EB-3 — Skilled / professional worker immigration lawyers
About the EB-3 category
EB-3 is the employment third-preference green card for skilled workers (jobs requiring at least two years of training or experience), professionals (jobs requiring a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent), and other workers (positions requiring less than two years of training). Most EB-3 cases require a U.S. employer and PERM labor certification before the I-140 petition is filed, and then a wait for a current priority date that varies by sub-category and country of birth. EB-3 is often the right route for workers who do not meet the EB-2 advanced-degree threshold, and in some periods the EB-3 waiting line moves differently from EB-2 — so comparing the two carefully is part of the strategy.
Who the EB-3 category is for
- You are a skilled worker, a degreed professional, or another worker.
- Most cases need a U.S. employer and PERM labor certification.
- Often the right route if you don't meet the EB-2 threshold.
How the process works
How an employment case unfolds depends on the category. Many EB-2 and EB-3 cases begin with PERM labor certification, in which the employer tests the U.S. labor market before filing an I-140 petition. EB-1 and EB-2 National Interest Waiver cases skip PERM and go straight to the I-140 on the strength of the worker's achievements. After the I-140, capped categories wait for a current priority date, and the case finishes with adjustment of status in the U.S. or consular processing abroad. Temporary work visas such as the H-1B follow their own track — a Labor Condition Application, a USCIS petition, and, where relevant, the annual cap and registration process.
Common EB-3 pitfalls
A handful of avoidable problems account for most setbacks in these cases — nearly all of them easier to fix before filing than after:
- Not comparing EB-3 vs EB-2 movement, which can differ by period and country.
- PERM and prevailing-wage errors.
- Job-change disruption without a transfer plan.
Related employment options
Not sure the EB-3 is the right fit? These related routes are worth comparing:
- All employment immigration lawyers
- EB-1A — Extraordinary ability
- EB-1B — Outstanding researcher
- EB-1C — Multinational executive
- EB-2 — Advanced degree / exceptional ability
How an immigration lawyer helps with a EB-3 case
An employment immigration lawyer maps the strongest route for your qualifications, coordinates with your employer on the petition and any PERM labor certification, assembles the evidence USCIS expects, and answers requests for evidence persuasively. With annual caps, priority dates and status gaps all in play, getting the strategy right at the very start can save many months of delay.
Choosing the right immigration lawyer
The right lawyer for EB-3 cases is one who has done the work before, communicates in your language, and is honest about timelines and costs. Browsing the profiles above, pay attention to how each attorney describes their practice, what clients say in their reviews, and whether their consultation pricing is clear. Shortlisting a few practices and speaking with each one is the most reliable way to find someone you trust with a case this important.
What to expect from a consultation
A consultation is where a vague worry becomes a concrete plan. In a typical first meeting the lawyer reviews your situation, tells you honestly whether and how you qualify, outlines the likely steps and a realistic timeline, flags any risks — such as prior immigration history or admissibility issues — and explains what the case will cost. You should leave knowing your options and your next move. Most immigration lawyers on Immigrantio offer a video or phone consultation, so you can get that clarity without travelling.
Why use Immigrantio
On Immigrantio you can compare verified U.S. immigration lawyers who handle EB-3 cases side by side. Each profile shows the attorney's experience and practice focus, the languages they speak, honest reviews from past clients and transparent consultation pricing — everything you need to build a shortlist and reach out with confidence rather than picking a name from a search results page. Every listing is Bar-verified, and you work with the lawyer directly.
Browse the profiles above, book a consultation, and get clear answers about your eligibility, the likely timeline and the documents you will need to prepare. The sooner you have a plan, the more options you usually have.











