Documents Needed to File for an EB-3 Employment Visa

When an employer files an initial petition (Form I-140) for an EB-3 worker to receive a green card, it must include a large number of supporting documents. These serve to prove that the would-be immigrant has the necessary background and qualifications to apply in the Third Preference (EB-3) worker category and that this background is a match for the offered job. This article will describe what documentation is needed, based on subcategories.

Documents Needed Regardless of Subcategory

For starters, regardless of subcategory, most petitions for EB-3 workers must include the original certified Application for Permanent Employment Certification (Form ETA-9089), also known as the "labor certification." During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Labor began sending the certified application to the attorney or employer by email. Unlike the blueish, double-sided paper version of before, the attorney or employer simply prints the emailed version on plain paper, obtains original, ink signatures, and then submits the signed application with the I-140 petition.

For some cases—see Schedule A information below—the employer will also need a Prevailing Wage Determination (Form ETA-9041), which is obtained through the Department of Labor.

If the position requires specific experience, the employee will need letters from the employee's current and former employers that document it. The letter should be written on company letterhead, or at least contain the name, address, and title of the writer, and must list the employee's specific duties in the job.

The packet also must include proof that the employer can pay the worker. Usually this is proven with tax returns and financial statements for the business.

That's just the minimum that's required in all categories, however. Below is a handy checklist of other documents needed for each subcategory of the EB-3 employment visa.

Documents Needed in the Skilled Worker Subcategory (EB-31)

If the employee is seeking a green card as a skilled worker, the I-140 petition must include:

• Evidence that the employee meets the educational requirements, training, and/or experience needed for the job, as listed on the labor certification (minimum of two years training or experience). An associate degree qualifies as two years of training.

Documents Needed in the Professional Workers Subcategory (EB-32)

If the employee is seeking a green card as a professional worker, the I-140 petition must include:

• Evidence that the employee has a U.S. bachelor's degree, or equivalent foreign degree, in a field directly related to the proposed employment.
• Evidence of professional certification, if applicable.
• Evidence of prior experience, if required for the job, and
• Evidence that a specific bachelor's degree is normally required for the job.

Documents Needed in the Unskilled Worker Subcategory (EW-3)

If the employee is seeking a green card as an unskilled worker, the I-140 petition must include:

• Evidence that the employee meets any educational, training, or experience requirements of the job, as listed in the labor certification.

Documents Needed If Employer Did Not Seek Labor Certification Because It's a "Schedule A" Job

Regardless of which subcategory the worker is in, the employer might have been able to skip the labor certification part of the process if the job is one listed on "Schedule A." If so, documents to add to the I-140 petition include:

• An original and one copy of Application for Permanent Employment Certification (Form ETA-9089). The form need not be certified, but must be signed by an authorized official of the petitioning company,
• A prevailing wage determination (Form ETA-9141) certified by the Department of Labor,
• Evidence of compliance with the posting/union notification requirements, including a copy of the posted notice and of any in-house postings via electronic or other media,
• Evidence that notice of filing the Application for Permanent Employment Certification was provided to the bargaining representative of the employer's employees, if applicable, and
• Evidence that the employee meets the educational, training, and experience requirements, as listed in the labor certification.

Below is a checklist of other documents that must be included, depending on the subcategory:

Physical Therapists (Subcategory of Group I)

For physical therapists, submit either:

• copy of a U.S. state physical therapist license, or
• letter from the state physical therapy licensing agency stating that the therapist meets all the qualifications to sit for the state exam.

Registered Nurses (Subcategory of Group I)

For registered nurses, submit either:

• copy of a full and unrestricted state nursing license to practice in the state where the nurse will be employed
• copy of the nurse's certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), or
• evidence that the nurse has passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Group II: Exceptional Ability in the Arts or Sciences

For Group II applicants on the Schedule A list, submit:

• documentary evidence showing the widespread acclaim and international recognition accorded the applicant by recognized experts in the field,
• documentation showing that the applicant's work in the artistic or scientific field during the past year did, and the intended work in the United States, will require exceptional ability, and
• at least two of the following:
• Documents proving that the applicant has won internationally recognized prizes or awards in the field of work.
• Documents showing membership in selective international associations—associations that require outstanding achievement of their members, as judged by recognized international experts.
• Articles about the applicant's work appearing in relevant professional publications, including the title, date, and author of such published material.
• Documents proving that the applicant has acted as a judge in international competitions in the field or an allied field.
• Evidence of original scientific or scholarly research contributions, which were of major significance in the field.
• Copies of scientific or academic articles by the applicant that have been published in international journals (including professional journals with international circulation).
• Documents proving that the applicant's artistic work has been exhibited in at least two different countries.

Performing artists must additionally provide:

• Documentary evidence that the artist's work experience did require, and the intended work in the United States, will require exceptional ability, such as:
• Documentation showing current widespread acclaim and international recognition, and receipt of internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
• Published material by or about the artist, such as critical reviews or articles in major newspapers, periodicals, and/or trade journals (including the title, date, and author of such material).
• Documentary evidence that the artist's earnings have been commensurate with claimed level of ability.
• Playbills and star billings.
• Documents showing the outstanding reputation of the theaters, concert halls, night clubs, and other establishments in which the artist has appeared or is scheduled to appear.
• Documents showing the outstanding reputation of theaters or repertory companies, ballet troupes, orchestras, or other organizations in which or with which the artist has performed during the past year in a leading or starring capacity.

For more information, see EB-3 Visa for Professional, Skilled, or Unskilled Workers.