What Is the EB-3 Program? A US Immigration Path for Unskilled and Skilled Workers

EB-3 does not require an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars like some other immigration programs, nor does it require special academic or professional achievements. It has become an option many Vietnamese families consider in their search for a chance to live and work long term in the United States.

So what is EB-3? Who is it for, what benefits does it offer, and how does the visa process work? In this article, Global Immigration Group explains the EB-3 employment-based immigration program, from eligibility and case steps to the important points to weigh before you decide.

What is EB-3?

EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) is a US employment-based immigration program for foreign nationals sponsored by a US business for long-term work. Participants have the opportunity to receive permanent green cards for themselves, their spouses and their unmarried children under 21 if they meet the requirements set by the US government.

It is one of the five employment-based immigrant visa categories in the United States and is considered to have relatively flexible eligibility requirements. The program suits a wide range of people, from unskilled and skilled workers to those with professional qualifications and university degrees.

Unlike investment-based immigration programs, EB-3 does not require applicants to invest a large sum in a US business. Instead, the worker must be sponsored by a US business for a position that meets the program criteria.

EB-3 is currently divided into three main groups:

• Skilled Workers
• Professionals
• Other Workers

Who is the EB-3 program for?

Under the rules of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the EB-3 program is divided into three main groups based on the requirements of the position and the qualifications of the worker.

Skilled Workers

This group is for people working in occupations that require at least 2 years of experience, training or apprenticeship. The job must be permanent, not temporary or seasonal.

Some occupations that may fall under the skilled worker group include:

• Cooks and chefs
• Welders
• Mechanical technicians
• Electricians
• Machinery repairers

The worker must show that they fully meet the education, skill or experience requirements in the sponsoring business’s job description.

Professionals

The Professionals group applies to positions that require at least a US bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign degree. The worker must hold the level of education the job requires.

Some common occupations in this group include:

• Engineers
• Accountants
• Teachers
• Designers
• Information technology specialists

Note that work experience generally cannot replace the degree requirement for the Professionals group.

Other Workers

This is the EB-3 group that interests Vietnamese applicants most. It covers jobs requiring less than 2 years of experience or training.

Common positions may include:

• Restaurant staff
• Hotel staff
• Production workers
• Packers
• Landscaping staff

Although a high level of education or professional experience is not required, the worker must still meet the sponsoring business’s hiring criteria and pass the review process of the US immigration authorities.

Of these three groups, EB-3 Other Workers is currently the category most chosen by Vietnamese applicants because of its relatively flexible requirements. However, the wait for a visa in this group is usually longer than for Skilled Workers and Professionals because of annual visa limits.

EB-3 eligibility requirements

To qualify for an EB-3 immigrant visa, the worker must meet requirements relating to the position, their personal file and the rules of the US immigration authorities. The sponsoring US business must also meet certain criteria before it can hire a foreign worker.

Requirements for the worker

Each EB-3 group has different education or work experience requirements. In general, however, the worker needs to:

• Meet the education, skill or experience requirements of the position.
• Be fit to work and pass the required immigration medical examination.
• Have no criminal record or other ground that bars entry to the United States.
• Prepare complete identity documents, degrees, certificates or work experience records (if requested).

Some positions may require a certain level of English. However, the EB-3 program does not mandate an English certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Requirements for the sponsoring business

The US business plays an important role in an EB-3 case and must show that its need to hire a foreign worker is genuine.

Specifically, the business must:

• Have a full-time, permanent position.
• Carry out the required recruitment process to show that no suitable US worker can be found for the position.
• Obtain a PERM labor certification from the US Department of Labor.
• Show that it has the financial ability to pay the promised wage to the worker.

Meeting all these conditions is the basis for the business to file the petition and continue the EB-3 visa steps for the foreign worker.

Benefits of immigrating through EB-3

The EB-3 program does not just open up a chance to work legally in the United States. It also brings many long-term benefits for the worker and accompanying family members.

Green cards for the whole family

When the EB-3 case is approved and entry procedures are complete, the principal applicant is issued a permanent resident green card. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may also receive green cards as accompanying family members.

A green card allows the holder to live, work and study long term in the United States without having to renew a work visa periodically.

Freedom to work and change jobs within the rules

After becoming a permanent resident, the worker has the right to work legally in the United States. In some cases, and after a reasonable period of working for the sponsoring business, a permanent resident may move to another job in line with US law.

Spouses may work legally in the United States

A spouse accompanying under EB-3 receives a green card and may work for any business in the United States without applying for a separate work permit.

This is one of the notable advantages of the EB-3 program over many temporary work visas.

Children can study in the United States

Children included in an EB-3 case can attend US public schools and are eligible for the lower tuition rates available to permanent residents at many public colleges and universities.

A chance to apply for US citizenship in the future

After meeting the requirements for residence, physical presence and other conditions under US law, a permanent resident may apply for US citizenship.

For many Vietnamese families, EB-3 is not just a chance to work in the United States but also a long-term path to settling there, giving the whole family access to its education, employment and quality of life.

If you are exploring whether EB-3 is right for you and your family, the team at Global Immigration Group is ready to review your case, advise on a suitable pathway and support you through each stage of the US immigrant visa process.

Updated November 2, 2026. This content is for reference only and is not legal advice for any individual case.