WATECH NETWORK SOLUTIONS LTD

WATECH NETWORK
SOLUTIONS LTD

A Journey Abroad Explained

Your comprehensive guide to navigating immigration pathways and work opportunities around the world

Read Handbook
Chapter 1

EB3 Visa - Unskilled Workers to USA

Your pathway to permanent residency in the United States

What is the EB3 Visa?

The EB3 visa is an employment-based, third preference immigrant visa category that enables foreign workers to obtain permanent residency (green card) in the United States. The "unskilled worker" category is specifically designed for positions requiring less than 2 years of training or experience.

This visa category is ideal for individuals seeking to start a new life in America through legitimate employment opportunities that lead to permanent resident status for themselves and their immediate family members.

Key Benefits

Permanent Residency

Live and work permanently in the USA

Family Inclusion

Bring your spouse and children under 21

Work Freedom

Change employers after receiving green card

Path to Citizenship

Apply for US citizenship after 5 years

Eligibility Requirements

1

Valid Job Offer

You must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your visa.

2

Labor Certification

Your employer must obtain PERM Labor Certification from the Department of Labor proving no qualified U.S. workers are available.

3

Meet Job Requirements

You must be capable of performing unskilled labor that requires less than 2 years of training or experience.

4

Health & Character

Pass medical examination and have no serious criminal record or immigration violations.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Find a U.S. Employer

Secure a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your EB3 visa.

Timeline: Varies (3-12 months)

2

PERM Labor Certification

Your employer files for PERM Labor Certification with the Department of Labor. This proves no qualified U.S. workers are available.

Timeline: 6-12 months

3

Form I-140 Petition

Once PERM is approved, your employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS.

Timeline: 4-6 months (or 15 days with premium processing)

4

Wait for Priority Date

Monitor the visa bulletin for your priority date to become current. This waiting period varies by country of birth.

Timeline: Varies (6-24+ months depending on country)

5

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

If you're in the U.S., file Form I-485. If abroad, attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate.

Timeline: 12-24 months

Total Processing Time: 2-4 years (varies by country and case complexity)

Common Job Categories

Food Service

Kitchen staff, servers, food prep workers

Housekeeping

Hotel staff, cleaners, janitorial services

Agricultural

Farm workers, harvest laborers

Warehouse

Packers, sorters, material handlers

Manufacturing

Assembly line workers, production staff

Landscaping

Groundskeepers, lawn maintenance

Important Tips for Success

  • Research employers: Look for reputable companies with a history of sponsoring foreign workers.

  • Keep documents ready: Have all educational certificates, work experience letters, and identification documents translated and authenticated.

  • Monitor visa bulletin: Check the monthly visa bulletin to track when your priority date becomes current.

  • Be patient: The process takes time. Stay in contact with your employer and immigration attorney throughout.

  • Plan financially: Ensure you have sufficient funds for visa fees, medical exams, and initial relocation costs.

Chapter 2

EB2 NIW - National Interest Waiver

Self-petition for a U.S. green card without employer sponsorship

What is the EB2 NIW?

The EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a unique immigration pathway that allows highly skilled professionals to self-petition for a U.S. green card without needing a job offer or labor certification. This visa is granted to individuals whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

Unlike traditional employment-based visas, the EB2 NIW gives you complete control over your immigration process and the freedom to change employers or start your own business once approved.

Key Advantages

Self-Petition

No employer sponsorship required

No Labor Certification

Skip the lengthy PERM process

Job Flexibility

Change employers or start your business

Faster Processing

Premium processing available (15 days)

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Requirements

You must meet ONE of the following:

Advanced degree (Master's, PhD, or equivalent) in your field, OR

Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of progressive post-degree work experience in your specialty

Three-Prong Test (Must Meet All)

1. Substantial Merit & National Importance

Your proposed work must have substantial merit and importance to the United States at a national level. This can be in areas like STEM, healthcare, business, education, arts, or other fields benefiting America.

2. Well-Positioned to Advance the Endeavor

You must demonstrate you have the education, skills, knowledge, and track record to successfully advance your proposed work. Evidence includes publications, patents, awards, leadership roles, and expert recommendations.

3. Beneficial to Waive Job Offer & Labor Certification

It must be in the U.S. national interest to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements. This means your work is so important that requiring employer sponsorship would be impractical or detrimental to U.S. interests.

