How to Get a U.S. Green Card as a Citizen of Taiwan: The EB-3 Visa Path Explained

If you’re a citizen of Taiwan thinking about settling in the United States, obtaining a Green Card through the employment-based EB-3 visa is a realistic route. U.S. employers in caregiving, hospitality, food service and other sectors are struggling to fill reliable, long-term roles. Taiwanese workers bring language skills, cultural readiness, and a strong work ethic, all of which make them a great match.

In this article, you’ll learn what is the EB-3 process for Taiwanese Workers, why Taiwan is well-placed in this space, and what to expect along the journey.

What the EB-3 Visa Really Means?

The EB-3 visa falls under the employment-based third preference category. Essentially, a U.S. employer offers you a full-time, permanent job, completes a process to certify the role is needed, then you receive permanent residency (a Green Card) through that employment. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this category is for “skilled workers,” “professionals,” and “other workers” (for roles requiring less than two years of training or experience). 

For Taiwanese candidates, this presents a clear opportunity. Taiwan is not heavily backlogged in many EB-3 categories compared to countries such as India or China. That means timelines can be more favourable. The key is finding an employer willing and able to sponsor you.

Why Taiwanese Workers Fit the Demand?

Taiwanese workers offer several qualities that align well with U.S. employer needs. English proficiency in Taiwan is relatively strong (especially among younger workers), and many Taiwanese are accustomed to service-oriented roles, attention to detail, and adapting to international work environments. Many employers in caregiving, hotel service, and food-service roles value reliability, cultural fit, and longevity, all traits often seen in Taiwanese candidates.

From the employer side, the fact that Taiwan falls into a “non-major backlog” category means the visa pipeline can move more smoothly. According to processing time data, many EB-3 cases outside high-demand countries can complete the whole journey in roughly one to three years, though this still depends on employer recruitment, processing steps, and documentation. 

EB-3 Process for a Taiwanese Workers

Let’s walk through the process as if you were moving from Taiwan to the U.S. under EB-3. This is a narrative of what happens, when, and what you (and your employer) must do.

The Employer Sponsorship & PERM Phase

Your U.S. employer first identifies a role they need filled—say a caregiver, hotel housekeeper, or food-service worker. They must show the job is permanent (not seasonal or temporary), full-time, and they cannot find a qualified U.S. worker. That triggers the PERM process—the labour-certification step under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). According to recent data, PERM certifications can take 6-18 months, often longer if there is an audit. 

For you in Taiwan, once the employer files ETA-9089 (the PERM application), your priority date is set—the date that marks your place in line. The DOL posts processing times (for example 483 days for initial review).

The I-140 Petition

Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS. This step typically takes 6-12 months without premium processing, though premium processing (if available) can reduce it to 15 business days.

At this point, you and the employer have committed to the sponsorship. Your case is now waiting for a visa number to become available based on your priority date and your category.

Visa Availability, Consular Processing & Green Card Issuance

Because you are applying from Taiwan (outside the U.S.), after I-140 approval you go through consular processing. The U.S. Department of State issues the monthly Visa Bulletin, which shows the “Final Action Dates” for each category and country. Your priority date must be earlier than the cut-off date before you can move forward.

Once your date is current, you’ll submit a DS-260 form, complete a medical exam and attend an interview at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). After approval, you enter the U.S. and become a lawful permanent resident. For many non-backlogged countries, this final step may take 3–8 months. 

In total, for Taiwanese candidates in categories without major backlog, the timeline from employer job offer to Green Card could often span approximately 24-48 months, maybe longer depending on employer readiness, documentation quality, and the DOL/USCIS workload.

What Happens After Arrival

Once you arrive in the U.S. with your immigrant visa and receive your Green Card, you begin employment in the job that was offered. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also join you under the same sponsorship. You're free to live and work in the U.S., travel, and eventually pursue U.S. citizenship if eligible. 

Important Things To Keep in Mind

As a Taiwanese applicant (or as an employer recruiting from Taiwan), it’s useful to be aware of key factors:

• The job must be permanent and full-time—not temporary or seasonal.

• Documentation must be thorough: employer recruitment proof, prevailing wage determination, PERM audit readiness.

• Backlogs can change. Although Taiwan is favourable now, staying updated with the Visa Bulletin is essential. 

• Delays often stem from employer mistakes, audits, or missing documentation—not just country backlogs.

• Post-arrival expectations: Coming prepared to adapt, engage in the role, and stay with the employer long-term strengthens your success.

Why This Matters for Employers and Candidates?

For U.S. employers, tapping into Taiwanese talent via EB-3 sponsorship can yield a dependable long-term workforce when local recruitment fails. For Taiwanese workers, the EB-3 pathway offers more than just overseas work—it opens the door to permanent residency and a stable future.

Because Taiwan is less burdened by visa-backlog constraints compared to other countries, the process can be comparatively smoother—but only if the employer and candidate move together with full understanding and preparation.

Final Thoughts

If you are a Taiwanese individual looking to build a future in the U.S., or you’re a U.S. employer seeking dedicated workers, the EB-3 visa process offers a viable route. Know the process, choose the right employer or partner, prepare thoroughly, and stay engaged. Taiwan brings value to the U.S. workforce, and with the proper planning you can turn that opportunity into long-term success.

The Next Step: If you’re ready to explore how Taiwanese candidates can fill vital U.S. roles, or if you’re a Taiwanese worker interested in the EB-3 path, contact Pine Visa. We help with employer sponsorship, candidate vetting, PERM and I-140 filings, consular processing and onboarding. Visit pinevisa.com to start your journey today.