Choosing a consulting agency is one of the most important decisions when beginning the EB-3 employment-based U.S. immigration process. A professional consulting agency not only assists with case preparation but also helps workers clearly understand the process, their rights, and their responsibilities throughout the entire journey.
So, how should you evaluate an EB-3 consulting agency? Below are five important criteria to consider before making your decision.
Does the Agency Provide Clear Information About the Employer?
The employer (U.S. sponsoring employer) is one of the most important elements of an EB-3 case. Before signing a contract, workers should be provided with clear information about:
- The sponsoring employer.
- The job position.
- The work location.
- The job description and related benefits.
Understanding the employer clearly will give workers a more complete picture of the job and working environment they can expect after arriving in the United States.
Are the Process and Costs Clearly Explained?
A transparent consulting agency should clearly explain:
- Each stage of the EB-3 process.
- Costs associated with each stage.
- Applicable government or required fees, if any.
- Terms and conditions of the contract.
Workers should carefully review the contract and ask questions about any unclear terms before signing.
Is a U.S. Immigration Attorney Involved in the Case?
An immigration attorney provides legal support and coordinates with the employer throughout the case process.
The involvement of an immigration attorney helps ensure that the case is prepared in accordance with applicable regulations and provides legal support if issues or requests arise from the relevant authorities.
Is the Case Progress Updated Regularly?
An EB-3 case typically goes through multiple stages, including PERM Labor Certification, I-140, Visa Bulletin, NVC processing, the visa interview, and entry into the United States.
A consulting agency should have a clear process for providing regular case updates so that workers understand the status of their case and can proactively prepare for the next steps.
Does the Agency Make Promises Beyond Its Authority?
This is a very important criterion that many people tend to overlook.
A professional consulting agency should clearly explain that case processing times and outcomes depend on the adjudication process of the relevant U.S. government authorities.
Workers should carefully reconsider if they are given promises such as:
- Guaranteed visa approval.
- A visa within a fixed period of time.
- Bypassing or shortening the official adjudication process.
- Guaranteed case approval under all circumstances.
Understanding the true nature of the program will help workers make decisions based on complete and accurate information.
Checklist Before Choosing an EB-3 Consulting Agency
Before deciding to work with a consulting agency, you can evaluate it based on the following criteria:
- The employer and job opportunity are clearly presented.
- The EB-3 process is fully explained.
- Costs and contractual terms are transparent.
- A U.S. immigration attorney is involved throughout the case process.
- Case progress is updated regularly.
- The agency does not make promises beyond its authority.
If an agency meets these criteria, workers will have a stronger basis for determining whether it is suitable for their needs.
Conclusion
Choosing a consulting agency is not only the first step in an EB-3 case but can also affect the entire process that follows. Taking the time to understand the employer, process, costs, role of the immigration attorney, and how the consulting agency supports its clients will help workers be better prepared before beginning their case.
If you are considering the EB-3 program and would like detailed guidance on the process and the steps involved in preparing your case, please contact Total Global Agency (TGA) for assistance from our professional team.
