EB-3 Skilled Workers 2026: What Qualifies?
EB-3 skilled worker jobs must normally require at least 2 years of training or experience and be permanent and full-time. The employer files PERM and I-140 and pays all PERM costs.
Short answer: An EB-3 skilled worker job must normally require at least 2 years of training or work experience and be permanent and full-time. The U.S. employer handles labor certification (PERM) and the I-140, and by law pays all PERM costs. In the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, the Other Workers final action date is 1 January 2022 for most countries including Taiwan and Hong Kong; Skilled Workers have their own row: in the November 2026 bulletin the final action date is 15 June 2024 for most countries (mainland China 22 January 2022, India 22 January 2014, Philippines 15 August 2023). Dates change monthly, so confirm on the State Department website.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
For a comparison of all three EB-3 categories (professionals, skilled workers, Other Workers), see EB-3 categories compared. This article focuses on the 2-year rule.
How is the "two years" rule understood?
It refers to the job: the position normally requires at least 2 years of relevant training or experience (INA 203(b)(3)(A)(i), 8 CFR 204.5(l)). What matters is the job's minimum requirements, not how you would like to describe it. The minimums must reflect the employer's genuine needs and cannot be tailored to a worker or a category; the classification follows from them.
When counting experience:
- It must be relevant to the job and documented in a verifiable way, for example a letter from the former employer.
- Experience gained with the sponsoring employer in the same job generally cannot be used to meet that job's minimum requirements.
- Qualifying experience generally must be earned before the priority date.
- Whether education can substitute must match the job's stated minimums; it cannot be loosened after the fact.
How do skilled workers, professionals and Other Workers differ?
| Item | Skilled worker | Professional | Other Worker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core threshold | At least 2 years' training or experience | Bachelor's degree (job requirement) | Job requires less than 2 years |
| Labor certification | Generally PERM | Generally PERM | Generally PERM |
| Exception | Schedule A occupations skip PERM recruitment | Same | Generally not applicable |
The same industry can fall into different categories depending on the job description. Nurses and physical therapists should read our Schedule A explainer.
Do I need a related degree?
Not necessarily. If the job requires only experience and training, you need to show you meet that minimum. If the employer lists a degree as a minimum, you must meet it too. If you hold a bachelor's degree and the job requires one, you may also look at the professional category or EB-2, depending on the job's requirements.
Is the wait shorter than Other Workers?
Not necessarily. Skilled/Professional and Other Workers appear on separate lines of the Visa Bulletin, so never assume skilled workers are faster; check the current row. The November 2026 professional/skilled final action date is 15 June 2024 for most countries. The Other Workers final action date is 1 January 2022 in October 2026 (most countries) and 1 June 2022 in November 2026.
See also: real employer or scam?, EB-3 jobs and the process.
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Frequently asked questions
How is a skilled worker different from EB-2?
EB-2 generally requires an advanced degree or equivalent, as the job requires. Skilled worker status rests on at least 2 years of experience. The job's minimum requirements decide the category, not the applicant's preference.
Do skilled workers need an employer?
Yes. A U.S. employer offers a permanent, full-time job and its attorney of record files the PERM and I-140.
Can my family come with me?
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can generally be derivatives. With long waits, watch CSPA age calculation.
Do I pay the PERM costs?
No. The employer must pay PERM and labor certification costs by law (20 CFR 656.12).
Is approval guaranteed?
No. You must meet the legal requirements and pass review; results vary.
Official sources
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules and the Visa Bulletin change; check the official sources above before you decide. Petitions are prepared and filed by the sponsoring employer’s licensed U.S. immigration attorney.