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 · Immigration ConsultantA few weeks
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 receiveSuccess-probability report + personalised pathway + transparent contract.
- DOL · US Department of Labor≈ 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 approval → opens the priority date — your place in the queue.
- USCIS · Immigration Department5–14 months · 15 days if 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 approval → confirms sponsorship eligibility, retains the Priority Date.
- DOS · Visa BulletinQuota-dependent — could take many years
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 becomes “current” → the final step can proceed.
- NVC + US ConsulateVài 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 receiveThe EB-3 immigrant visa is granted to the whole family.
- Complete · US ImmigrationGreen Card within a few weeks
Arrive in the USA & receive your Green Card
The whole family enters the USA and officially becomes lawful permanent residents.
You receiveGreen Card — spouse and children under 21 settle together. Eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years.
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-3Mainstay | EB-2 NIW | H-1B | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration outcome | Direct Green Card | Direct Green Card | Temporary work visa |
| Employer sponsorship | Mandatory | Not required (self-filed) | Mandatory |
| PERM labor certification | Required | Exempt | — Not applicable |
| Qualification requirements | Depends on the subgroup (some are unskilled) | Master's / Bachelor's + 5 years' experience | Minimum bachelor's degree |
| Cap-based selection | Không | Không | Yes · cap of 85,000/year |
| Pathway to a Green Card | Direct | Direct | Must switch to EB-1/EB-2 |
| Best suited for | Skilled tradespeople & qualified workers | Professionals of exceptional ability | Professionals with a job offer |
Frequently asked questions about USA EB-3
How does US EB-3 differ from EB-2 NIW?
EB-3 requires sponsorship from a US employer and a PERM Labor Certification; EB-2 NIW is for individuals with outstanding ability, who can self-petition and are exempt from PERM. M2W consultants will advise on the suitable category after reviewing your profile.
I don't have a university degree — can I apply for EB-3 in the US?
Yes. EB-3 includes the Skilled Workers category (occupations requiring at least 2 years of experience or training) and the Other Workers category (unskilled labour), neither of which requires a university degree.
Does US 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 consular interviews still require basic communication ability.
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. Total time depends on quotas and may change; M2W estimates a specific timeline based on your actual case.
Can the whole family come along?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are issued an accompanying immigrant visa and receive a Green Card. After 5 years of permanent residence, the whole family becomes eligible to apply for naturalisation.
How much does the US EB-3 cost?
Costs include US government filing fees, PERM costs on the employer's side, and service fees. See the cost breakdown at price list or use cost estimation tool; the specialist will give you an exact figure after reviewing your file.
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.
