Is It Still Worth Applying for the EB-3 Visa?
- Murtaz Navsariwala
- Oct 31
- 4 min read
The EB-3 visa remains one of the main immigration paths for foreigners who dream of living and working legally in the United States.However, with the current economic landscape, changes in labor demand, and shifting immigration policies, it’s natural to ask:Is it still worth applying for the EB-3 in 2025?
In this article, you’ll learn how this visa works, what has changed in recent years, and what truly matters before applying.
Table of Content
What Is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) visa is a U.S. employment-based green card category designed for foreign nationals who have received a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer.
It’s divided into three subcategories:
EB-3 Skilled Worker:For people with at least two years of job experience or training in their field. This category includes trades such as welders, electricians, chefs, technicians, and supervisors.
EB-3 Professional:For applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and are seeking positions that require that level of education.
EB-3 Other Worker (Unskilled):For jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience, such as hospitality, janitorial, food service, manufacturing, or construction roles.This category remains in high demand due to labor shortages in essential sectors of the U.S. economy.
The EB-3 Landscape in 2025
In 2025, the EB-3 program remains a viable immigration route, but the environment is increasingly competitive.Processing times depend on the applicant’s country of birth and whether the case falls under the Skilled or Unskilledcategory.
According to the Visa Bulletin, certain countries - such as India and China - are experiencing longer backlogs, while Latin American, European, and African countries generally have shorter waits and, in some cases, current priority dates.
The U.S. continues to face labor shortages in construction, hospitality, health care, and manufacturing, which keeps the EB-3 visa relevant for qualified applicants seeking legitimate employment opportunities.
Advantages and Challenges of the EB-3 Visa
The EB-3 offers a direct path to permanent residency, allowing applicants and their immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) to live and work legally in the U.S.
Key advantages include:
No financial investment required in comparison with other visas - you need a genuine job offer from a U.S. employer.
Available to both professionals and workers without a university degree.
Provides long-term stability and access to education, employment, and residency benefits.
However, there are challenges to consider:
Applicants must have a legitimate employer (sponsor) authorized to hire foreign workers through the PERM Labor Certification process.
Processing times may vary from several months to years, depending on the applicant’s country and category.
Beware of fraudulent job offers - false sponsorships can jeopardize your entire immigration case.
That’s why working with a licensed immigration attorney is essential to ensure the position is real, the paperwork is legitimate, and the process complies with U.S. law.
The Importance of a Legitimate Sponsor
A sponsor is the U.S. employer who offers you the job and supports your EB-3 process.Having a real, authorized employer makes all the difference.
A legitimate sponsor:
Is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to hire foreign workers.
Offers a genuine, full-time, and permanent position.
Ensures that all filings - including the PERM Labor Certification and I-140 petition - are submitted correctly and legally.
Partnering with a trusted immigration law firm helps confirm the authenticity of your sponsor and increases your chances of success.
Also read: What Is the Visa Backlog in the U.S.?
So, Is It Still Worth Applying for the EB-3?
Yes - as long as the process is done correctly and with a legitimate sponsor.The EB-3 remains one of the most accessible and reliable ways to obtain a U.S. green card, particularly for those seeking long-term stability and career growth in the United States.
If your profile matches a real employment opportunity and you have proper legal guidance, the EB-3 continues to be a solid pathway to building your future in the U.S.
Want to find out if you qualify?
Contact our team today for a free evaluation of your case.We’ll help you understand your options and choose the safest route toward your green card.
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.