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Does the EB-3 depend on a lottery, like the H-1B?

The EB-3 does not depend on a lottery like the H-1B; its process focuses on the job offer and certification, following a regular flow without random selection.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on February 20, 2026
2 min read
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The EB-3 is an employment-based visa category that has a process distinct from temporary visas like the H-1B. While the H-1B relies on a lottery system due to high demand and an annual cap, the EB-3 does not use this selection method.

To better understand, the H-1B is a visa for skilled workers and, since the number of applications exceeds the limit set by the government, a lottery is conducted to select the candidates who may proceed with the process. In the case of the EB-3, intended for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (with requirements that vary according to the subcategory), the process is more focused on the job offer and labor certification, such as the Labor Certification (PERM). This means that once the employer meets all legal requirements to sponsor the candidate, the process follows a regular flow without random allocation of slots.

It is essential to emphasize the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws. Due to the complexity of the system, it is always best to seek information from official sources and specialized professionals to avoid possible errors or fraud. Furthermore, extra caution should be taken regarding offers that promise facilitated or guaranteed results, as they may be scams or marketing strategies that do not reflect the reality of immigration processes.

Always stay up to date and consult official materials and sources to monitor changes in immigration policy. This way, you will be better prepared to understand the specifics of visa categories and avoid surprises during the process.

Learn more about EB-3 Visa

Category
EB-3 Green Card (3rd priority)
PERM
Required
Requirement
Skilled worker
Processing
1-10 years
All about EB-3 Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Does the EB-3 depend on a lottery, like the H-1B?

The EB-3 does not depend on a lottery like the H-1B; its process focuses on the job offer and certification, following a regular flow without random selection.

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