EB-3 skilled worker is the subcategory for skilled workers within the United States’ third employment-based preference. It suits people with a specific trade and at least two years of experience, but without a university degree. This article clarifies how this subcategory differs from the other two and who should choose it.
Correctly understanding the subcategory is the crucial first step, since it determines the application, the waiting time, and how to prove eligibility. Choosing the wrong subcategory can lead to the application being denied.
EB-3 skilled worker là gì
Theo U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a skilled worker is someone performing a job that requires at least two years of training or experience and is not temporary or seasonal. Candidates must also meet all education, training, or experience requirements set by the job.
One important point: post-secondary education can count toward the training requirement. This benefits people who have completed vocational training or hold professional certificates. However, candidates are still required to have a permanent job offer from a US employer.
Distinguishing the three subcategories within EB-3
This category consists of three subcategories with different requirements:
- Professionals: requires at least a US bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Education and experience cannot substitute for a degree in this subcategory.
- Skilled Workers: requires at least 2 years of training or experience and does not require a university degree.
- Other Workers: requires less than 2 years of training, has the lowest entry bar but the longest wait.
The key difference between the skilled worker and unskilled worker subcategories is the two-year threshold for experience or training. This is the most important dividing line when determining an application.
Occupations that typically fall under the skilled worker subcategory
Many occupations common among Vietnamese workers fall into this subcategory, provided they meet the experience requirement. Common examples include welders, electricians, machinists, cooks, and medical technicians. What these occupations have in common is that they all require significant time to learn or accumulate experience.
For Vietnamese who have spent many years in a specific trade, the skilled worker subcategory is usually a more sensible choice than the unskilled worker subcategory. The reason is that the quota for skilled workers is often less tight, leading to a shorter wait in many cases.
How to prove experience for this subcategory
Since the core requirement is experience, proving at least two years is a make-or-break element of the application. This usually requires a confirmation letter from previous employers, clearly stating the duration, job title, and job duties. The documents must be consistent and detailed enough.
This is where many applications run into trouble, especially for freelancers or those who worked somewhere that does not issue official confirmations. Preparing clear, honest evidence of experience early will make the application stronger when it is reviewed.
Summary
EB-3 skilled worker is the choice for people with a trade and at least two years of experience but no university degree. Compared with the unskilled worker subcategory, this subcategory usually has an advantage in waiting time. You should carefully match your actual experience against the job requirements and prepare supporting evidence from the very beginning.
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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 · Concurrent filing EB-3: Filing I-485 together with I-140
