Whether EB-3 requires a degree is an important question for workers without a college degree, since it determines whether they have a chance at all. The answer depends on the specific subcategory. This article clearly explains the education requirements for each subcategory in this category.
Understanding this correctly helps you know which subcategory you fall into and what to prepare, especially if you do not have an advanced degree.
Does EB-3 require a degree, by subcategory
Theo U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this category has three subcategories with different requirements. The professional subcategory requires a bachelor’s degree. The skilled-worker subcategory requires experience or training. The unskilled-worker subcategory requires less training.
This means: not every subcategory requires a degree. The unskilled-worker subcategory is a place for people without a college degree. So the answer depends on which subcategory you are aiming for. People without a degree still have a path through the unskilled-worker subcategory.
The unskilled-worker subcategory does not require a degree
The unskilled-labor subcategory is for jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience. This is exactly the place for people without an advanced degree. Applicants are not required to have a college degree or in-depth trade skills.
This is good news for most Vietnamese workers without a college degree. However, in exchange, this subcategory usually has a longer wait due to a tight quota. So “no degree required” comes with a timeline trade-off that must be accepted.
The skilled-worker subcategory requires proof of experience
For people with a trade but no college degree, the skilled-worker subcategory is worth considering. This subcategory does not necessarily require a college degree, but does require proving sufficient experience or training for the trade, usually at least two years.
This is an advantage for Vietnamese skilled tradespeople who have worked in their trade for a long time. Proof usually comes in the form of experience confirmation letters and trade certificates, if available. The skilled-worker subcategory usually has an easier wait than the unskilled-labor subcategory, so if you have a trade, this direction is worth prioritizing.
Preparing according to your subcategory
Depending on which subcategory you are aiming for, you need to prepare differently. Those in the unskilled-labor subcategory should focus on securing a suitable job and meeting health and background requirements. Those in the skilled-worker subcategory need to carefully prepare proof of experience and certificates.
People with a college degree can consider the professional subcategory. Correctly identifying the right subcategory from the start helps you prepare in the right direction and choose a suitable job. What matters is matching your real qualifications to the subcategory’s requirements, rather than overstating your ability.
Summary
Whether EB-3 requires a degree depends on the subcategory: the professional subcategory requires a bachelor’s degree, the skilled-worker subcategory requires experience, and the unskilled-worker subcategory requires no degree. People without a degree still have a path through the unskilled-worker or skilled-worker subcategory. You should identify your correct subcategory and prepare the appropriate evidence.
— —
References
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3
Read more: Overview of the EB-3 visa for US immigration · Settling in the United States with young children: what you need to know
