Are you, your family, or children dreaming of a new life in the United States? Are you searching for a life-changing opportunity that offers stability, growth, and security? The EB3 Visa programme is a prime example of a visa for professionals in the US, designed to help individuals achieve their American Dream.
What is the EB3 Visa Programme?
The EB3 Visa programme is an employment-based immigrant visa that allows individuals to obtain U.S. permanent residency through a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer. This visa is particularly suited for professionals and other workers seeking long-term opportunities in the United States. It is divided into three subcategories:
- Skilled Workers: Individuals with at least two years of relevant job experience or training.
- Professionals: Applicants holding a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.
- Unskilled Workers: Individuals capable of performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience.
This programme is essential in addressing labor shortages in the U.S. by attracting qualified foreign nationals.
Why Choose the EB3 Visa Programme?
The EB3 Visa programme provides a range of benefits that can transform your life and the lives of your family members. These benefits include:
- Permanent Residency: You and your immediate family (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can live and work permanently in the U.S.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After five years of permanent residency, you may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
- Access to Opportunities: Enjoy access to world-class education, healthcare, and career advancement opportunities in a strong and diverse economy.
How the EB3 Visa Programme Works
The application process for the EB3 Visa programme involves several key steps:
- Labor Certification: Your employer must obtain a Permanent Employment Certification (PERM) from the U.S. Department of Labor. This certification verifies that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the position.
- Filing Form I-140: Once the labor certification is approved, your employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing:
- If you are already in the U.S., you can apply to adjust your status to permanent resident by filing Form I-485.
- If you are outside the U.S., you will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Costs and Processing
Applying for the EB3 Visa programme involves several fees, including:
- Form I-140 Filing Fee: $700 (paid by the employer)
- Form I-485 Filing Fee: $1,140 (paid by the applicant), plus an $85 biometrics fee
- Premium Processing (Optional): $2,500 to expedite the Form I-140 processing
Additional costs may include medical exams, travel, translation services, and attorney fees.
The processing time varies depending on your country of origin and case specifics. On average, the process can take between 1.5 to 3 years. Countries with high demand may experience backlogs, so it’s important to stay informed by regularly checking the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.
Guaranteed Employment and Support
One of the key advantages of the EB3 Visa programme is that applicants secure a job offer before starting the application process. This ensures financial stability and accelerates your integration into American society. Reputable agencies like Holborn provide full support throughout the process, boasting high approval rates for their clients.
Engaging an immigration consultant or attorney for your EB-3 Visa application can offer several advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a balanced overview:
Pros:
- Expertise and Guidance: Immigration professionals possess in-depth knowledge of U.S. immigration laws and procedures. They can help ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and submitted in a timely manner, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to delays or denials.
- Personalized Assessment: Consultants can evaluate your specific situation to determine the best visa category for you, ensuring that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
- Labor Certification Assistance: The EB-3 process requires a Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) from the U.S. Department of Labor. Consultants can guide your employer through this complex process, ensuring all necessary steps are properly completed.
- Communication with Authorities: An experienced consultant can handle correspondence with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf, keeping you informed of any updates and addressing issues as they arise.
Cons:
- Cost: Hiring a consultant adds to the overall expense of the immigration process. Fees can vary widely depending on the services provided and the complexity of your case.
- Potential for Misrepresentation: Not all consultants operate with the same level of integrity. It’s crucial to choose a reputable professional to avoid misinformation or fraudulent practices that could jeopardize your application.
- No Guaranteed Outcome: Even with professional assistance, approval of your visa application is not guaranteed. The final decision rests with USCIS.
Cost Range:
The cost of engaging an immigration consultant or attorney for an EB-3 Visa application varies based on factors such as the complexity of your case and the services required. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Attorney Fees: Legal fees can range from $6,800 to $9,000, covering services from the preparation of the Labor Certification Application to the filing of Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status.
- Consulting Services: Some firms offer comprehensive packages. For example, BDV Solutions provides services for a total cost ranging from $23,420 to $28,219.92, which includes application fees, legal costs, consulting fees, USCIS filing fees, and client services.
- Additional Costs: Be prepared for other expenses such as USCIS filing fees, medical examinations, translation services, and travel costs.
Given the complexities of the EB-3 Visa application process, many applicants find that the benefits of professional guidance outweigh the drawbacks. However, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and choose a qualified, reputable consultant or attorney to assist you.
Opportunities for Your Family
The EB3 Visa programme is not just for you. Your spouse and children under 21 can also obtain Green Cards, giving them access to the same opportunities, including education, healthcare, and career options. This makes the programme a life-changing opportunity for the entire family.
Ready to Start Your Journey? The EB3 Visa programme, a leading visa for professionals in the US, is designed to help honest, hardworking individuals achieve their dreams of living and working in the United States. If you’re ready to take this important step, consult a trusted immigration advisor to begin your application. Visit the government website for a start.
