Understanding the EB-3 Visa for International Students

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Why Do International Students Stress About Their Work Options After Graduation?

Many international students start stressing about their work options much earlier than their American-born counterparts. The common belief is that, to stay in the United States after graduation, international students must be sponsored for a job, either through OPT (Optional Practical Training) or the H1B program. This leads most students to focus their plans on this path.

However, there are alternatives for international students who decide that the U.S. is where they want to stay long term after moving here.

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Traditional Path: OPT to H1B to Immigrant Visa Petition

While the traditional path is OPT to H1B to an immigrant visa petition, this isn’t the only option for F1 visa holders.

The EB-3 Visa Option

The EB-3 visa is an immigrant visa process that provides a green card to the applicant and their dependents. Traditionally, the EB-3 visa was mainly pursued by foreign nationals living outside the United States. Now, more and more applicants are adjusting their status from an F1 visa to the EB-3 visa while staying in the U.S. during the entire process.

Even H1B, L1, H4, and F2 holders are exploring this path.

By applying for the EB-3 visa while staying in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa, the applicant can maintain their non-immigrant status while processing their immigrant visa petition. The adjustment of status process for those in the U.S. is generally quicker than Consular Processing from outside the country.

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What is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa that is split into two categories: skilled and unskilled.

Skilled EB-3 Visa

• Requirements: At least two years of job experience.
• Common Roles: Includes skilled roles experiencing labor shortages, such as nursing.

Unskilled EB-3 Visa

• Requirements: No experience or degree required.
• Common Roles: Includes unskilled roles experiencing labor shortages, such as restaurant work, janitorial services, packing, and manufacturing.

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Why is the EB-3 Visa Gaining Popularity?

The EB-3 visa program is rapidly gaining interest among international students because its path to a U.S. Green Card is clearer and more direct than other visa types.

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Share the Information!

If this is your first introduction to the EB-3 visa, share this blog with a friend or family member so they can learn about it too! The EB-3 visa is an excellent option for many individuals in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa, as well as for those living outside the U.S.

To learn more about this program, go here.