Who Should Choose the EB-3 Skilled Workers Program to Settle in the U.S. in 2026?

As the United States continues to face labor shortages across a wide range of essential industries, the immigration path based on skills and work experience is becoming more appealing than ever. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this category, and identifying the right profile can save a significant amount of time, cost, and effort. In the article below, Newland USA provides a detailed analysis of the EB-3 Skilled Workers program, clarifies the requirements, the process, the costs, and most importantly answers the key question: who should genuinely choose the Skilled Workers track to turn their American dream into reality in 2026.

1. What is the EB-3 Skilled Workers program?

EB-3 is an employment-based immigrant visa in the third preference category (Employment-Based Third Preference) of the U.S. immigration system. Each year, the federal government allocates approximately 140,000 green cards across all employment-based categories, of which EB-3 accounts for around 28.6%, or nearly 40,000 slots. This is a substantial figure that opens the door to legal and long-term residency for foreign nationals who wish to live and work in the United States.

The EB-3 category is divided into three sub-groups: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers. Among these, the Skilled Workers group is intended for positions that require at least two years of training or experience, with the job being long-term and full-time.

What makes EB-3 immigration to the U.S. so popular is its practicality. Applicants don’t need the outstanding achievements required for EB-1, the advanced degrees required for EB-2, or the large investment capital required for EB-5. Instead, all they need is a suitable job and real-world experience, and the door to permanent residency opens up. This is why the skilled labor immigration to the U.S. track is drawing increasing interest from Vietnamese applicants.

2. Eligibility requirements for the EB-3 Skilled Workers category in 2026

To qualify for the Skilled Workers group, applicants need to meet the following core criteria:

First, the applicant must have accumulated at least two years of work experience, vocational training, or education directly related to the offered position. The job itself must also require that level of experience.

Second, the applicant must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S.-based employer. The position must be stable in nature, not seasonal or temporary as is the case with other short-term work visas.

Third, the employer must demonstrate that they were unable to find a qualified U.S. worker for that role. This is a mandatory requirement and the foundation of the entire EB-3 Skilled Workers process.

Occupations that commonly use this category include auto mechanics, mechanical technicians, healthcare support staff, manufacturing operators, and many other technical roles. As you can see, the scope of occupations in the Skilled Workers group is fairly broad, giving applicants from a variety of skill backgrounds a real opportunity to participate.

3. What steps are involved in the EB-3 Skilled Workers adjudication process?

The journey of EB-3 immigration to the U.S. typically goes through three main stages, each requiring careful preparation and strict compliance with legal requirements.

The first stage is obtaining the PERM Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. In this step, the sponsoring employer must determine the Prevailing Wage Determination for the position, then conduct recruitment efforts and labor market testing to confirm that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the job. This is also the most time-consuming and labor-intensive step in the entire process.

The second stage is filing Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The purpose of this petition is to establish two things: that the employer has the financial ability to pay the committed wage, and that the worker truly meets the requirements of the position. If the applicant wants to shorten the timeline, they can opt for Premium Processing.

The final stage takes place once the priority date becomes “Current” according to the Visa Bulletin. At this point, applicants in the U.S. can file Form I-485 to adjust to permanent resident status, while those abroad will go through consular processing using Form DS-260 and an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. For most Vietnamese applicants pursuing skilled labor immigration to the U.S., consular processing is the most common route.

4. Processing times and the 2026 Visa Bulletin outlook

The total time needed to complete an EB-3 Skilled Workers case depends on several factors, the most important of which are the processing speed at each agency and the backlog by country of birth.

According to data updated for 2026, the prevailing wage determination step takes roughly 4 to 8 months, while the recruitment process and PERM adjudication add another 16 to 19 months. A standard I-140 petition is processed in about 6 to 8 months, although Premium Processing can shorten this to just 15 business days.

A particularly favorable factor for Vietnamese applicants is the visa bulletin chart. According to the June 2026 Visa Bulletin released by the U.S. Department of State, the priority date for EB-3 Vietnam stands at June 1, 2024 for Final Action Dates, while the Date for Filing has reached “current” status. This means the actual wait time for the Vietnamese Skilled Workers group is around two years, which is much shorter than countries with massive backlogs such as India, China, or Mexico, where applicants can wait anywhere from five to more than ten years.

Overall, the total timeline from start to receiving a green card for those pursuing EB-3 immigration to the U.S. typically ranges from 24 to 36 months. This is a significant competitive advantage that makes Vietnam one of the most promising markets for the skilled-labor immigration route.

5. Estimated costs of joining the EB-3 Skilled Workers program

One of the biggest concerns for applicants is the financial burden. In reality, the costs of the EB-3 Skilled Workers program are split between the employer and the worker, and they are spread out over several years so they don’t pile up all at once.

