The EB-2/EB-3 pathway is a fit-driven immigration strategy. The right plan starts by matching the role, sponsor structure, timing, and evidence record to the way the category is actually reviewed.
This guide gives you the working version: who the category tends to serve, what the case needs, and how to pressure-test the evidence before a filing plan becomes expensive to unwind.
What is the EB-2/EB-3 pathway?
Employer-sponsored permanent residence through PERM labor certification.
- Category: Employer-sponsored green card
- Typical stay: Permanent residence path
- Sponsor model: U.S. employer
Who it works for
Long-term sponsored roles where the employer can complete recruitment and labor certification.
EB-2 and EB-3 with PERM are the main employer-sponsored green-card tracks for professionals, skilled workers, and advanced degree roles. The employer tests the labor market before filing the immigrant petition.
What the case needs
The strategy usually starts with role requirements and prevailing wage, then recruitment, PERM filing, I-140, and finally adjustment or consular processing when the priority date is current.
- Careful job requirement drafting
- Prevailing wage determination
- Good-faith recruitment
- I-140 and visa bulletin timing
How Lighthouse plans it
Lighthouse starts with category fit, then works backward from timing, sponsor requirements, credential review, and the evidence story. The goal is to know which facts carry the case before drafting begins.
For many candidates and teams, the most important early decision is whether this pathway should stand alone or sit beside another option. That comparison usually clarifies filing order, document priorities, and risk.