What do U.S. Employers Need to do to Sponsor EB-3 Visas?

Becky LaPlante
Jun 19
2 min read

A Look Behind the Process So You Know What to Expect

If you're considering applying for the EB-3 visa through Experienced Associates, you might be wondering: How does a U.S. company become your sponsor, and what do they have to do?

We believe candidates deserve to understand both sides of the process. This blog explains what U.S. employers must do to legally sponsor foreign truck drivers through the EB-3 visa program.

1. Have a Real, Full-Time Job to Offer

To sponsor an EB-3 visa, a company must have an open, permanent, full-time position available. The employer must prove that this is not a seasonal or temporary job—and that it’s essential to their ongoing operations.

At Experienced Associates, we only work with reputable, stable carriers that:

Have consistent freight and routes
Employ long-term drivers
Are committed to training and supporting international hires

2. Complete the Labor Certification (Form 9089)

Before a visa can be issued, the employer must file a PERM labor certification (Form 9089) with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This form proves two important things:

The job was offered to U.S. workers first
There were no qualified, available U.S. workers who could fill the role
Hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact wages or working conditions for U.S. drivers

This is a detailed and highly regulated step. Our legal team handles it on the employer’s behalf, but it requires time and accuracy. For you as a candidate, it means your job is being offered in full compliance with U.S. immigration law.

Timeline: Typically 10-12 months

3. Submit the I-140 Petition

Once the labor certification is approved, the employer must submit Form I-140 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This step verifies:

That the employer is still willing and able to sponsor you
That the position remains open
That the company can pay the offered wage

The employer must provide financial records (such as tax returns or profit/loss statements) to prove they can afford to hire you long-term.

Timeline: About 6-12 months

4. Remain Committed Throughout the Visa Process

Start to finish, the EB-3 process can take 30 to 45+ months. Your future employer is expected to stay committed to sponsoring you the entire way.

Once your visa is approved, they are responsible for:

Helping you relocate
Providing onboarding and orientation
Offering paid training (including housing during training, in most cases)
Supporting your successful transition to full-time work in the U.S.

This is one reason why we work only with employers who are ready for long-term hiring – not short-term or experimental programs.

Why This Matters to You

Understanding the employer's responsibilities helps you recognize that you’re not doing this alone. Your future U.S. employer is investing real time, money, and resources to bring you into their team—because they need good drivers like you.

This also means:

✅You’re entering a legitimate, vetted program

✅ Your job offer has real backing

✅ You have a pathway to permanent residency – not just temporary work

Ready to Learn More?

At Experienced Associates, we connect qualified truck drivers with U.S. employers who are ready and able to sponsor EB-3 visas. We manage both sides of the process – from documentation to legal filings – so you can focus on preparing for your future.

👉 Explore the Program

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