Which state should you choose for EB-3 is a question many people ask, but the answer is more complicated than picking the “best” state. In reality, the state comes from where the sponsoring job is, not a free choice. This article guides you on how to think correctly about the geographic factor in this category.
Understanding this correctly helps you avoid the misconception that you can freely choose a state, while also knowing what to weigh when you have opportunities in different states.
Which State Should You Choose for EB-3, or Does the State Come From the Job
An important point to understand first: in this category, the state where you will live usually comes from the location of the sponsored job, not a free choice. Because the category is based on a specific job, the workplace determines the state.
Theo U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the job is tied to a specific location, where the prevailing wage is determined. So instead of choosing a state first and then finding a job, in reality it is usually the reverse: you live wherever the job opportunity is. Understanding this helps you ask the right questions.
When You Have Multiple Opportunities in Different States
If you have multiple opportunities in different states, weighing them against each other becomes useful. In that case, some factors worth comparing include cost of living, industry, climate and community.
Cost of living is a major factor, since purchasing power differs between an expensive state and a comfortable one for the same wage. Industry also matters: you should choose an opportunity that matches your trade. Comparing only makes sense when you genuinely have multiple choices, not when choosing a state in a vacuum.
Weighing Cost of Living and Purchasing Power
Cost of living is the single most important practical factor when comparing states. A wage in a high-cost state can be less comfortable than a lower wage in a state with a comfortable cost of living.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wages and costs vary significantly between regions. So when comparing, you should look at actual purchasing power, meaning the wage relative to the cost of living, rather than just the absolute wage figure. Some states that do not collect state income tax are also a financial factor worth considering.
Other Life Factors
Besides finances, other life factors are also worth considering if you have a choice. Climate varies between states, from warm to cold winters, affecting how easily you adjust. The presence of a Vietnamese community in some areas can make integration easier.
The quality of schools for your children, the living environment and long-term development opportunities are also factors. However, all of these are secondary to the core issue: a genuine job with a trustworthy employer. You should prioritize the quality of the opportunity first, and only then consider geographic factors.
Summary
Which state you should choose for EB-3 actually depends on where the sponsoring job is, since the state usually comes from the job location. When you have multiple choices, you should compare cost of living, purchasing power, industry and life factors. You should prioritize the quality of the opportunity and the employer first, then weigh geographic factors.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – https://www.bls.gov/
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – https://flag.dol.gov/
Read more: Overview of the EB-3 visa for US immigration · EB-3 Pennsylvania: Job Opportunities and Industries
