Live and work in the U.S. with a direct route to permanent residence and citizenship
The United States is one of the largest and most influential countries in the world, spanning 50 states across North America. It remains a global leader in economic output, technological innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.
With the world’s largest economy and a GDP exceeding USD 20 trillion, the U.S. represents the single biggest consumer market globally. Its advanced financial system, strong rule of law, and deep labour market continue to attract international professionals, investors, and families seeking opportunity and stability.
Often described as a place where ambition is rewarded, the U.S. offers diverse career paths, world-class institutions, and a multicultural society shaped by generations of immigrants.
The EB-3 Visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that grants permanent resident status (a Green Card) to qualifying foreign nationals. It forms part of the U.S. employment-based immigration framework and is classified as the third preference category.
Unlike traditional “citizenship or residency by investment” schemes, the EB-3 route does not require applicants to invest capital into property, businesses, or funds. Instead, eligibility is based on securing a verified, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a U.S. employer.
The programme is open to applicants in three recognised categories:
Skilled workers – Individuals with at least two years of relevant training or work experience
Professionals – Applicants whose roles require formal qualifications, degrees, or professional credentials
Other (unskilled) workers – Individuals capable of performing permanent roles where there is a shortage of available U.S. workers
Although often grouped with residency-by-investment programmes, the EB-3 Visa operates on a fixed-cost, employment-driven model rather than a capital investment structure.
Applicants pay a programme fee of USD 45,000 for the main applicant. This covers job placement, immigration processing, and U.S. government filing fees. Eligible dependants may be added at a cost of USD 3,000 per person.
Family members who may be included are:
A legally married spouse
Unmarried children under the age of 21
If an application does not proceed to completion, all fees—excluding administrative processing costs—are refundable, providing financial clarity and protection for applicants.
Successful EB-3 applicants are granted a U.S. Green Card, conferring permanent resident status. This allows holders to live and work anywhere in the United States without geographic or employer-based restrictions after initial conditions are met.
Green Card holders may freely travel in and out of the U.S., relocate between states, and pursue employment opportunities with minimal limitation. Immediate family members approved under the same application receive identical residency rights.
Compared with other U.S. immigration options, the EB-3 route has relatively accessible eligibility requirements, as applicants do not need to demonstrate high net worth or make large financial investments. The Green Card is issued with a 10-year validity and can be renewed indefinitely, ultimately enabling eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
To qualify for the EB-3 Programme, applicants must:
Be a citizen of a country eligible for U.S. immigration
Hold a valid job offer from a sponsoring U.S. employer
Meet the education or experience requirements for the offered role
Successfully pass medical examinations and background checks
Yes. Applicants may include their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. Each additional family member is subject to a fee of USD 3,000.
The EB-3 Visa does not grant citizenship immediately. However, it provides a clear pathway to citizenship through naturalisation. Applicants may apply for U.S. citizenship once they:
Are at least 18 years old, and
Have held permanent resident status for a minimum of five years
Both visas lead to permanent U.S. residency, but they operate differently:
EB-5 Visa: Requires a substantial qualifying investment and job creation
EB-3 Visa: Is employment-based and does not require capital investment
The EB-3 option is often preferred by applicants seeking residency through work rather than financial investment.
