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For foreign workers, the EB-3 employment-based visa is still one of the most easily accessible routes to a U.S. green card. But especially in competitive job market like Los Angeles, CA, knowing the most recent EB-3 visa criteria is vital given shifting immigration rules and rising demand. Many candidates wonder whether obtaining an EB-3 green card is difficult. Although the procedure is difficult, appropriate planning and legal advice greatly increase chances of approval.
In this 2025 updated guide, we cover:
✔ What the EB-3 visa is and its three subcategories
✔ Detailed EB-3 visa requirements (including 2025 changes)
✔ Step-by-step application process from PERM to green card
✔ Latest USCIS updates on processing times and quotas
✔ Common reasons for denial and how to avoid them
✔ Why hiring an immigration lawyer gives you the best chance
✔ Next steps to start your EB-3 journey
Let’s break it all down.
What Is the EB-3 Visa?
An employment-based third-preference immigrant visa category, the EB-3 visa comprises:
- Skilled Workers: Those having at least two years of employment experience or training—e.g., cooks, paralegals, IT professionals.
- Workers with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or international equivalent—e.g., accountants, engineers.
- Those doing unskilled jobs needing less than two years of experience—e.g., cleaners, factory workers—are called other workers.
Unlike temporary visas (H-1B, L-1), the EB-3 visa offers permanent residency (green card status), therefore perfect for long-term U.S. stay.
EB-3 vs. EB-2 Visa: Key Differences
Feature | EB-3 Visa | EB-2 Visa |
Education/Experience | Bachelor’s OR 2+ years experience | Master’s degree OR exceptional ability |
Processing Time | Longer (due to higher demand) | Faster (fewer applicants) |
Labor Certification | PERM required | PERM required (except NIW) |
Visa Availability | More backlogged (especially for “Other Workers”) | Less congested |
EB-3 Visa Requirements for 2025
To qualify for the EB-3 visa, you must meet these key 2025 requirements:
1. Valid Job Offer from a U.S. Employer
- Your company has to show no qualified American people are available for the position.
- The position has to be permanent, full-time rather than seasonal or temporary.
- Salary has to be DOL prevailing pay standard.
2. Approval of PERM Labor Certification
The Department of Labor (DOL) requires the employer to submit ETA Form 9089.
Steps in the hiring process:
- Advertising positions in two or more Sunday newspapers (or trade publications).
- Listing the position on the state workforce agency site.
- Conducting genuine interviews with U.S. applicants.
- Processing time: 6 to 12 months (more if audited).
3. Knowledge & Background Evidence
- Skilled Workers: Training certificates, employment letters, or diplomas.
- Professionals: Degree assessment (if foreign-educated).
- Other Workers: Proof of fundamental qualifications plus job offer.
4. Priority Date & Visa Bulletin
- Your priority date locks your position in line.
- Look for cutoff dates in the monthly Visa Bulletin.
- EB-3 Current Waiting Times (2025): Worldwide: ~2 years
- India, China, and the Philippines: 5+ years (retrogression)
5. Background Checks & Medical Exam
- USCIS-approved physician’s medical exam (Form I-693).
- No fraud, visa overstays, or criminal history.
Is an EB-3 Green Card Hard to Get?
While the EB-3 visa is easier to qualify for than EB-1 or EB-2, challenges include:
✅ PERM Labor Certification denials (30% of cases face audits or rejections).
✅ Long processing times (1.5–3+ years for most applicants).
✅ Limited visas for “Other Workers” (only 10,000/year, with long backlogs).
✅ Employer compliance issues (must prove recruitment efforts were legitimate).
However, with strong legal preparation, many applicants in Los Angeles and all over the US successfully secure their EB-3 green card.
Latest EB-3 Visa Updates (2025)
- USCIS Fee Increases (Effective April 2025)
- I-140 Petition: $700→$825
- I-485 Adjustment: $1,225→$1,440
- Premium Processing Expansion
- Now available for I-140 petitions (15-day processing for $2,500).
- Visa Bulletin Retrogression
- EB-3 dates for India, China, and Mexico moved backward in Q1 2025.
- DOL Wage Updates
- Prevailing wages for EB-3 jobs increased by 5-10% in high-cost cities (LA, NYC).
Common Reasons for EB-3 Visa Denials
- PERM Recruitment Failures
- Inadequate job ads or failure to interview U.S. applicants.
- Incorrect Prevailing Wage
- Underpaying the foreign worker leads to automatic denial.
- Missing Documentation
- Untranslated diplomas, expired job offers, or incomplete forms.
- Criminal or Immigration Violations
- Past deportations, visa overstays, or fraud findings.
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer for Your EB-3 Visa?
Navigating EB-3 visa requirements alone is risky. Aftalion Law Group provides:
✔ PERM Compliance Review – Ensuring your employer’s recruitment meets DOL standards.
✔ Strong I-140 Petition – Maximizing approval chances with detailed evidence.
✔ RFE & Denial Appeals – Fixing errors if USCIS requests more evidence.
✔ Visa Bulletin Strategy – Tracking priority dates for timely filing.
✔ Employer Negotiation – Advising on job descriptions and wage requirements.
Without a lawyer, minor mistakes can lead to rejections or multi-year delays.
Take the Next Step Toward Your EB-3 Visa
If you’re in Los Angeles or New York and need help with EB-3 visa requirements, don’t leave your future to chance. Aftalion Law Group specializes in employment-based immigration and can streamline your application.
📞 Call us today for a consultation—your green card journey starts here!
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