The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa designed to address long-term labor shortages in industries such as food service, hospitality, manufacturing, and general services. It allows qualified foreign workers to obtain U.S. permanent residence through a legitimate job offer from a U.S. employer.

In recent years, EB-3 has gained increased attention among Vietnamese families, particularly those who have been waiting many years under family-based sponsorship categories with uncertain priority dates.

How EB-3 Differs From Family-Based Immigration

Family sponsorship visas are subject to strict annual quotas and country-specific backlogs. For applicants from Vietnam, wait times can often exceed 7–10 years, with priority dates frequently moving backward or remaining stagnant.

By contrast, EB-3 follows an employment-based pathway, which operates independently of family-based quotas. According to U.S. EB-3 advisory organizations such as AI Immigration, this structural difference allows applicants to plan their timelines more proactively rather than relying solely on unpredictable priority date movement.

Basic Requirements of the EB-3 Program

EB-3 does not require a college degree, and for the unskilled worker category, prior professional experience is not mandatory. Key requirements include:

• A genuine job offer from a U.S. employer approved by the Department of Labor

• Medical eligibility and a clear background

• A properly prepared labor certification and petition filed with USCIS

AI Immigration notes that the legitimacy of the job offer and the accuracy of documentation are the most critical factors influencing EB-3 processing outcomes.

Is EB-3 Suitable for Families With Children?

One major reason families consider EB-3 is the benefit structure for dependent children. When parents obtain permanent residency through EB-3, their unmarried children under 21 may receive:

• Access to U.S. public schools at no cost

• Eligibility for in-state tuition rates at public universities

• Access to healthcare and social benefits available to lawful permanent residents

• A clear path toward U.S. citizenship when eligibility requirements are met

According to AI Immigration, EB-3 is increasingly viewed not only as a work-based immigration solution, but as a long-term family planning strategy, especially as U.S. policies continue to prioritize benefits for children with lawful immigration status.

Potential Risks to Consider

EB-3 is a lawful program established by U.S. immigration law. However, risks may arise if:

• The job offer is not compliant with Department of Labor standards

• Documentation is incomplete or inconsistent

• Applicants work with intermediaries lacking transparent employer partnerships

For this reason, immigration professionals recommend working with organizations that have verifiable employer relationships and U.S.-licensed legal oversight.

Conclusion

As family-based immigration backlogs remain lengthy and unpredictable, EB-3 has emerged as a practical and more controllable alternative for many Vietnamese families seeking permanent residence in the United States.

AI Immigration emphasizes that determining eligibility, employer credibility, and proper timing plays a crucial role in maximizing the effectiveness of the EB-3 pathway and avoiding unnecessary delays.