The Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) visa is an important pathway for foreign professionals seeking permanent residence in the United States. Designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers, the EB-3 visa is accessible to “regular” professionals such as nurses, teachers, and IT workers, contrary to common misconceptions that it’s reserved for highly specialized roles. This article examines the eligibility criteria, application process, and practical considerations for these professions in 2025, supported by official data, statistics, and primary government sources.
What is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that grants permanent residence (a green card) to foreign workers in three subcategories:
- Skilled workers: Jobs requiring at least 2 years of education or experience, not temporary or seasonal.
- Professionals: Occupations requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, where the worker is a member of the profession.
- Other workers (unskilled workers): Jobs requiring less than 2 years of education or experience, not temporary or seasonal.
Approximately 40,000 EB-3 visas are available annually, with 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based visa limit allocated to this category, plus any unused visas from the EB-1 and EB-2 categories. However, only 10,000 visas are reserved for “other workers”. Demand often exceeds supply, resulting in backlogs, especially for certain countries such as India, China, and the Philippines.
Can Nurses, Teachers, and IT Professionals qualify for EB-3?
Yes, nurses, teachers, and IT workers can qualify for the EB-3 visa because their roles typically fall into the skilled worker or professional subcategories. Below, we’ll break down the eligibility for each occupation and dispel the misconception that these “regular” jobs don’t meet EB-3 standards.
Nurses and EB-3 Eligibility
Nursing is a cornerstone of the U.S. healthcare system, and persistent shortages are driving the demand for foreign-trained nurses. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) designates professional nurses under Schedule A, Group I, meaning they are pre-certified for labor certification due to a shortage of U.S. workers. This streamlines the EB-3 process for nurses.
Eligibility Requirements for Nurses
- Education: A nursing diploma or degree equivalent to U.S. standards, often verified by credential evaluations.
- Licensure: A valid U.S. nursing license or eligibility to obtain one (e.g., passing the NCLEX-RN exam).
- Experience: At least 2 years of experience for skilled worker classification, although many nurses qualify as professionals with a bachelor’s degree.
- Job offer: A permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer, usually a hospital or healthcare facility.
- English proficiency: Proof of language proficiency, often through exams such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless exempted.
Why Nurses Qualify
Nurses fit the professional subcategory if they hold a bachelor’s degree (e.g., BSN) or the skilled worker subcategory with 2+ years of experience. The Schedule A designation eliminates the need for a PERM labor certification, reducing processing time. In 2024, the U.S. faced a shortage of approximately 200,000 nurses, with projections estimating a need for 1.1 million additional nurses by 2030, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Challenges
- Visa Retrogression: High demand from countries like the Philippines can lead to wait times of 1–3 years.
- Credential Evaluation: Foreign nursing degrees must align with U.S. standards, which may require additional coursework.
Teachers and EB-3 Eligibility
Teachers, particularly those in K-12 education, are in demand due to shortages in subjects like math, science, and special education. Teachers typically qualify as professionals under EB-3, as most teaching positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility Requirements for Teachers
- Education: A U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in education or a related field.
- Certification: A valid U.S. teaching license or eligibility to obtain one, which varies by state.
- Job Offer: A permanent, full-time teaching position from a U.S. school or district.
- Experience: Not always required, but 2+ years can strengthen a skilled worker application if the degree is not directly related.
Why Teachers Qualify
Teaching is explicitly listed as an occupation by the USCIS, alongside professions such as architects and engineers. A bachelor’s degree is the standard entry requirement for K-12 teaching, consistent with the professional subcategory. The National Center for Education Statistics reports a teacher shortage of 300,000 by 2024, with 44 states facing shortages in special education and STEM.
Challenges.
- Labor Certification: Unlike nurses, teachers require a PERM labor certification to prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available. This process can take 6-9 months.
- State Licensing: Varying state requirements may delay eligibility, as foreign teachers may need additional certifications.
IT Workers and EB-3 Eligibility
The IT sector, which includes positions such as software developers, network administrators, and technical support specialists, is a prime candidate for EB-3. IT workers can qualify as professionals or skilled workers, depending on their education and experience.
Eligibility Requirements for IT Workers
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field for professionals; relevant post-secondary education may suffice for skilled workers.
- Experience: At least 2 years of experience for skilled positions such as IT support specialists.
- Job offer: A permanent, full-time position from a U.S. employer, often in tech hubs such as Silicon Valley or Austin.
- Skills: Demonstrated expertise in specific technologies (such as Java, Python, or cloud computing).
Why IT workers qualify
Many IT jobs, such as software development, require a bachelor’s degree and fall into the Professional subcategory. Others, such as network technicians, fit into the skilled worker subcategory due to the education or experience required. The BLS projects 377,500 annual job openings for IT occupations through 2032, driven by digital transformation and cybersecurity needs.
