What Is the EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card?
- May 26
- 3 min read
The EB-3 Employment-Based Green Card is one of the most common immigration categories that allows foreign nationals to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States through employer sponsorship. This category may be used for professionals, skilled workers, and certain entry-level workers.
New York based immigration law firm Caglar & Associates, PLLC provides professional legal assistance for employment-based Green Card cases, employer sponsorship matters, and permanent residency applications nationwide.
EB-3 Categories
Professionals
Designed for positions requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
Examples include:
Software developers
Architects
Accountants
Teachers
Skilled Workers
For positions requiring at least 2 years of training or work experience.
Examples include:
Chefs
Electricians
Automotive technicians
Medical technologists
Other Workers
For positions requiring less than 2 years of experience or training.
Common industries include:
Warehouse operations
Elder care
Cleaning services
Logistics and transportation
Employer Sponsorship and Financial Requirements
The sponsoring employer must:
Provide a legitimate permanent job offer
Prove the ability to pay the offered wage
Submit financial documentation
Commonly reviewed evidence includes:
Tax returns
Financial statements
Payroll records
Corporate documents
Application Process
Stage | Process |
Prevailing Wage Process | Official wage level determined |
Recruitment Process | U.S. worker recruitment conducted |
Labor Certification | Labor application filed |
Immigrant Petition | Employer sponsorship petition submitted |
Permanent Residence Process | Green Card application stage |
Premium Processing
Certain petitions may qualify for expedited processing through an additional filing fee.
As of 2026, the Premium Processing fee is: $2,805
Priority Date and Waiting Period
The priority date:
Determines the applicant’s place in line for a Green Card
May create different waiting periods depending on the applicant’s country of chargeability
Some countries experience significantly longer wait times.
Important Legal Considerations
Job descriptions must be drafted carefully.
Supporting documents must remain fully consistent.
Employer sponsorship must continue throughout the process.
Missing evidence may result in denial.
Labor certification procedures must be handled properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is EB-3?
It is an employment-based immigration category that allows individuals to obtain a Green Card through employer sponsorship.
Is a university degree required?
Not for every category.
Is employer sponsorship required?
Yes.
Is labor certification required?
In most cases, yes.
Must the employer prove the offered salary?
Yes.
What is a priority date?
It is the date that determines the applicant’s place in the Green Card queue.
How long does the process take?
Processing times vary depending on the category and country.
Is Premium Processing available?
Yes.
Can I change employers?
In certain situations, yes.
Can the petition be denied?
Yes. Missing evidence or eligibility problems may result in denial.
Can family members be included?
Yes. Spouses and children may immigrate together.
Is a medical examination required?
Yes.
Are biometrics required?
Yes.
Will there be an interview?
Some cases require interviews.
Can I apply from outside the United States?
Yes.
Can I obtain work authorization?
Yes, during certain stages of the process.
What happens if the employer withdraws sponsorship?
The immigration process may be placed at risk.
Are translations required?
Yes. Non-English documents must be translated.
Can immigration filing fees change?
Yes. Immigration filing fees are updated periodically.
Contact Caglar & Associates, PLLC
📍 100 Church St 8th Floor, New York, NY 10007, United States
📞 +1 (646) 874-3575
👨⚖️ Attorney Ibrahim Furkan Caglar
New York Bar Number: 6160303
For professional legal assistance regarding EB-3 employment-based Green Card cases, employer sponsorship, and permanent residency matters, contact our office today.
