Practical advice for those currently considering immigration to the United States



When consulting with people in Korea who are considering immigrating to the U.S., many of them tend to ask a common question.

"I heard EB-3 takes a long time these days, isn't there a certain occupation that's a bit faster?"
"Is there any way to get there faster besides EB-3?"

The answer to this question is clear. Currently, EB-3 Unskilled immigration takes 5 years or more for everyone. It is not faster or slower depending on the occupation. USCIS or the Department of State (DOS) do not adjust processing speed by occupation. All EB-3 Other Workers wait their turn in the same line under the same quota. EB-3 is not a matter of choice. In reality, it is simply 'one of the few possible immigration routes.' Therefore, it is important to change the very perspective from which you view this system right now.

■ EB-3 Unskilled Immigration: Not About 'Who Goes First,' But About 'Who Can Wait'

Currently, EB-3 Unskilled immigration takes an average of 5 years or more from the start of processing to a green card. Given this long period, some clients say, "Then I'll just start later." But that is a mistaken judgment.

The waiting period ends up being similar whether you start now or start a year from now.
If you start in 2025, it becomes 2030; if you start in 2026, it becomes 2031. In fact, the earlier you start, the earlier you arrive. This system guarantees order, not speed.

Someone who can start now will receive their green card in 5 years.
Someone who hesitates now may still be preparing for their green card 5 years from now.

■ Why Aren't Other U.S. Immigration Routes Realistic?

Many people look into immigration routes other than EB-3. Sometimes they consider a work visa (H-1B) after studying in the U.S., or look for an E-2 visa through a small-capital startup. However, when examined realistically, most routes are 'paths that are accessible but not sustainable.'

H-1B Visa (Professional Work Visa)
There is a limited quota of 85,000 per year, and even this is competed for by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide through a lottery. The winning probability averages between 15~25%, visa extension is difficult, and there is no guarantee it leads to a green card. It is impossible without an employer's sponsorship.

E-2 Visa (Small Investment Visa)
You must invest at least $200,000~300,000 to establish a corporation in the U.S., and this visa is a 'nonimmigrant visa.' In other words, it does not lead to a green card, and when a child turns 21, dependent benefits disappear.

J-1 Visa (Internship/Training Program)
Generally, a stay of 12~18 months is allowed, after which you must return to your home country. Some J-1 visas have a home residency requirement clause that restricts entry to the U.S. for 2 years.

EB-5 Investor Immigration
The investment amount is $1.05 million (or $800,000 in certain targeted areas), and you must prove the source of funds as well as the risk. The requirements emphasize being an 'investor' rather than an immigrant, and it is nearly inaccessible to the average middle class.

EB-3 Skilled Workers/Professionals
Even if you meet the qualification requirements, a U.S. employer must directly sponsor you. For an ordinary person in Korea, finding such a sponsor is itself very difficult. Jobs that lead to a green card are themselves rare.

As such, for an ordinary Korean starting from Korea, EB-3 Unskilled is almost the only realistic route to obtaining a U.S. green card.

■ EB-3, 'The Only Route Anyone Can Reach If They Put in the Time'

EB-3 requires no academic background, no assets, no U.S. local work experience. Instead, there is one clear condition. You must be able to wait.
Someone preparing for EB-3 right now is not simply preparing to immigrate to the U.S. They are designing the next 5 years to come.
The core of EB-3 is carefully preparing, during that time, what career to build in Korea, how a child's age will change, and what path a career transition could take after moving to the U.S.

■ The Reward at the End of the Wait: "How a Green Card Changes the Trajectory of Life"

A U.S. green card is more than a simple status.
Children are educated in public schools and receive tuition discounts when entering state universities.
Parents can work freely and can also start a business.
Freedom to change jobs, move, and choose a living environment within the U.S. becomes possible.

Also, 5 years after obtaining a green card, you can apply for citizenship. Once you obtain citizenship, family immigration such as sponsoring children or parents becomes possible, and you can also enjoy the benefits of a U.S. passport. All of this is a future given only to 'those who start EB-3 now.'

■ EB-3 Is 'Realistically Almost the Only Way to Go to the U.S.'

In an era like today, when the doors to U.S. immigration have narrowed, EB-3 remains one of the few open pathways. Do not view this system merely as a 'hard job.' That job is merely the pathway; the essence is 'a U.S. green card.'

That is why EB-3 is a system that should be chosen not by 'someone who wants to immigrate right away,' but by 'someone who is ready to start a new life in the U.S. 5 years from now.'

If you are seriously considering immigrating to the U.S., please take that first step through EB-3 now.