Common Fields That Qualify

STEM Fields

Engineering, computer science, data science, AI/ML researchers

Healthcare

Physicians, nurses, medical researchers, public health experts

Business

Entrepreneurs, business analysts, economists

Education

Professors, researchers, educational innovators

Environmental Science

Climate researchers, sustainability experts, conservation scientists

Arts & Culture

Artists, filmmakers, cultural ambassadors

Application Process

1

Assess Your Eligibility

Review educational credentials and evaluate if your work meets the three-prong test for national interest.

Timeline: 1-2 weeks

2

Gather Evidence

Collect recommendation letters, publications, patents, awards, media coverage, and other supporting documentation.

Timeline: 1-3 months

3

Prepare Petition Package

Draft a compelling personal statement, organize evidence, and prepare Form I-140 with supporting documents.

Timeline: 1-2 months

4

File Form I-140

Submit your I-140 petition to USCIS. You can choose premium processing for faster review.

Timeline: 4-6 months (or 15 days with premium processing)

5

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

Once I-140 is approved and your priority date is current, file I-485 (if in U.S.) or attend consular interview (if abroad).

Timeline: 6-18 months

Total Processing Time: 12-18 months (faster with premium processing)

Strong Evidence to Include

  • Recommendation Letters: 5-8 letters from recognized experts in your field, including some who don't know you personally

  • Publications & Citations: Research papers, journal articles, books, and evidence of how others cite your work

  • Patents & Innovations: Intellectual property, inventions, or novel methodologies you've developed

  • Awards & Recognition: Professional awards, grants, fellowships, or other honors

  • Media Coverage: Articles, interviews, or features about your work in newspapers, magazines, or online media

  • Professional Memberships: Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements

  • Business Plans: For entrepreneurs, detailed plans showing economic impact and job creation potential

  • Personal Statement: Compelling narrative explaining how your work benefits the United States

Pro Tips for EB2 NIW Success

  • Build a strong narrative: Your personal statement should clearly articulate how your work benefits America at a national level.

  • Quality over quantity: Focus on impactful evidence rather than overwhelming USCIS with documents.

  • Get expert recommendations: Letters from well-known authorities in your field carry significant weight.

  • Demonstrate future impact: Show how your continued work will benefit the U.S. going forward, not just past achievements.

  • Consider premium processing: The $2,805 fee gets your petition reviewed in 15 business days instead of months.

Chapter 3

Work Visas for Dubai, UAE

Your gateway to career opportunities in the Middle East's most dynamic city

Why Dubai?

Dubai offers one of the world's most attractive employment packages: tax-free salaries, world-class infrastructure, multicultural environment, and a strategic location connecting East and West. The UAE's progressive visa policies make it easier than ever for skilled professionals to build their careers in this global hub.

0% Income Tax

200+ Nationalities

Growing Economy

Types of Work Visas in Dubai

Employment Visa

The most common work visa, sponsored by your employer. Valid for 2-3 years and renewable.

Employer-Sponsored 2-3 Years

Golden Visa

Long-term residency (10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. No employer sponsorship needed.

10 Years Independent Family Sponsorship

Freelance Visa

For independent professionals working with multiple clients. Offered through various free zones.

Self-Sponsored 1-3 Years

Green Visa

5-year residency for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors. More flexibility than standard employment visa.

5 Years Flexible

Virtual Working Visa

For remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE. Work from Dubai while maintaining foreign employment.

Remote Work 1 Year

Employment Visa Application Process

1

Secure Job Offer

Obtain employment with a UAE-registered company. Your employer initiates the visa process.

Timeline: Varies

2

Entry Permit

Employer applies for your entry permit with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Timeline: 3-5 working days

3

Enter UAE

Travel to Dubai with your entry permit. You have 60 days from issuance to enter the country.

Timeline: Within 60 days of permit issuance

4

Medical Test & Emirates ID

Complete medical fitness test at approved center and apply for Emirates ID card.

Timeline: 1-2 weeks

5

Change Status

Employer submits documents to change your status from visit visa to employment visa.

Timeline: 3-5 working days

6

Visa Stamping

Your residence visa is stamped in your passport. You're now legally authorized to live and work in Dubai!

