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United States · Work with a sponsor

Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3

Who it's for: Permanent residence for skilled workers, professionals and other workers with a permanent job offer.

Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.

Last checked 3 Nov 2026

Requirements at a glance

  • Job offer needed: Yes
  • Family can join: Yes
  • Can lead to permanent residence: Yes

What the official pages say

3 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.

  • Job offer neededYesOfficial wording
    “Labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer required.”
  • Family can joinYesOfficial wording
    “your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to apply with or after you for admission to the United States as lawful permanent residents based on your approval.”
  • Can lead to permanent residenceYesOfficial wording
    “may be eligible to apply with or after you for admission to the United States as lawful permanent residents based on your approval.”

We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Language; Age limit; Money to show; Main fee; Salary threshold; Decision time; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.

Other work with a sponsor routes in United States

All visa types in United States

Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.

United States visa types

Before you pay anyone

  • Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
  • UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
  • Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.
How to check an agent in your country