On the employer side, U.S. Department of Labor regulations require the sponsoring company to cover all expenses related to the PERM stage. Attorney fees for this step typically range from US$5,000 to US$10,000, while recruitment costs run from US$500 to US$2,500. The I-140 filing fee is US$715, accompanied by an Asylum Program Fee of about US$600, or US$300 if the employer has fewer than 25 employees. All of these costs are the employer’s responsibility.

On the worker’s side, expenses mainly arise toward the end of the process. The immigrant visa application fee is US$345 per applicant, the medical examination at a designated facility costs about US$200 to US$500, and there are additional fees for translation and notarization of documents. If Premium Processing is chosen, the US$2,805 fee can be paid by either party, depending on the agreement.

Compared to investment-based options that require millions of dollars such as EB-5, it is fair to say that skilled labor immigration to the U.S. under EB-3 is one of the most financially sensible paths available, especially when the entire family can benefit from a single case file.

6. Who should choose the EB-3 Skilled Workers program?

This is the central question this article aims to answer. Based on the nature of the program, the most ideal candidate groups for the Skilled Workers category can be identified as follows.

First, those who already have at least two years of experience or training in a specific trade. If you hold training certifications or have built up practical experience, that experience itself is a valuable asset that qualifies your case for adjudication.

Second, individuals who don’t have a university degree or outstanding achievements that would let them pursue EB-1 or EB-2. When the gates to the higher preference categories require too many conditions, Skilled Workers becomes the most practical and feasible option, while still leading to the same outcome: a permanent green card.

Third, those who cannot afford large-scale investment programs. With reasonable costs and most of the PERM burden falling on the employer, the EB-3 immigration to the U.S. route is well-suited to middle-class workers who want to settle in America through their own labor.

Fourth, families who want to move to the U.S. together. When the principal applicant is granted a green card, the spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also be sponsored along. This is an important advantage for the skilled labor immigration to the U.S. group, who typically aim to build a sustainable life for the whole family in their new country.

Finally, those who are ready to work seriously, commit long-term, and be patient with a multi-year roadmap. Because this isn’t a quick path, perseverance and a willingness to stay with the employer are key factors for success.

7. Advantages of Vietnamese workers when immigrating to the U.S. under EB-3

Vietnamese applicants have many standout strengths that make them highly valued candidates among Skilled Workers by U.S. employers.

The first quality worth mentioning is a reliable, hardworking, and responsible work ethic. The diligence, low job-hopping tendency, and willingness to stay long-term with employers who treat them fairly are exactly what many HR managers look for, especially in industries facing severe labor shortages such as auto repair technicians and manufacturing operators.

Next, many Vietnamese workers already have a basic foundation in English and a strong eagerness to learn, which helps them adapt quickly to new work environments. The ability to follow procedures, respect discipline, and adhere to rules is also a highly appreciated trait, particularly in industries that demand strict workplace safety and hygiene standards.

Combined with the advantage of a much shorter visa wait time than many other heavily populated countries, 2026 represents a golden window for skilled labor immigration to the U.S. from Vietnam. When supply and demand align, the EB-3 Skilled Workers journey becomes that much smoother.

8. Key considerations to boost the success rate

To make the EB-3 immigration to the U.S. journey go smoothly, applicants should keep a few important principles in mind.

Honesty and transparency are always the most important factors. All information in the file must be accurate and verifiable, because even a small mistake can lead to a Request for Evidence or even denial. Statistics show that PERM cases filed without attorney representation have significantly higher denial rates, due to the strict recruitment requirements set by the Department of Labor.

In addition, choosing a reputable employer and an experienced consulting firm will help minimize risks. Participants in the Skilled Workers category should also be mentally prepared for a long journey, while keeping all documentation that proves their experience and skills in good order throughout the wait.

Conclusion

It is fair to say that the EB-3 Skilled Workers program is one of the best, most affordable, and most sustainable immigration paths available to Vietnamese workers in 2026. This category is especially well-suited to those who have practical skills and experience, who don’t yet have the means to pursue categories requiring advanced degrees or large investment capital, and who wish to bring their whole family to settle in the U.S. for the long term. With a favorable visa wait time, reasonable costs, and abundant job opportunities, skilled labor immigration to the U.S. is standing at a golden moment to make the dream of resettlement come true. Understanding whether you belong to the ideal candidate group, combined with thorough preparation, is the key to success on the EB-3 immigration to the U.S. journey.

Learn more:

• EB3 Program – The Safest and Most Transparent Pathway to U.S. Permanent Residency for Vietnamese Workers in 2026
• EB3 Visa Interview Experience at the U.S. Consulate in 2026: The Most Frequently Asked Questions
• U.S. Immigration Through the EB3 Visa in 2026: Reasonable Costs, Green Cards for the Entire Family
• Step-by-Step Guide to Proving Work Experience in the EB3 Application Package