U.S. Employer-Sponsored Work Visas
EB-3 Skilled Worker immigrant visa and H-2B temporary non-agricultural visa
The United States offers two principal employer-sponsored routes for skilled tradespeople. The EB-3 category (Skilled Worker / Other Worker) is a permanent immigrant visa that requires a U.S. employer to complete PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor before filing Form I-140. The H-2B program covers temporary, seasonal non-agricultural work and is subject to an annual statutory cap. Both routes require a sponsoring employer; workers cannot self-petition. Licensed U.S. immigration attorneys handle all petitions. EB-3 timelines are long and vary significantly by source country due to per-country immigrant visa limits and published priority dates.
Step-by-Step Process
Employer Files Labor Certification
For EB-3, the U.S. employer completes PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor, demonstrating no qualified U.S. worker is available. For H-2B, the employer files a temporary labor certification tied to a one-time, seasonal, or peak-load need.
Immigrant or Nonimmigrant Petition
A licensed immigration partner files Form I-140 (EB-3) or Form I-129 (H-2B) with USCIS. The H-2B cap is reached quickly each half-year; EB-3 establishes a priority date that governs the wait.
Visa Availability & Consular Processing
EB-3 applicants wait for their priority date to become current under the monthly Visa Bulletin, then apply for an immigrant visa at the U.S. embassy. H-2B workers apply for the nonimmigrant visa once the petition is approved.
Visa Interview & Entry
The candidate attends a consular interview, provides biometrics, and on approval enters the U.S. EB-3 grants lawful permanent residence (a Green Card); H-2B authorizes temporary stay limited to the certified period, with possible extensions.
Documentation Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an EB-3 visa really take?
It can be long and varies widely. After PERM and I-140 approval, applicants wait for their priority date to become current under the monthly Visa Bulletin. Depending on the source country and per-country limits, total timelines commonly run from around 18 months to 4 years or more. We never guarantee a date or an outcome.
What is the difference between EB-3 and H-2B?
EB-3 is a permanent immigrant visa leading to a Green Card and is suited to long-term roles. H-2B is a temporary, seasonal non-agricultural visa with an annual cap, suited to peak-load or one-time needs. The right route depends entirely on the employer's position.
Do workers pay any fees?
No. Workers placed through WorkersFromAsia never pay recruitment fees. Statutory U.S. petition and processing costs are the employer's responsibility, handled through licensed immigration partners.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is general guidance only. U.S. immigration rules, caps, and priority dates change frequently. All petitions are prepared and filed by licensed U.S. immigration attorneys, and individual eligibility must be assessed case by case.
Legal disclaimer: Immigration law changes frequently. The information on this page is general guidance and reflects the best available understanding at the time of writing. All placements via WorkersFromAsia are reviewed for current visa route eligibility before the job is published. Contact us if you have specific questions about a candidate's eligibility.