An EB-3 visa is a type of employment-based immigration visa in the United States. It’s designed for foreign workers who have a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the following categories:
- Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least two years of experience or training in a specific job.
- Professionals: Individuals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent and who are working in a job that requires a degree.
- Other Workers: Individuals performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience.
For the EB-3 Visa Sponsor refers to the U.S. employer who is offering the job to the foreign worker. Here are some key steps for finding an EB-3 visa sponsor:
1. Search for U.S. Employers Hiring for EB-3 Positions
- Many companies across industries may be eligible to sponsor workers for an EB-3 visa if they have a need for foreign talent.
- Job boards, company career pages, or immigration attorneys can be great resources to identify such employers.
2. Offer of Employment
- The U.S. employer must provide a permanent, full-time job offer to the foreign worker.
- This offer must be in one of the eligible categories (skilled workers, professionals, or other workers).
3. Labor Certification (PERM)
- The employer must obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact U.S. workers’ wages or working conditions.
4. Petition for the Visa (Form I-140)
- The employer files the Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- After the I-140 is approved, the foreign worker can apply for a visa at the U.S. consulate or adjust status if they are already in the U.S.
5. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- Once the petition is approved and the priority date becomes current, the worker can either apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status (if in the U.S.) or consular processing (if outside the U.S.).
Tips for Finding a Sponsor:
- Networking: Consider reaching out to your professional network, industry contacts, or job fairs to identify companies that sponsor foreign workers.
- Use an Immigration Lawyer: An immigration lawyer can help navigate the process and connect with employers who may sponsor an EB-3 visa.
- Target Industries with High Demand: Fields such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and education often have a demand for skilled foreign workers, making it easier to find a sponsor.
