Short answer: EB-3 skilled worker is sponsored by a US employer and requires a bachelor’s degree or two years’ relevant experience, with no investment. After PERM, I-140 and immigrant visa or adjustment of status, the main applicant, spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive green cards.
Basic requirements
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education / experience | Bachelor’s or two years’ relevant experience (role-dependent) |
| Employer | US employer sponsor required |
| Investment | None |
| Family | Spouse and unmarried children under 21 |
| Backlog | By place of birth — see the Visa Bulletin |
Versus other categories
| EB-3 skilled | EB-2 | EB-5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Employer + degree/experience | Advanced degree or exceptional ability / NIW | Investment |
| Employer | Required | NIW can be self-petitioned | Not required |
| Investment | None | None | From USD 800,000 |
Who it suits
- A US employer willing to sponsor
- Degree or relevant experience without a large investment
- Wanting green cards for the whole family
Points to note
- Backlogs can be long for some places of birth.
- The employer must complete recruitment and PERM.
- Assess EB-2 NIW and EB-1A in parallel where relevant.
See related US employer-sponsored guidance.