Orange County is home to a booming economy made up of successful universities and corporations. To continue successful research initiatives and business operations, employers and agencies in the area look to fulfill their labor needs in the international market. An Orange County EB-3 visa lawyer from U.S. Law Center can help you permanently bring on exceptional talent to your organization or business through the EB-3 visa program.
At U.S. Law Center, our immigration law firm is committed to strengthening Orange County and surrounding areas by supporting individuals and agencies with solving immigration challenges. Whether you are an individual seeking to secure an employment-based green card or a corporation interested in strengthening and diversifying your workforce, a dedicated immigration lawyer from our firm can help you understand how the EB-3 visa program may benefit you.
An EB-3 visa is a type of immigrant visa made for skilled workers, professionals, and other types of unskilled workers. All EB-3 visa categories require a permanent full-time job offer and a labor certification from the US Department of Labor (DoL). Therefore, the EB-3 visa application process can be lengthy and complex, involving multiple US government agencies and various application steps.
The three categories for EB-3 visas are skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers or other workers. Individuals who are eligible for the skilled workers category must be able to show that they have a minimum of two years of education, job experience, or training, meeting the requirements listed on the labor certification.
Individuals who qualify for the professionals category of the EB-3 visa must have a US bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent and meet any other specifications listed on the labor certification. Finally, the unskilled jobs category is for workers who will occupy positions requiring less than two years of experience or training.
A permanent labor certification (PERM) from the DoL demonstrates there are no US workers who are qualified and available to work a specific job. It also requires that bringing on a foreign worker to perform the job duties will not negatively impact the working conditions and wages of US workers in similar positions.
To obtain a certified labor certification, an employer must show that they have carried out a comprehensive recruitment process to look for qualified and available US workers to fill the position before looking abroad for hiring. The recruitment process can be proven through documentation showing that methods such as radio ads, online job postings, and other human resource recruitment efforts were carried out diligently.
In addition to demonstrating a thorough recruitment process, the employer will need to get a prevailing wage determination from the DoL, which will determine the minimum wage that can be offered to the foreign worker for performing the given job duties. Obtaining the PERM labor certification is a crucial step in the EB-3 visa application process.
By working with an experienced and knowledgeable EB-3 visa lawyer, you can optimize your chances of having a positive outcome and streamline the application process. An experienced lawyer can assist companies with acquiring the PERM labor certification from the DoL, which can be a lengthy and complex process.
By communicating with involved stakeholders, such as the DoL and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an experienced immigration lawyer can ensure the correct processing of your application and work to proactively address any issues or requests for additional evidence as they arise. They can save precious time and resources by ensuring that your application is correctly submitted.
A: Due to the complex nature of the EB-3 visa application process, including specific requirements like the PERM labor certification from the DoL, it can be difficult to successfully obtain this visa. However, by ensuring that all requirements are met prior to applying and submitting a comprehensive application with adequate supporting documents, applicants can increase their chances of a successful case outcome.
A: The wait time for an EB-3 visa varies dramatically based on the details associated with each case. Factors that can significantly impact the wait time for an EB-3 visa include the current priority date backlog, the nationality of the applicant, and other contributing factors. In Orange County, it’s important to work with an experienced immigration lawyer to discuss the details of your case. They can provide you with a more precise estimate of your wait time.
A: Yes, as the EB-3 visa is an immigrant visa, individuals who have had their application approved can initiate processes to obtain their permanent residence card or green card. Individuals already located inside the US can apply for an Adjustment of Status, while applicants located outside of the US will need to go through consular processing to get their green card. Many other employment-based visas are nonimmigrant, meaning they provide no pathway to permanent residency.
A: The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of EB-3 visa holders can come to the US to live as permanent residents. The immediate family members will get E-34 or EW-4 derivative visas and will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency. An experienced EB-3 visa lawyer can analyze the details of your case, consider the needs of your immediate family, and work to design and implement an immigration solution that accounts for everyone.
Whether you are an organization looking to hire skilled labor from abroad or a professional attempting to advance your career in Orange County, a dedicated EB-3 visa lawyer from U.S. Law Center is here to assist you with achieving your goals. With combined decades of experience, our dedicated team is here to support your immigration process, ensuring that your application is convincing, correct, and complete. Contact us today to get started.