Are you an F-1 student or on OPT and need a long-term solution to a U.S. Green Card? The EB-3 visa is a suitable option that gives foreign nationals, including students on F-1 and OPT status, a chance to gain permanent residence in the United States. If you need a safe and sure way of transitioning from your student visa to a green card, the EB-3 visa program could be perfect for you.
In this guide, we will share all there is about the EB-3 Visa process for F-1 / OPT applicants, from requirements to be qualified, to the application process, processing time, and maximum benefits. Are you ready to take your American dream one step higher? Scroll down and let us see what the EB-3 Visa is.
The EB-3 visa is an immigrant visa based on employment that allows foreign workers to become permanent US citizens (to obtain a green card). The EB-3 visa is classified into three categories:
- Professional Workers – Two or more years of training or experience are needed for the appointment.
- Professionals – Two or more years of college schooling or experience (American university bachelor’s degree).
- Other Workers (Unskilled Labor) – Employed for less than two years’ training or experience.
For OPT students, the EB-3 “Other Workers” category is one of the best avenues to permanent residency via employer sponsorship.
Why OPT Students Must Apply for the EB-3 Visa
- No H-1B Lottery Needed – Unlike the H-1B visa, the EB-3 visa does not require going into a lottery system.
- Permanent Residency Opportunity – EB-3 visa leads directly to a Green Card.
- Employer Sponsorship – Your employer sponsors your green card, an easy process for qualified employees.
- Long-Term Career Stability – No restriction on employer changes once you get your green card.
- Work Authorization – You can work legally as your status is being adjusted.
EB-3 Visa Requirements for F-1 / OPT Applicants
To qualify for the EB-3 “Other Workers” category, you must:
- To have a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you.
- To be physically in the U.S. in F-1 visa status or OPT status.
- To be qualified to work in an unskilled job (less than two years of training).
- To be able to perform the job offered by the employer.
- To have no serious immigration violations or criminal history.
Step-by-Step EB-3 Visa process for F-1 / OPT applicants.
The process to apply for an EB-3 visa through various steps with employer sponsorship includes the following steps:
Step 1: Have an Employer Who is Ready to Sponsor
- You require a permanent full-time job offer extended by a willing U.S. employer to apply for the EB-3 process.
- The title of your work should have the phrase “unskilled labor” under the EB-3 category “Other Workers.”
Step 2: PERM Labor Certification Process
Your employer will have to go through the PERM Labor Certification process to determine the truth of there not being any available U.S. workers for hire.
- The employer places an advertisement and hires.
- The business submits a labor certification application to the Department of Labor (DOL) if no U.S. workers are available.
Step 3: Submit Form I-140 (Alien Worker Immigrant Petition).
- Following confirmation of the PERM labor certification, your company submits Form I-140 to USCIS on your behalf.
- This will verify that your employer can afford to sponsor you and that you are qualified for the EB-3 visa.
Step 4: Consular processing or status adjustment (Form I-485)
Once the visa number is available, you can file an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) if you are already in the United States on OPT.
- You will be processed in a U.S. consulate or embassy under Consular Processing if you are not in the country.
- After your approval, you may be granted your Green Card.
EB-3 Visa Processing Time
An EB-3 visa processing time differs on different factors:
- PERM Labor Certification: 15 months
- I-140 Petition Processing: 10 months
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: 8-14 months
Typically, the whole process would be 36+ months from beginning to EB-3 permanent residence approval.
Cost of EB-3 Visa Process
There are some fees involved in the EB-3 visa process, typically paid for by the employer, including:
- PERM Labor Certification Charges – Employer pays
- Form I-140 Filing Fee – $1,315
- $2,805 for Premium Processing (Optional)
- Consular Processing Fees or Status Adjustment (I-485): $1,225 for status adjustment and $345 for consular processing
- Medical Exam & Miscellaneous Fees – $200-$500
Frequently Asked Questions About the EB-3 Visa for OPT Applicants
Q: Am I eligible to apply for an EB-3 visa on OPT?
Yes, if you have a sponsor-employer, you can begin the EB-3 process on OPT.
Q: Do I need to get an H-1B permit before utilizing EB-3?
Nay, you will not require an H-1B visa EB-3 visa is a non-lottery route to a green card.
Q: Is my OPT to expire before the approval of my EB-3?
You may be required to change to another status (if appropriate, i.e., to H-1B) or leave the U.S. and process through consular processing.
Q: Will my family members be eligible to get Green Cards on the basis of my EB-3 application?
Yes! Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years are also eligible for green cards as dependents.
Get Started with Your EB-3 Visa Process Today!
The EB-3 visa is one of the most secure means for F-1 / OPT students to obtain a U.S. Green Card. If you are searching for an employer to sponsor your EB-3, go to EB3.Work and view what opportunities are available and begin your application today!
Begin constructing your future in the U.S. by obtaining your employment sponsorship and beginning the EB-3 Visa process for F-1 / OPT applicants today!