional workers: Individuals applying under this category must have a US bachelor’s degree (BA) or an equivalent qualification in the relevant field. On top of that, a degree should be a standard requirement for entering the said occupation.
- Skilled workers: In this category, skilled workers are persons whose jobs demand at least two years of training or experience.
- Unskilled workers: For this category, the foreign worker must prove that they can perform unskilled labor that typically lasts longer than a season.
The Employer Initiates the EB3 Visa Application
To initiate the application process, you, as the employer, are responsible for submitting a petition on behalf of your employee-to-be by completing Form I-140. On top of that, you must furnish evidence to the US immigration showing that you’re actually committed to paying the offered wage for the duration of the employment.
There Are Fees You Will Be Required to Pay as the Employer
Now, you should also know that there are fees you are required to pay as an employer. The initial Form I-140 will need you to pay a $700 fee. You’ll also need to foot $1,140 in status adjustment fee and $445 in consular processing fee. You should also budget for a lawyer who can help make the process easier.
The Visa Processing Can Take Up to 3 Years
While the EB3 visa has lax requirements, the downside is that it can take a while. With every step taking a couple of months, the entire process can take anywhere between one and a half years to three years, from initial application to visa approval. This is why you want to start early and use a lawyer to speed up the process.
The EB3 Visas Are Very Competitive- No Guarantees
Another thing you want to keep in mind is that a limited number of visas are offered every year. More specifically, 140,000. Of this, just below a third are EB3. That means applicants who don’t qualify will need to wait for the next opening.
EB3 Visa Lawyers Exist and Can Make the Process Easier
EB3 visas are some of the easiest to apply if you are an employer looking to hire abroad. But for that reason, they are more competitive and can take long. So, always work with an attorney as they understand the process better and can help you get the results you are looking for faster.