Timeline: 1-2 days

Total Processing Time: 2-4 weeks

Required Documents

Personal Documents

  • Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Current visa copy (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness certificate

Professional Documents

  • Educational certificates (attested)
  • Employment contract
  • Company trade license copy
  • Entry permit

Family Sponsorship

Once you have your employment visa, you can sponsor your family members if you meet the minimum salary requirements:

Dubai Minimum Salary

Spouse & Children: AED 4,000/month OR AED 3,000 + accommodation

Parents: AED 20,000/month OR AED 19,000 + accommodation

Other Emirates

Abu Dhabi, Sharjah: Requirements vary by emirate (typically AED 4,000-6,000)

Check specific emirate requirements

Who can you sponsor? Spouse, unmarried children under 18 (sons can be extended to 21 if in university), parents (with higher salary requirement)

Benefits of Working in Dubai

Tax-Free Income

No personal income tax on your earnings

Annual Leave

30 days paid vacation + public holidays

Housing Allowance

Many employers provide accommodation or allowance

Transportation

Vehicle or transport allowance often included

Health Insurance

Mandatory employer-provided health coverage

Education

School fee allowances for children (many companies)

Chapter 4

Middle East Work Opportunities

Explore career pathways across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

The Middle East Advantage

The Middle East, particularly the GCC countries, offers exceptional opportunities for foreign workers. With ambitious economic diversification plans, booming industries, and competitive compensation packages, the region continues to attract talent from around the world.

High Salaries

Modern Infrastructure

Safe Environment

Tax-Free Income

Saudi Arabia

Vision 2030 is transforming the Kingdom

Key Industries

  • Energy & Oil: World's largest oil exporter, expanding renewables
  • Technology: NEOM smart city, AI, and tech innovation hubs
  • Tourism: Major investment in entertainment and hospitality
  • Healthcare: Expanding medical facilities and services
  • Education: Universities and training institutions growth

Work Visa Information

Visa Type: Work & Residence Permit (Iqama)

Duration: 1-2 years (renewable)

Processing: 2-4 weeks

Premium Residency: New 1-5 year independent residency permits available for skilled professionals

Qatar

Wealthy nation with diverse opportunities

Key Industries

  • Energy: Major LNG producer, oil & gas jobs
  • Construction: Ongoing infrastructure projects post-World Cup
  • Hospitality: Luxury hotels and tourism sector
  • Education: International schools and universities
  • Finance: Banking and investment opportunities

Work Visa Information

Visa Type: Work Residence Permit

Duration: Up to 5 years (varies by contract)

Processing: 2-3 weeks

Permanent Residency: Qatar offers permanent residency for certain professionals and investors

Kuwait

Strong economy with competitive packages

Key Industries

  • Oil & Gas: Petroleum industry dominates economy
  • Healthcare: Public and private hospital expansion
  • Education: Schools, training centers, universities
  • Retail: Shopping malls and commercial sector
  • Banking: Financial services opportunities

Work Visa Information

Visa Type: Work Permit (Article 18 or 20)

Duration: 1-3 years (renewable)

Processing: 3-4 weeks

Family Sponsorship: Available with minimum salary requirement

Oman

Rich culture and growing economy

Key Industries

  • Tourism: Heritage sites and natural beauty attractions
  • Logistics: Strategic port locations for shipping
  • Renewable Energy: Solar and wind projects
  • Oil & Gas: Traditional energy sector
  • Manufacturing: Industrial zone development

Work Visa Information

Visa Type: Employment Visa

Duration: 2 years (renewable)

Processing: 2-3 weeks

Special Note: Lower cost of living compared to other GCC

Bahrain

Business-friendly island nation

Key Industries

  • Finance: Major banking and financial hub
  • Tech Startups: Growing technology ecosystem
  • Tourism: Formula 1 and cultural attractions
  • Aluminum: Manufacturing and exports
  • Retail: Shopping and hospitality sector

Work Visa Information

Visa Type: Work Permit

Duration: 1-2 years (renewable)

Processing: 2-3 weeks

Flexible Permit: New system allows job changes without employer approval

Tips for Working in the Middle East

Before You Go

  • Research cultural norms and workplace etiquette
  • Get all employment contracts reviewed by legal expert
  • Authenticate all certificates at home country embassy
  • Understand tax implications in your home country
  • Arrange health insurance and emergency contacts

Once You Arrive

  • Open local bank account for salary deposits
  • Register with your home country embassy/consulate
  • Learn basic Arabic phrases for daily interactions
  • Join expat communities for support and networking
  • Save copies of all visa and ID documents digitally
WATECH NETWORK SOLUTIONS LTD

Contact Us

Ready to start your journey abroad? Our immigration experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

Our Office

Jogoo Road, City View B Building
1st Floor, Opposite Mogas Gas Station
Nairobi, Kenya

Business Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EAT

Follow Us

Schedule a Consultation

© 2025 WATECH NETWORK SOLUTIONS LTD. All rights reserved.
Transforming lives through immigration pathways around the world.