EB-3 Unskilled Worker (EW-3) Immigration Program

United States Employer-Sponsored Immigration

Program Introduction

The U.S. EB-3 Employer-Sponsored Immigration program categorizes applicants into three groups: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers). The unskilled worker category is abbreviated as EW-3.

The EW-3 program has no requirements regarding education, English proficiency, or assets. As long as any qualified U.S. employer provides a long-term job offer, files a Labor Certification (PERM), and submits the immigration petition, the applicant can obtain a U.S. Green Card upon approval of all steps. These positions must demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role, and the work cannot be of a temporary or seasonal nature.

Application Conditions

1. Age over 18;
2. Good health and no criminal record;
3. Ability to perform unskilled labor;
4. Must apply for a Labor Certification and have a permanent, full-time job offer;
5. The sponsoring employer must prove that the position cannot be filled by a suitable U.S. worker;
6. The work cannot be temporary or seasonal;
7. Commitment that after entering the U.S., the principal applicant will work for the sponsoring employer for at least 1 year.

Application Process

1. Review of applicant's documents;
2. Match with a sponsoring employer;
3. Employer submits the Labor Certification application and receives the Priority Date;
4. Labor Certification is approved;
5. File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker);
6. USCIS approval; wait for the visa backlog (priority date to become current);
7. Wait for notification from the National Visa Center (NVC);
8. Medical examination and interview;
9. Approval; enter the U.S. within 180 days.

Processing Time

Approximately 9 months.

Derivative Family Members

Spouse of the principal applicant and unmarried children under 21 years of age.

Visa Backlog (Priority Date) Situation

If the applicant is currently outside the United States, they only need to check the "Other Worker" column in Table A of the Visa Bulletin; there is no need to check Table B. The backlog is updated monthly; the latest dates can be found in articles regarding U.S. employment-based visa bulletins.

Fees

Document Checklist

I. Required Documents for Initial Filing

1. Copy of National ID Card (both sides);
2. Copy of valid Passport;
3. Copy of Household Registration (all pages of the applicant's household register must be copied, including the page of the head of household);
4. Principal applicant's Medical Examination Report (bilingual Chinese-English version).

II. Required Documents After I-140 Approval

1. Copy of Household Registration (all pages of the applicant's household register must be copied, including the page of the head of household);
2. Marriage Certificate / Single Status Certificate;
3. Birth Certificates for the entire family.

III. Documents to Bring to the Interview

1. 2 U.S. Visa photos;
2. Original Passport (valid for at least 6 months);
3. Marriage Certificate / Single Status Certificate;
4. Birth Certificates for the entire family;
5. Certificate of No Criminal Record;
6. Family photo.