FAQ & Answers
We've compiled the most common FAQs from employers and job candidates, along with our answers.
If you have further questions or inquiries, don't hesitate to contact our team by email.
1
How does EB-3 visa sponsorship work for employers?
EB-3 sponsorship lets a U.S. employer hire a foreign worker permanently by filing a labor certification (PERM) with the Department of Labor, followed by an immigrant petition with USCIS. SeaBreezee manages recruitment, documentation, and compliance on the employer's behalf, so the employer's main responsibilities are defining the role, confirming the job offer, and onboarding the worker once approved. SeaBreezee has supported this process since 1996 with a 97% approval record.
2
What does it cost to sponsor an EB-3 worker?
Employer costs typically include [PERM costs] and [SeaBreezee's service fee structure]. Unlike J-1 or H-2B placements, EB-3 sponsorship through SeaBreezee does not require the employer to cover a per-worker service charge or provide housing/transportation. Exact costs depend on job category (Skilled vs. Other Workers/Unskilled) and case volume — book a discovery call for a quote specific to your role.
3
How long does EB-3 sponsorship take from job order to worker start date?
The EB-3 Skilled Visa process generally takes [20-28 months] from initial labor certification filing to the worker's arrival, longer than J-1 (fast, seasonal) or H-2B (annual cap-dependent) placements. In exchange for the longer timeline, EB-3 offers a permanent, non-seasonal worker with no visa renewal cycle — a better fit for employers with year-round, chronic staffing gaps rather than seasonal peaks.
4
What is the difference between EB-3 and H-2B/J-1 for hourly workers?
EB-3 grants permanent residency and an indefinite work authorization, while H-2B and J-1 are temporary, seasonal, and require annual renewal or a return trip home. EB-3 also removes the employer's obligation to arrange housing or transportation and has no per-worker service charge, though it has a longer approval timeline than H-2B/J-1. Employers already using H-2B or J-1 for housekeeping, front desk, or F&B roles often add EB-3 to build a stable, non-seasonal core staff alongside seasonal hires.
5
Is my company eligible to sponsor an EB-3 worker?
Most U.S. employers with a genuine, permanent full-time position and an inability to fill it with qualified local candidates are eligible to sponsor EB-3 workers across industries, including hospitality, food service, warehouse/light industrial, manufacturing, meat processing, and healthcare/caregiving. Eligibility depends largely on the job itself (job duties, wage, and permanence) rather than company size. SeaBreezee evaluates fit during a free discovery call.
6
How do I find an employer to sponsor my EB-3 visa?
The most reliable path is working with an established sponsorship agency like SeaBreezee, which maintains direct relationships with vetted U.S. employers actively hiring in hospitality, food service, warehouse, manufacturing, and other qualifying industries. SeaBreezee has placed candidates with employers since 1996, with a 97% approval record and a 92% first-year retention rate. Candidates submit an eligibility form to be matched with an appropriate employer and job category.
7
What jobs qualify for EB-3 sponsorship?
EB-3 covers three subcategories: Skilled Workers (roles requiring 2+ years of training or experience, such as CDL-A truck driving), Professionals (roles requiring a bachelor's degree), and Other Workers/Unskilled (roles requiring less than 2 years of experience, such as housekeeping, food service, or general warehouse labor). SeaBreezee currently places candidates in hotel/hospitality, quick-service restaurant, warehouse/3PL, manufacturing, meat processing, and caregiving roles.
8
How long does the EB-3 process take for a candidate?
Processing typically takes [20-56 months] from application to arrival in the U.S., depending on job category and current government backlogs—Skilled and Other Workers categories often move at different paces. Because of the wait, SeaBreezee recommends that candidates apply as early as possible and expect to be placed on a waiting list given high demand.
9
What does EB-3 sponsorship cost the candidate?
The sponsoring employer has already handled all PERM/Labor Certification costs as part of its obligations as your sponsoring employer. As the applicant, you are responsible for all remaining government filing fees paid directly to U.S. agencies, including the USCIS/NVC filing fee, the visa interview fee at the U.S. Embassy, medical examination fees, and travel costs.
These are separate from, and in addition to, the SeaBreezee service fee, which covers legal service and facilitation service fees for the main applicant.
Every case is unique—contact us directly for your exact quote.
10
What is the difference between EB-3 Skilled and EB-3 Unskilled (Other Workers)?
EB-3 Skilled requires at least 2 years of relevant training or work experience (for example, a college degree in a related field of study), while EB-3 Unskilled/Other Workers requires less than 2 years of experience and covers roles like housekeeping, front desk, or food service. Skilled-category cases can qualify for faster processing in some circumstances, while Unskilled cases have historically faced longer government backlogs. SeaBreezee determines which category fits during the initial eligibility review.
