When exploring opportunities to work abroad, many people tend to approach the decision with the same mindset as temporary overseas employment: the job offering the higher salary seems more attractive. Therefore, when considering EB-3, the first questions are often, “How much is the salary?” or “Which job offers the highest income?” This is understandable, but EB-3 is not simply about going to the United States to work for a certain period and then returning home. It is an employment-based immigration category. Therefore, when choosing an EB-3 job, workers should consider not only the salary but also the employer, the actual job duties, the work location, and how well the position fits their long-term plans for life in the United States.
Do Not View EB-3 Simply as Temporary Overseas Employment
With a temporary overseas employment program, workers often focus on salary, contract duration, and how much money they can save before returning to Vietnam. Therefore, prioritizing income is understandable.
EB-3 is different. It is an employment-based immigration category that includes Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers. Qualifying jobs in these EB-3 categories are not temporary or seasonal positions.
Therefore, choosing an EB-3 job is not simply about selecting a job that provides income. Workers should also consider the employer, the working environment, and the place where they and their families may begin their new lives in the United States.
A High Salary Is Important, but It Is Not Everything
Salary is certainly one of the important factors to consider. Workers need to know how much they will be paid and what the working conditions are before making a decision.
However, when choosing an EB-3 job, simply comparing two salaries and selecting the higher figure may not fully reflect the differences between the two positions.
A position may offer a higher salary but require experience that the applicant does not have, making it potentially unsuitable. Similarly, two jobs located in different states should not be compared based solely on their hourly wages.
Instead of asking only, “Which job pays more?”, applicants should also find out what kind of work the salary is for, what the job requirements are, and where the position is located.
Salary Should Be Considered in the Context of the Job
As part of the PERM process, the employer must obtain a Prevailing Wage Determination in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor regulations. The prevailing wage is related to the occupation, the intended area of employment, and other applicable factors associated with the position.
This shows that when choosing an EB-3 job, workers should not separate salary from the job itself and its location.
For example, a position in Indiana and another in Georgia may differ in occupation, experience requirements, and work location. Therefore, a higher-paying job does not automatically mean that it is the more suitable option.
The Employer Is Also an Important Factor
EB-3 is an employment-based immigration category, so the employer plays an important role in the case process. Before choosing an EB-3 job, applicants should know who is hiring them, what industry the company operates in, what position is being offered, and where they will work.
An attractive salary cannot replace basic information about the employer.
Therefore, if salary is the first question when considering a job, the next question should be: “Who is my employer, and what job will I actually be doing?”
Does the Job Match Your Experience?
Not every EB-3 job is suitable for every applicant.
For EB-3 Skilled Workers, the job must require at least two years of training or experience. Other Workers, meanwhile, are for jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience and that are not temporary or seasonal.
Therefore, when choosing an EB-3 job, applicants should compare the job requirements with their actual experience.
For example, someone with experience in automotive repair, auto body and paint work, or the automotive industry may be suitable for an Automotive Technician position that requires relevant skills. In contrast, someone without specialized work experience may consider positions under the Other Workers category if they meet the employer’s requirements.
A job that genuinely matches an applicant’s abilities is still more important than pursuing a position simply because it offers a higher salary.
Your Work Location May Also Be Where You Begin Your New Life
This factor can easily be overlooked if workers continue to view EB-3 mainly from the perspective of working abroad.
When choosing an EB-3 job, the work location is not only where the worker will go to work each day. It may also be the first place where the worker and their family begin their lives in the United States.
Housing, transportation, climate, schools, and household expenses can vary by location. Therefore, a higher salary on paper does not necessarily reflect the overall living conditions a family will experience.
For families with children in particular, the place where they will live should be considered together with the job and income.
Understand the Actual Job Duties
A job title provides only part of the information. What workers will actually experience after arriving in the United States is the day-to-day work itself.
Therefore, before choosing an EB-3 job, applicants should understand the specific duties, working environment, physical requirements, and necessary experience.
For example, a Supermarket Employee position may involve different duties depending on the employer’s needs. An Automotive Technician, on the other hand, may need experience in vehicle repair, auto body and paint work, or the use of specialized tools.
Understanding the actual work from the beginning helps applicants determine whether they are genuinely suitable for the position.
TGA Works Directly With U.S. Employers
TGA currently works directly with employers in the United States and is offering two types of positions: Supermarket Employee in Indiana and Automotive Technician in Georgia.
These two positions have different requirements and are suitable for different groups of applicants. The Supermarket Employee position falls under EB-3 Unskilled, while the Automotive Technician position is more suitable for applicants with relevant work experience, particularly in automotive repair and auto body and paint work.
Therefore, when advising applicants on choosing an EB-3 job, TGA considers the job requirements, employer, location, and the applicant’s suitability rather than simply comparing salaries between positions.
Conclusion
It is understandable to prioritize salary when looking for employment opportunities abroad. With EB-3, however, choosing a job is also connected to immigration plans and long-term life in the United States.
Therefore, when choosing an EB-3 job, look beyond the salary figure. Who the employer is, what the actual job involves, whether the position matches your abilities, and where your family will begin its life in the United States are all important factors to consider. Choosing an EB-3 job that is right for you does not necessarily mean selecting the position with the highest salary, but rather finding a job that fits your abilities and long-term plans.
