Being a land of opportunities for a lot of people, the United States of America offers several types of visas for people wishing to build their careers there. One of them is the EB3 visa.
This visa is for professionals, skilled, or unskilled workers of different fields. It permits the visa holder to live and work in the US permanently.
If you want to grab an EB3 visa, hiring an EB3 visa lawyer is a great option. They can help you with everything regarding this. Here, I’m going to share everything you need to know before hiring a lawyer for this visa application.
What is EB3 Visa?
EB3 is the third preferred employment-based visa. It offers permanent residency to the holder who fulfills all the requirements.
Here ‘professional’ typically refers to people holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and willing to work in a role that requires the degree. ‘Skilled’ means someone having more than 2 years of experience or training in a specific skill. ‘Unskilled’ refers to anyone having less than two years of experience or training in a skill.
If you compare, you’ll find that EB3 visa requirements are less rigid than EB1 and EB2 visa requirements. This fact may excite you, but keep in mind that a lot of people are applying for the visa because of fewer restrictions.
As competition is high, you don’t want to make any mistakes in the application process. That’s where EB3 visa lawyers come in.
Who is EB3 Visa Lawyer?
EB3 visa lawyer is a US-based legal professional with experience working with all types of employment visas, specializing in the EB3 category. They help EB3 applicants to fulfill the requirements, arrange necessary documents, and submit them accordingly.
But these are not the only things they do.
What do EB3 Visa Attorneys Do?
Describing the Whole Situation
The first responsibility of EB3 attorneys is describing you the situation. It includes discussing how long it may take, the advantages and disadvantages of an EB3 visa, issues that may arise, and so on.
This brief helps you to give your decision a final thought.
Discussing the Requirements
Though less rigid, the EB3 visa has some requirements you must fulfill. Here, a lawyer can help a lot.
They discuss the requirements with you and help you examine whether you fulfill everything. If not, they can suggest the quickest possible ways to meet the requirements accordingly.
Assessing Your Case
Though all visa applicants have to submit similar documents and meet similar requirements, there are some differences based on the situation. EB3 visa attorneys assess your case and come up with the best possible way to prepare and submit the application.
This results in a better outcome.
Arranging the Documents
EB3 visa requires a lot of documents, including the application, proof of education or training, proof of skill, and so on. Lawyers can help you with that.
Ask for a list of documents you need to apply for the visa. Arrange documents based on that list.
Helping with Updated Information
Because of any sudden situation, the requirements can be updated. Also, other important factors regarding visas can be updated anytime. Lawyers know the updated information before anyone else. So they can inform you about updates and help you make changes accordingly to ensure better results.
Filing the Application
When you arrange all necessary documents, fulfill requirements, and are ready to apply, lawyers help you file the application form and submit it accordingly. Such applications are complex and contain some unknown fields to fill up. Lawyers can help you understand them and fill them accordingly.
Helping in Interview Preparation
A visa interview is a critical part of the application process. In this stage, you must face the embassy and satisfy the officials by answering questions about your application, plan, and other issues.
To help you pass this stage, lawyers assist you in preparing for the interview. They discuss the possible questions, prepare your answers, and even set up a mock interview so that you remain confident in the visa interview.
EB3 visa lawyers can help you in every step of the visa application. If you can fulfill the criteria, they prepare you as a competent candidate for the visa. If the visa is denied, they can follow up, find out the probable reasons, and help you apply again, overcoming the issues.
How to Hire a Good Lawyer for EB3 Visa?
Hiring the best person definitely provides you with the best output. So, to ensure a successful application for an EB3 visa, you must hire a professional lawyer having experience in employment visas. The problem is hiring someone compatible takes some time.
You can pick someone randomly to help you in the EB3 visa process. But to get a better output, follow the process below.
Step 1- Making a List
First, you need to make a list of lawyers or firms offering EB3 visa services. You need at least 10-12 names. Also, picking someone from the state you’ve selected is always better. If you don’t have any preferences, go for lawyers or firms from anywhere in the US.
Use the keyword ‘best EB3 visa lawyers in (state name)’ or something similar to get the best options. Add some names to your list. Try to pick from the top results.
Once you have a few options, proceed to the second step.
Step 2- Online Research
The second stage demands you to research the options in your list. This research will be based on the information available online.
Most lawyers or law firms have websites or any kind of online presence through social media. You need to find their online presence and collect information like their success rate, success stories, types of visas they handle, their approach towards EB2 visas, and more.
Also, search them on service review websites. Such websites help you get a better overview of them through their clients’ ratings and reviews.
Based on your online evaluation, rate them. Then, pick the top 4-5 options in the rank to continue to the next step.
Step 3- Direct Communication
In this step, you need to fix a meeting with the top options from your list.
If you’re in the USA somehow, you can meet them directly. Otherwise, a video meeting is a great option. Many lawyers agree to conduct a free consultation session. Also, some may charge a low fee for the first meeting. Schedule meetings with them based on availability.
