Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3

Third preference petitions must generally be accompanied by an approved, individual labor certification from the Department of Labor on Form ETA-9089. In some cases, the petition may be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) with an uncertified ETA-9089 for consideration as Schedule A, Group I. For more information on Schedule A, Group I, read our policy in Volume 6, Part E, Chapter 7, of the USCIS Policy Manual.

Application Process

Your employer (petitioner) must file a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. As part of the application process, your employer must be able to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay the offered wage as of the priority date. Your employer may use an annual report, federal income tax return, or audited financial statement to demonstrate a continuing ability to pay your wage.
For more information on filing fees, see File My Application Online.

Family of EB-3 Visa Holders

If your I-140 petition is approved, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to apply for admission to the United States in E34 (spouse of a “skilled worker” or “professional”) or EW4 (spouse of an “other worker”). and E35 (child of a “skilled worker” or “professional”) or EW5 (child of an “other worker”).

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