What is USA EB-3 and who is it for
EB-3 is the third employment-based preference category in the USA’s immigration visa system. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), EB-3 grants a Green Card to workers sponsored by a U.S. employer, across three subgroups: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers.
This is the most popular skilled migration pathway for Vietnamese applicants because it requires no IELTS, no investment capital, and grants a Green Card directly to the entire family. Each year the USA allocates roughly 40,040 visas to the EB-3 category, not counting spillover from higher preference categories.
Every case at M2W is handled directly by a dedicated specialist from start to finish. Not sure which subgroup you fall into? Try the quick EB-3 profile assessment or a free profile assessment.
- No IELTS required, no investment capital needed
- Green Card (permanent residence) for your spouse and children under 21
- A dedicated case specialist handling your file directly, responding within 24 business hours
3 main subgroups of USA EB-3
EB-3 is divided into three subgroups with different qualification requirements. Every subgroup must meet the prevailing wage determined by the U.S. Department of Labor for the position and region.
Skilled Workers
Skilled Workers
For jobs requiring at least 2 years of training or experience and that are not seasonal. Examples: welders, mechanics, cooks, technicians.
Professionals
Professionals with a bachelor's degree
For positions requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent in the field relevant to the sponsored job.
Other Workers
Other Workers
For jobs requiring less than 2 years of training or experience. This subgroup has a separate cap of 10,000 visas per year, so wait times are usually longer than the two subgroups above.
The EB-3 process — every milestone, every document
An EB-3 case passes through three U.S. agencies: the Department of Labor (PERM), USCIS (I-140), and the Department of State (Visa Bulletin). M2W updates you at every milestone so you always know where your case stands.
- M2W · Cố vấn di trúVài tuần
Profile assessment & signing
M2W assesses your profile, determines the appropriate EB-3 subgroup, and connects you with a qualified U.S. employer eligible to sponsor.
You receiveBáo cáo khả năng đậu + lộ trình cá nhân hoá + hợp đồng minh bạch.
- DOL · Bộ Lao động USA≈ 16–17 tháng
PERM labor certification
The employer advertises the position as required and files PERM (ETA-9089), proving that no suitable U.S. worker is available.
You receivePERM chứng nhận → mở Priority date (priority date) — vị trí xếp hàng của bạn.
- USCIS · Sở Di trú5–14 tháng · 15 ngày nếu Premium
I-140 immigrant petition for a worker
The employer files the I-140, demonstrating its ability to pay the wage and that your skills meet the requirements.
You receiveI-140 chấp thuận → khẳng định tư cách bảo lãnh, giữ nguyên Priority date.
- DOS · Bulletin VisaPhụ thuộc hạn ngạch — có thể nhiều năm
Waiting for the Priority Date
The case waits its turn based on the monthly Visa Bulletin. Vietnam may experience retrogression; the Other Workers subgroup usually waits longer.
You receivePriority date “current” → được tiến hành bước cuối.
- NVC + Lãnh sự quán Hoa KỳVài tháng
DS-260 consular processing & interview
File the DS-260, pay the fees, submit civil documents, complete the medical exam, and attend the immigrant visa interview. (If already in the USA, file the I-485 instead of consular processing.)
You receiveVisa di dân EB-3 được cấp cho cả gia đình.
- Hoàn tất · Định cư USAThẻ Xanh trong vài tuần
Arrive in the USA & receive your Green Card
The whole family enters the USA and officially becomes lawful permanent residents.
You receiveThẻ Xanh (Green Card) — vợ/chồng và con dưới 21 cùng immigration. Sau 5 years đủ điều kiện nhập tịch.
Documents to prepare for an EB-3 application
An EB-3 application requires documents from both sides: the worker and the sponsoring employer. M2W specialists build a tailored checklist for each case and review it carefully before filing to minimize Requests for Evidence (RFE).
- A valid passport and photos meeting U.S. visa standards
- Diplomas, vocational certificates, and verification of work experience (notarized translations)
- Civil documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record checks — used for the DS-260 consular processing step
- Employer side: PERM file (ETA-9089), job offer letter, proof of ability to pay
- Medical exam at a designated facility before the interview
EB-3 costs and processing time
EB-3 costs comprise several separate items: filing fees to U.S. agencies, the employer’s recruitment and PERM costs, medical exam fees, translation, and service fees. The I-140 filing fee is currently $715 USD; if you choose Premium Processing, it is $2,805 USD for a result within 15 business days — the official fees per the fee schedule of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
As for timing, the case moves through PERM (Department of Labor), I-140 (USCIS), then waits for the Priority Date based on the Visa Bulletin. EB-3 for Vietnam is counted under the “Rest of World” group; the Priority Date moves month by month and may retrogress. M2W estimates a specific roadmap after reviewing your case — see details on the pricing page and follow the EB-3 Visa Bulletin.
Comparing EB-3 with EB-2 NIW and H-1B
The three most popular pathways for skilled workers heading to the USA. EB-3 is the category M2W focuses on because it suits the majority of Vietnamese workers and grants a Green Card directly.
| EB-3Chủ lực | EB-2 NIW | H-1B | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration outcome | Direct Green Card | Direct Green Card | Visa lao động tạm |
| Employer sponsorship | Bắt buộc | Không cần (tự nộp) | Bắt buộc |
| PERM labor certification | Cần | Miễn | — Not applicable |
| Qualification requirements | Depends on the subcategory (there is an unskilled category) | Master's / bachelor's + 5 years of experience | Bachelor's degree minimum |
| Cap-based selection | Không | Không | Có · cap 85.000/năm |
| Pathway to a Green Card | Direct | Direct | Must switch to EB-1/EB-2 |
| Best suited for | Skilled Tradespeople & Qualified Workers | Professionals with exceptional ability | Professionals with a Job Offer |
Frequently asked questions about USA EB-3
How does the US EB-3 differ from EB-2 NIW?
EB-3 requires a U.S. employer to sponsor you and obtain PERM Labor Certification; the EB-2 NIW is for those with exceptional ability, who can self-petition and are PERM-exempt. M2W specialists advise on the right category after reviewing your profile.
I don't have a university degree; can I apply for US EB-3?
Yes. EB-3 has the Skilled Workers group (occupations requiring 2+ years of experience or training) and the Other Workers group (semi-skilled labor), neither of which requires a university degree.
Does the U.S. EB-3 require IELTS?
No. The EB-3 category does not require an IELTS certificate or a minimum English score. However, some job positions and the consular interview still call for basic communication skills.
How long does an EB-3 case take?
The application goes through PERM, I-140, then waits for the Priority Date per the Visa Bulletin. The total time depends on the quota and may change; M2W estimates a specific pathway based on your actual profile.
Can the whole family come along?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are granted accompanying immigrant visas and receive Green Cards. After 5 years of permanent residence, the whole family is eligible to apply for naturalization.
About how much does the U.S. EB-3 cost?
Chi phí gồm phí nộp đơn cho cơ quan Hoa Kỳ, chi phí PERM phía nhà tuyển dụng và phí dịch vụ. Xem cấu trúc chi phí ở bảng giá or use estimation tool chi phí; chuyên viên báo con số cụ thể sau khi xem hồ sơ.
Ready to check your EB-3 profile?
EB-3 is the most realistic USA immigration pathway for skilled Vietnamese workers: no IELTS, no investment required, a Green Card for the whole family. The first step is knowing which subgroup you fall into and how strong your chances are.