In the meeting, describe your qualifications and ask about the next step for the application. Also, ask about the necessary documents, application steps, interview, and exactly how they can help you. If possible, ask about some successful applicants with similar qualifications. It is for boosting your confidence.
Don’t forget to ask about their fees. This is an important issue to discuss in the first meeting. Have ample time to discuss the fee and how to pay.
Step 4- Choosing One
After meeting everyone, choose one.
Pick the person who was helpful enough to provide information about everything you ask. Also, make sure that you’re choosing someone with an affordable fee. However, don’t forget to keep their experience in mind too.
Questions to Ask an EB3 Visa Lawyer
When you meet an employment lawyer for an EB3 visa, you must ask a few questions. These are crucial to have a better idea about them and their abilities. Also, some questions help you understand their approach.
What should I do now to be eligible for the visa?
Ask this question after discussing your qualifications. In the answer, they’ll let you know the application process if you meet all the requirements.
Is there any complexity in my situation?
Complexity may happen in various ways, as many requirements should be met to be eligible for the visa. So, you must ask this question to know what they’re thinking about your application. Don’t forget to ask about possible solutions if there is any issue.
Can I apply for any other visa?
Based on your qualification, there might be a better opportunity for you. So, don’t forget to ask this question. If there is a better opportunity, they’ll let you know about it.
If you have a better option, utilize it.
How can you help me?
You’ll find numerous ways your lawyer can help you, but not everyone goes this far. So, before deciding, asking this question is a must. Ask how they can support you in the process. The answers would help you select the best possible option.
Try to pick someone who’ll help you with additional issues, obviously ethically. If anyone wants you to take unethical help, avoid them. There is no mercy if you get exposed.
How much is your fee?
I’ll provide a fee assumption later, but that’s not enough. You must ask the lawyers about their fees. It varies based on multiple factors. So, asking this question directly helps you in decision-making.
Lawyers know this too. So, don’t worry about discussing the fee. This would help you avoid possible awkward situations.
How Much Do EB3 Visa Lawyers Cost?
While talking about the fees of legal professionals for an EB3 visa, it is tough to assume the exact amount. It always depends on individual applications and specific details. Also, it is highly dependent on the lawyer’s experience.
Typically, experienced lawyers or attorneys charge more than less experienced attorneys.
Also, it depends on the work they’ll do for you. Some charge for the paperwork, whereas some don’t charge for it. Again, they may charge additional fees if you need them to help you in court.
The fee amount depends on the fee structure too. Two fee structures are most practiced regarding EB3 visa- flat fee and hourly charge.
Based on all the factors, the possible cost of hiring a legal professional for an EB3 visa is around $4,500-$8,000.
Note that it is just an assumption of the typical range. The actual amount may vary based on all the factors. So, you may find someone helping you in exchange for <$4,500. Also, some may charge more than $8,000.
However, you always have the scope of negotiation or choose another lawyer. So, don’t worry much about the fee. But don’t compromise expertise and success rate for the fee. Try to find a good balance of everything.
Is Hiring an EB3 Lawyer a Must?
EB3 visa application doesn’t require you to hire any legal professional for it. You can use your skills to gather information about the requirements and prepare your documents accordingly. Also, from the resources available on the internet, you can prepare for the interview.
You must invest enough time to handle everything on your own. Also, you’ll need to put a huge effort into it.
But everything becomes easier when you have an EB3 visa attorney with you. They can help you with everything regarding the visa process and related.
So, hiring an EB3 lawyer is not a must, but it can help you a lot.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an EB3 visa attorney arrange sponsorship for me?
Sponsorships for EB3 visas come from employers. So, the lawyers are not legally permitted to offer you a sponsorship if they don’t give you a job.
However, some lawyers may say they’ll arrange a sponsorship letter from a valid employer. They may arrange it, but it is not a legal way to enter the country. If authority gets to know about the setup somehow, you’ll be banned from the US and sent back to your country.
Do EB3 lawyers help me in the interview?
No, the lawyers can’t support you in any way in the interview. However, they can help you with learning and preparing for the interview.
They can help you with possible questions you may face and preferred answers you may give. Some may also help you by arranging a mock interview. But they can’t do anything in the actual interview.
Can my lawyer arrange me a job?
It is not their task to arrange a job for you. However, you may find that some of them offer jobs. In this case, you can go for it if it is a valid job that’ll employ you for a long time. If it is only a short-term arrangement, it can be a trap. If you’re wise enough, don’t fall for it.
Are EB3 visas and green cards similar?
Though an EB3 visa allows you to live in the US as long as you’re employed there, it is not like a green card.
People who can live in the US as permanent US citizens, whether employed or not, are green card holders.
To get a green card, you must fulfill some requirements different from the requirements of an EB3 visa. After obtaining an EB3 visa and working in the US for a few years, you can apply for a green card by meeting all the conditions.