Is the EB-3 similar to the H-2B PERM?

To begin with, it is worth explaining that the United States offers different visa categories to meet various labor market needs, each with its own specific requirements and processes.

The EB-3 is an employment-based immigrant visa, intended for skilled professionals, unskilled workers, and professionals with a bachelor’s degree, among others. For this category, the employer usually needs to go through the PERM certification process – a procedure that proves there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the offered position, ensuring that the entry of the foreign worker does not harm the local labor market.

On the other hand, the H-2B visa is a non-immigrant work category aimed at temporary or seasonal jobs in sectors such as hospitality, construction, and others. Although the H-2B process also involves obtaining a certification from the Department of Labor, it does not follow the same rigor and procedures as the EB-3 PERM program, as it addresses a temporary labor demand, different from the EB-3’s intent of permanent immigration.

Therefore, although both categories may require steps to prove the need to hire foreign workers, the EB-3 and H-2B have distinct purposes and legal processes. It is essential to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws and seek information from reliable sources to avoid falling into traps or promises that guarantee easy results.

This differentiation highlights the importance of exercising caution and consulting specialists or immigration entities, always attentive to carrying out the process safely and in accordance with current regulations.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.