1) Skilled Workers with at Least 2 Years of Experience
- An award that is not necessarily well known domestically or internationally but demonstrates the applicant's excellence.
EB-3 U.S. Unskilled Employment Immigration
No special education or skills are required. EB-3 unskilled employment-based immigration (EB-3EW) is a U.S. permanent residency program open to everyone, and in fact the most popular and proven immigration path chosen by applicants in Korea. Under an employer's sponsorship, you can work legally in the United States and obtain permanent residency, and with steady preparation within the annual quota, anyone can turn a new life in America into reality.
U.S. Employment Immigration (EB-3)
The U.S. third preference employment-based immigrant category (EB-3) is for skilled workers with at least 2 years of experience, professionals with a bachelor's degree, and unskilled workers with less than 2 years of experience in fields where it is difficult to hire workers in the United States. EB-3 is allocated 42,900 visas annually, while the unskilled worker category is limited to 5,000 visas per year.
In particular, EB-3 unskilled employment immigration, often called EB-3EW, is relatively accessible because anyone may apply without special restrictions, making it one of the most common paths for Korean applicants to obtain U.S. permanent residence. Depending on the case, children may turn 21 during the long processing period and become unable to receive accompanying visas, so it is recommended to check processing times carefully before applying.
Eligibility
2) Professionals with a Bachelor's Degree
- A degree received in the United States or outside the United States may qualify, but education or experience cannot substitute for the degree. The applicant must prove that the degree is required for the offered occupation.
3) Unskilled Workers with Less Than 2 Years of Experience in Fields Where Hiring Is Difficult in the U.S.
- Applicants age 21 or older may apply regardless of education or experience if they have secured an employer.
Major Steps for EB-3 Unskilled Employment Immigration
Step 1: Labor Certification (LC)
- As the first step in employment-based immigration, the employer places recruitment advertisements in local newspapers to show recruitment efforts. If the employer cannot secure enough workers despite those efforts, the employer applies to the U.S. Department of Labor to hire foreign workers. The Department of Labor makes the final decision and issues approval. After filing labor certification, approval is granted if there are no issues.
- In some cases, an Audit or request for additional documents may be issued after filing labor certification. If the requested additional documents are properly organized and submitted, labor certification can usually be approved without major issues.
Step 2: Immigrant Petition Filing and Approval (I-140)
- After labor certification is approved, the immigrant petition is filed with USCIS together with the approved labor certification. Processing time may vary depending on whether premium processing service (PPS) or regular processing is used, but approval can be granted if there are no issues.
Step 3: Transfer to NVC (National Visa Center)
- Once the I-140 is approved, the applicant's documents are transferred to the NVC and a Visa Fee request letter is issued. After receiving the letter, the Visa Fee must be paid before the process can continue.
Step 4: Submit Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260)
- After paying the Visa Fee, the applicant receives a request from the NVC to complete DS-260.
Step 5: Interview
- After DS-260 is submitted, if there are no issues, the case is transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Korea and an interview request letter is issued. After scheduling and attending the interview, the immigrant visa is typically issued the next day if there are no issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EB-3 employment-based immigration?
EB-3 is the third-preference employment category based on a job offer from a U.S. employer, divided into skilled workers, professionals, and other (unskilled) workers. Its relatively low education and experience requirements make it the most accessible employment-based path.
Can unskilled (EW) workers get a green card?
Yes. Positions requiring less than two years of training or experience still qualify for a green card. However, the unskilled category typically has longer visa bulletin waits than skilled positions, so timeline planning matters.
How does the EB-3 process work?
The process runs: employer labor certification (PERM) → I-140 immigrant petition → immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy (or adjustment of status via I-485 in the U.S.). Each stage’s duration depends on visa availability and processing backlogs.
Can my family immigrate with me?
Yes. The principal applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive derivative green cards, and a child’s age may be protected under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
Why does the sponsoring employer matter so much?
The employer must maintain financial ability and intent to hire until the green card is approved. DaeYang works with vetted U.S. worksites with proven sponsorship track records to reduce the risk of a case falling through.
