EB-3 for freelancers is a topic that requires special attention, since many Vietnamese freelance workers (tradespeople, service providers, small business owners) want to immigrate, but the EB-3 category requires a sponsoring employer. This article analyzes EB-3 for freelancers and how to get past this key obstacle.
EB-3 for Freelancers: The Key Obstacle of Needing an Employer
The EB-3 category is based on employment sponsorship. This means the applicant cannot file on their own behalf; a US employer must sponsor them and commit to hiring them.
For freelancers, this is a major difference from how they currently work. They need to find a job with a sponsoring employer, instead of continuing the freelance model as in Vietnam.
Leveraging Freelance Skills
The good news is that skills built up from freelancing still have value. A skilled tradesperson who has freelanced for many years may have enough experience for a corresponding sponsored job in the skilled worker subcategory.
The challenge is proving experience. Freelancers often lack formal documents such as contracts or pay stubs. So they need to gather alternative evidence: client confirmations, business documents, and records of work performed.
A Path Forward for Freelancers
The practical step is to identify which jobs your skills correspond to among those with sponsorship demand in the US, then prepare evidence of experience for that job.
You should refer to official information on the EB-3 category and keep all evidence of your work history. Professional consultation helps assess which sponsored position your freelance skills best match.
Summary
EB-3 for freelancers hinges on needing a sponsoring employer, unlike the current freelance model. Your professional skills still have value, but experience must be proven with alternative evidence. You should identify a suitable job and gather documentation proving your work history.
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References
- USCIS — Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3
- U.S. Department of Labor — PERM: https://flag.dol.gov/programs/perm
Read more: Overview of the EB-3 visa for US immigration · EB-3 Chef: An Immigration Opportunity Through Culinary Skills
