A Path to Workforce Stability
How the EB-3 Program Could Revolutionize the Workforce
In a recent interview, Ryan Rho, the Director of Asia for Global Express Recruiting, illuminated the transformative power of the EB-3 program. This employment-based immigration initiative is a game-changer for industries like wine, beverage, agriculture, and hospitality, which often grapple with high turnover and staffing challenges.
Understanding the EB-3 Program
The EB-3 program is a pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers, sponsored by a U.S. employer. Unlike temporary work visas, the EB-3 program offers a route to a green card, providing workers with the stability and security they need to thrive in the U.S. This stability, in turn, ensures that employers have a reliable, long-term workforce.
Who Benefits from the EB-3 Program?
The EB-3 program attracts a diverse array of applicants, from single young adults to entire families. Many of these individuals come from countries with highly competitive job markets or lower wages, seeking better opportunities in the U.S. Surprisingly, many applicants are highly educated and experienced, including professionals like doctors, lawyers, and well-established businesspeople.
How It Works
Global Express Recruiting, a company with over 17 years of experience, specializes in connecting U.S. employers with qualified foreign workers through the EB-3 program. The process involves several key steps:
Prevailing Wage Determination: Filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, this step typically takes 6-12 months.
Labor Certification (PERM): Filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, this step also takes 6-12 months.
I-140 Petition: Filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this step takes 4-8 months. Premium processing is available, which can expedite this step to under a month.
Visa Processing or Green Card Issuance: This final step, which includes consular processing or adjustment of status, takes 6-12 months, depending on the applicant's country of origin.
On average, the entire process takes about two to three years, making it a long-term solution rather than a quick fix.
Addressing Staffing Issues
Ryan Rho emphasized that the EB-3 program is a game-changer for employers. By providing a reliable, full-time workforce, it reduces turnover, lowers hiring costs, and ensures continuity in staffing. Employers who have worked with EB-3 workers often describe them as hardworking, reliable, and dedicated. The long-term commitment of these workers allows businesses to focus on growth and innovation rather than constant hiring and training.
Global Reach and Qualification Process
Global Express Recruiting works with over a thousand applicants annually and has 18 branches and partner agencies worldwide. Applicants are typically found through referrals and online marketing. The company conducts extensive background checks and research to ensure that only the most qualified individuals are matched with employers. This includes verifying financial stability, education, and work history to ensure a high chance of approval by the U.S. government.
Expanding to California
Ryan, a California native, is particularly interested in expanding the company's employment network to California. He noted that California has a high demand for reliable workers, and many foreign workers have family members in the state. The EB-3 program is seen as an effective solution to the state's labor shortage crisis, providing a stable, long-term workforce.
Conclusion
The EB-3 program, facilitated by Global Express Recruiting, offers a promising solution to the labor shortage issues faced by many industries. By providing a stable, long-term workforce, it not only benefits employers but also helps foreign workers achieve their American dream. If you are an employer looking for a reliable and committed workforce, the EB-3 program is definitely worth considering.
For more information or to explore how Global Express Recruiting can help your business, visit their website or contact them directly.