Challenges.
- Competition: The EB-3 category is heavily subscribed by IT workers from India and China, resulting in backlogs of 5-10 years for these countries.
- PERM Process: Employers must demonstrate a shortage of qualified U.S. workers, which can be complex in competitive technology markets.
EB-3 Application Process in 2025
The EB-3 application involves several steps, with variations for Schedule A occupations such as nursing. Here’s a simplified overview:
- Job Offer: Secure a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor the visa.
- Labor Certification (PERM):
- For teachers and IT workers, the employer files Form ETA-9089 with the DOL, certifying that no qualified U.S. workers are available. Processing takes 6-9 months.
- Nurses under Schedule A bypass this step by filing an uncertified ETA-9089 with a prevailing wage determination.
- Form I-140 Petition: The employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS. The filing fee is $715 (as of 2025). The average processing time is 7.6 months, or 15 days with premium processing ($2,805).
- Visa availability: Check the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for priority date updates. If a visa is available, proceed to the next step.
- Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing:
- If in the U.S., file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status, $1,140 fee).
- If abroad, apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate ($345 fee, plus $220 immigrant fee).
- Green card issuance: Upon approval, you will receive a green card granting permanent residency.
Statistics and Trends through 2025
The EB-3 visa remains an important immigration pathway, but its limitations and demand present challenges. Below is a table summarizing key data for nurses, teachers, and IT workers in 2025:
| Occupation | Subcategory | Annual Job Openings (BLS) | Visa Backlog (2025) | Schedule A | Processing Time (I-140) |
| Nurses | Professional/Skilled | 194,500 (2022-2032) | 1-3 years (Philippines) | Yes (Philippines) | 7.6 months (or 15 days premium) |
| Teachers | Professional | 141,000 (2022-2032) | 1-2 years (India/China) | None | 7.6 months (or 15 days bonus) |
| IT Workers | Professional/Skilled | 377,500 (2022-2032) | 5-10 years (India/China) | None | 7.6 months (or 15 days of premium) |
Key Trends
- Visa caps: The EB-3 category reached its 40,000 visa cap in FY 2024, with no visas issued after August 2024 until October 1, 2024, according to the State Department. This trend is expected to continue in 2025.
- Retrogression: The April 2025 Visa Bulletin indicates retrogression for EB-3, with final action dates for India and China lagging behind other countries.
- Demand: Nurses dominate Schedule A petitions, while IT workers make up a significant portion of Skilled/Professional petitions, according to USCIS data.
Addressing Misconceptions
- “EB-3 is only for highly specialized positions.”
- Wrong. Nurses, teachers, and IT workers are “normal” professionals who qualify because of their education or experience. EB-3 is less stringent than EB-1 or EB-2, making it accessible to a broader range of workers.
- “There is no demand for these occupations.”
- Wrong. BLS data confirms ongoing shortages in healthcare, education, and IT, driving employer sponsorship.
- “The process is too complicated for regular workers.”
- While the process involves multiple steps, Schedule A for nurses and employer sponsorship for teachers/IT workers streamline eligibility. Immigration attorneys can further streamline the process.
EB-3 Benefits for Nurses, Teachers, and IT Professionals
- Permanent Residency: Live and work anywhere in the U.S. without restriction.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany (E-34/E-35 for skilled workers; EW-4/EW-5 for unskilled workers).
- Career Stability: Permanent residency offers job flexibility and a path to citizenship after 5 years.
- Employer Support: Many hospitals, schools, and technology companies actively sponsor EB-3 visas to address labor shortages.
The bottom line
The EB-3 visa is a viable and accessible pathway for nurses, teachers, and IT workers seeking permanent residency in the United States in 2025. Despite challenges such as visa caps and backlogs, the continued demand for these professions ensures continued employer sponsorship. By understanding eligibility, utilizing Schedule A for nurses, and navigating the PERM process for teachers and IT workers, “regular” professionals can achieve their American dream. For personalized guidance, consult an immigration attorney and monitor the Visa Bulletin for updates.
Primary Government Sources
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3
- URL:https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3
- Description: Official USCIS page detailing EB-3 eligibility, subcategories, and Schedule A occupations, including nurses.
- Department of State: Visa Bulletin (April 2025)
- URL: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
- Description: Monthly updates on visa availability and priority dates for EB-3, critical for tracking retrogression.
- Department of Labor: PERM Labor Certification
- URL: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent
- Description: Explains the PERM process for EB-3, including Form ETA-9089 requirements for teachers and IT workers.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- URL: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- Description: Provides data on job growth, shortages, and requirements for nurses, teachers, and IT workers.
