EB-3 Green Card Interview Guide: Requirements, Preparation, and Common Questions
The EB-3 green card is a highly sought-after employment-based immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to secure both U.S. employment and permanent residency. One of the most critical milestones in this process is the EB-3 green card interview with a U.S. consular officer or USCIS. Being fully prepared for this step can make the difference between approval and delay.
This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and the key details you need to know before your EB-3 interview.
EB-3 Visa Overview
The EB-3 visa category is divided into three subcategories: skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers. Each has its own eligibility requirements:
EB-3 Skilled Workers
- Must show at least two years of relevant training or work experience.
- The position must be full-time and not seasonal.
- There must be no available or qualified U.S. workers for the job.
EB-3 Professionals
- Must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign degree in the same field of the job.
- The role must require at least a bachelor’s degree.
- There must be no qualified U.S. workers available for the job.
EB-3 Unskilled Workers
- Must be able to perform unskilled labor requiring less than two years of training or experience.
- The position must not be seasonal or temporary.
- No qualified U.S. workers must be available for the job.
EB-3 Green Card Application Process
Applying for an EB-3 green card requires coordination between you (the employee) and your sponsoring U.S. employer. The employer (the petitioner) must:
- Obtain a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
- Conduct mandatory recruitment to confirm no qualified U.S. workers are available.
- Secure an approved PERM Labor Certification from the DOL.
- File Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
- Submit financial documents (such as tax returns, annual reports, or financial statements) to prove the ability to pay the offered wage.
Once USCIS accepts the petition, your priority date (the date the PERM was filed) is established. You can then file Form I-485, Adjustment of Status (if you are in the U.S.) or proceed with consular processing abroad once your priority date becomes current.
EB-3 Interview Notice from USCIS
After filing Form I-485, your case is transferred to the National Benefits Center (NBC) for review. The NBC checks eligibility, verifies your documentation, and conducts security background checks. If evidence is missing, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying your case.
Once your application passes review, USCIS will issue an interview notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment. Wait times can vary depending on your local USCIS office’s workload.
Preparing for Your EB-3 Green Card Interview
Your preparation should include gathering key documents. Depending on your EB-3 subcategory, required documents may vary, but generally include:
- USCIS interview notice (Form I-797C)
- Copy of your I-140 approval notice
- Valid passport and I-94 record
- Birth certificate (original)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Letter from employer confirming employment
- Academic credentials (degrees, transcripts, certificates)
- Tax documents and financial records
- Any supporting documentation relevant to your case
Tip: Review all the details in your I-140 and I-485 before attending your interview. Inconsistencies could raise red flags.
EB-3 Interviews Abroad
If you are applying from outside the U.S., your interview will take place at a U.S. consulate in your home country. You must:
- Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) online.
- Print the confirmation page and fee receipt.
- Bring them, along with other required documents, to your interview.
Common EB-3 Interview Questions
During the interview, immigration officers focus on verifying your identity, admissibility, and job eligibility. You may be asked questions about:
- The name of your sponsoring employer.
- Your work experience and employment history.
- Your educational background and qualifications.
- Your immigration history and current status.
- Any criminal records or prior immigration violations.
Family Members at the EB-3 Interview
If your spouse and children (under 21) are included in your adjustment of status application, they will likely also be interviewed. Key points:
- Children under 14 may receive a waiver.
- Interviews may be conducted together as a family or separately.
- Spouses may be asked about marriage history, your employment, and family finances.
- Dependents should bring documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption/custody records, and financial evidence.
EB-3 Denials and Appeals
Since USCIS began mandatory interviews for employment-based green cards in 2017, denials have increased. Common reasons include:
- Lack of sufficient evidence.
- Eligibility concerns.
- Admissibility issues (e.g., criminal history, immigration violations).
If denied, applicants may file a motion to reopen/reconsider or an appeal. Motions are reviewed by the same USCIS office; appeals go to a higher authority. Typically, appeals must be filed within 30 days.
Why Work with Immigration Attorneys at Green Card Link
The EB-3 process can be complex, and the interview often determines the outcome of your case. Having an immigration attorney at Green Card Link by your side can provide critical advantages, including:
- Ensuring your documentation is accurate and complete.
- Preparing you for challenging interview questions.
- Addressing any issues of admissibility or eligibility.
- Guiding you through motions or appeals if necessary.
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys are committed to helping you navigate every step of the EB-3 process with confidence.
EB-3 Visa Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering applying for an EB-3 immigrant visa, it is natural to have questions about eligibility, benefits, and the application process. Below, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link provide answers to the most common questions surrounding the EB-3 visa and EB-3 interview.
What are the benefits of the EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 visa allows you to live and work permanently in the United States, enjoy the ability to travel freely in and out of the country, and apply for dependent visas for your spouse and children. It provides a clear pathway to lawful permanent residency for qualifying applicants.
Does the EB-3 visa have travel restrictions?
No. EB-3 visa holders are permitted to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter without additional restrictions, provided they maintain valid status.
What does it mean to be an “unskilled worker” under the EB-3 category?
USCIS defines unskilled labor as employment requiring less than two years of training or experience, that is not seasonal or temporary, and where no qualified or available U.S. workers exist to fill the position.
How does USCIS define a “professional worker”?
For EB-3 purposes, a professional is someone who holds at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) and is a member of the professions.
Can dependents accompany EB-3 applicants to the U.S.?
Yes. Once your I-140 petition has been approved, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for dependent visas either through adjustment of status in the U.S. or via consular processing abroad.
Can I appeal a denied I-140 petition?
Yes. If your I-140 petition is denied, you may appeal by filing Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal. It is strongly recommended that you first consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link before proceeding to ensure the best possible strategy for your case.
Who pays for EB-3 visa fees—the employer or the employee?
Certain costs must be covered by the sponsoring employer, while other expenses may be the responsibility of the employee. For a detailed breakdown, consult with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to understand how fees are divided in your specific case.
EB-3 Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing for an EB-3 interview can be complex. Any inaccuracies or misrepresentations during the process may result in denial of your green card application. To avoid costly mistakes, you should work with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, who can guide you through preparing your forms, supporting documentation, and interview responses in compliance with U.S. immigration law.