US Gov Job Offer & EB-3 Visa
Thinking about landing a sweet government gig in the US? That can be a great way to build a life here, and the good news is, an EB-3 visa can help you get there! This visa is for skilled workers, professionals, and other qualified individuals offered jobs by US employers. Let's break down what you need to know about the EB-3 and how it applies to government jobs.
The EB-3 Visa: Three Paths to US Citizenship
The EB-3 actually has three categories:
Skilled Workers: Need at least two years of training or experience for the position.
Professionals: Think jobs requiring a US bachelor's degree (or a foreign equivalent).
Other Workers: Roles that require less than two years of training or experience.
Qualifying for the EB-3 Visa: The Essentials
To snag this visa, you'll need to meet a few key requirements:
Labor Certification: Your government employer needs to get a thumbs up from the Department of Labor (DOL). This proves there are no qualified US workers available and that hiring you won't hurt US worker wages or conditions.
Job Offer in Hand: You gotta have a full-time job offer from a US employer, and in this case, that employer can be a US government agency!
Got the Skills? Make sure your education and work experience match the specific requirements for the category you're applying under (skilled worker, professional, or other worker).
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
PERM Labor Certification: First things first, your government agency needs to file the labor certification paperwork with the DOL.
Form I-140 (Petition for You): Once the certification is approved, the agency files this form with USCIS on your behalf.
Waiting Your Turn: After filing Form I-140, you get a "priority date." This basically puts you in line. You'll need to wait for your turn to come up based on the Visa Bulletin published by the US Department of State.
The Finish Line: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing:
Already in the US? If you're already legally in the US, you can apply to adjust your status to permanent resident by filing Form I-485.
Outside the US? If you're not in the US yet, you'll apply for the immigrant visa at a US consulate or embassy in your home country once your priority date arrives.
Bonus for Government Jobs
Having a job offer from a government agency can actually be a plus for your EB-3 application. Government agencies tend to be well-established with clear hiring needs, which can strengthen your case.
Public Interest Perks (Maybe)
In some situations, working for a government agency, especially in roles that serve the public good, might give you some benefits or waivers. However, this is more common with other visa categories like the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW).
The Bottom Line
If you have a job offer from a US government agency and meet the qualifications for your chosen EB-3 category, you can definitely move forward with the application process. Just make sure the agency is on board with handling the labor certification and immigrant petition steps. Considering consulting with an immigration attorney? They can give you personalized advice and help you navigate the sometimes-complex EB-3 visa process.