Congratulations on receiving your EAD or Green Card. This is an important milestone in your EB-3 unskilled journey. While it’s a moment to celebrate, there are still key steps to complete before you can relocate, settle, and officially begin work with your sponsor employer.
BDV will support you throughout your transition; however, you are responsible for completing all resettlement tasks.
Below is a clear, streamlined timeline of what to expect. You can also refer to the Checklist to learn more about the details to prepare yourself to start working!
Phase 1: Notify BDV & Begin Resettlement (Immediately After EAD/GC Approval)
As soon as you receive work authorization (EAD or GC, whichever arrives first), contact BDV Client Services. You will be assigned a Client Services Specialist, who will guide you through the resettlement phase.
Phase 2: Required Resettlement Tasks (Before You Start Work)
Your BDV Specialist will help you plan, but you are responsible for securing each item. These must be completed before starting work to ensure a smooth transition.
Core Tasks:
Obtain Social Security Card (if you do not already have one)
Secure housing
Arrange transportation
Obtain a driver’s license
Worksite assignment (if your sponsor uses variable worksites, BDV will request this before your move)
Childcare or school enrollment, if applicable
Open a bank account
Resolve any other issues that may affect your ability to work (health, logistics, etc.)
Timing Tip:
Housing and worksite assignments typically occur around 8 weeks before your start date.
If you need to complete many resettlement tasks, the overall timeline may take longer. If you are already fully settled at the sponsor location, the process is typically faster.
Do not relocate if your sponsor uses variable worksites. Always wait until BDV Client Services confirms your assigned location.
Because EB-3 unskilled sponsors have chronic labor shortages, starting work promptly is essential. Please take all necessary steps to settle quickly.
Phase 3: Transition to Your Coordinator (Once Fully Settled)
After you complete all resettlement tasks and confirm you are ready to work, your BDV Specialist will transfer your case to your Coordinator. Your Coordinator manages all pre-employment steps with your sponsor.
The Coordinator will:
Contact the sponsor to verify their availability
Schedule orientation
Coordinate background checks
Coordinate drug tests
Manage all communication with your employer
BDV's and sponsors' goal is to help you begin working within 60 days or less from your arrival in the United States, once your checklist items are completed.
Do NOT contact your Sponsor employer directly before your official hire date.
This includes:
Phone calls
Emails
Showing up in person
Contacting staff via LinkedIn
Messaging on any social media
As mentioned above, your BDV Coordinator will manage all communication with your sponsor. Reaching out on your own can:
Confuse or upset HR staff
Disrupt the established hiring protocol
Cause delays
Negatively affect your case
Create issues if hiring needs or worksites shift frequently (which is common)
Once BDV provides your orientation details and confirms your supervisor, you may communicate with them from your hire date forward. Even then, do not initiate social media contact unless they approach you first.
Post-hire Phase: After starting work
After you begin working with your sponsor, BDV Client Services continues to support you throughout your employment commitment. While we cannot intervene in your sponsor’s policies and business decisions, we are here to guide you, answer questions, and assist with workplace concerns whenever possible and ensure a smooth and professional experience while you complete your EB-3 unskilled employment commitment and become a permanent resident!
Communication Expectations
BDV aims to respond to your messages within 2 business days.
If you do not receive a reply by then, you may contact the BDV chat for assistance.