1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended entry into the United States. If you have family members applying with you, their passports must also meet this requirement. Ensure that your passport is in good condition and has enough blank pages for visas and entry stamps.

2. Job Offer Letter

A crucial document for the EB-3 visa application is the job offer letter from your U.S. employer. This letter should clearly state the job title, job description, salary, and terms of employment. It must demonstrate that the job offer is permanent and full-time. The letter should also include details about the company, such as its name, address, and contact information.

3. Approved Labor Certification (PERM)

Before filing the EB-3 petition, your employer must obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This process is known as the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system. The labor certification ensures that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers. The approved labor certification must be submitted with the Form I-140 petition.

4. Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers

Form I-140 is filed by your employer to classify you as an immigrant worker. This form establishes your eligibility for the EB-3 visa and provides information about the employer, job offer, and your qualifications. Along with Form I-140, your employer must submit evidence of the company’s ability to pay the offered wage, such as financial statements, tax returns, or annual reports.

5. Educational Documents

Depending on the EB-3 category you qualify for (skilled worker, professional, or other worker), you will need to provide relevant educational documents. These may include diplomas, degrees, transcripts, and certificates. For professionals, a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent is required. If your educational documents are in a foreign language, you must provide certified translations.

6. Evidence of Work Experience

For skilled workers, you need to provide evidence of at least two years of job experience, training, or education relevant to the job. This evidence can include letters from previous employers, detailing your job duties, duration of employment, and skills acquired. Make sure these letters are on company letterhead and include contact information for verification.

7. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A well-structured resume or CV is essential to showcase your qualifications, work experience, and skills. This document should provide a detailed overview of your professional background and highlight your suitability for the job. Include information such as your educational background, work experience, certifications, language skills, and any other relevant qualifications.

8. Medical Examination and Vaccination Records

As part of the EB-3 visa application process, you and your family members must undergo a medical examination conducted by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)-approved physician. The examination ensures that you do not have any medical conditions that would make you inadmissible to the United States. You must also provide vaccination records to show that you are up to date with required immunizations. The results of the medical examination are submitted to USCIS in a sealed envelope.

9. Police Clearance Certificates

To prove that you do not have a criminal background, you may need to obtain police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for more than six months since the age of 16. These certificates should be issued by the local police authority and indicate that you have no criminal record. If you have any prior arrests or convictions, you must provide court records and explain the circumstances surrounding each incident.

10. Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (if applying from within the U.S.)

If you are already in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, you can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident by filing Form I-485. This form is submitted to USCIS along with supporting documents, such as your passport, I-94 arrival/departure record, proof of legal entry, and evidence of your eligibility for the EB-3 visa.

11. Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (if applying from outside the U.S.)

If you are applying for an EB-3 visa from outside the United States, you must complete Form DS-260 online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). This form is used to collect biographical information and details about your eligibility. After submitting Form DS-260, you will receive a confirmation page that must be printed and brought to your visa interview.

12. Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

To demonstrate that you will not become a public charge in the United States, your employer or a family member must file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form establishes that the sponsor has sufficient income or assets to support you and any accompanying family members. The sponsor must provide evidence of their income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.

13. Photographs

You and your family members must submit recent passport-sized photographs that meet the U.S. visa photo requirements. The photos should be taken against a white background, and you should avoid wearing glasses or headwear unless it is for religious or medical reasons.

14. Fee Payment Receipts

Various fees are associated with the EB-3 visa application process, including the filing fees for Form I-140, Form I-485 (if applicable), medical examination fees, and any consular processing fees if you are applying from outside the United States. Keep copies of all payment receipts as evidence of your fee payments.

15. Miscellaneous Documents

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents to support your EB-3 visa application. These may include:

• Marriage Certificates: If your spouse is applying with you, provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
• Birth Certificates: Provide certified copies of birth certificates for yourself and any accompanying children.
• Divorce Decrees: If you or your spouse were previously married, provide certified copies of divorce decrees.
• Adoption Papers: If you have adopted children, provide certified copies of adoption papers.

Conclusion

Preparing a comprehensive and well-organized EB-3 visa application is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful process. Each document plays a vital role in demonstrating your eligibility and qualifications for the visa. By carefully gathering and submitting the required documents, you can improve your chances of obtaining an EB-3 visa and achieving your goal of living and working in the United States.

For any help visit us at www.bhslgroup.com
or
email at info@bhslgroup.com