Congratulations on receiving your EAD or Green Card. This is an important milestone in your EB-3 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.
The BDV Client Services Team is here to support you through the process, but you will be responsible for completing all resettlement tasks.
Below is a clear, streamlined timeline of what to expect. You can also refer to the Checklist 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 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-3U 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 Specialist will transfer your case to your Coordinator. Your Coordinator manages all pre-employment steps with your sponsor.
The Coordinator will:
Submit your job application
Schedule orientation
Coordinate background checks
Coordinate drug tests
Manage all communication with your employer
BDV’s goal is for clients to start work within 60 days of receiving EAD/GC, provided resettlement is complete.
Do NOT contact your Sponsor employer directly before your official hire date.
As mentioned above, your BDV CS 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)
This includes:
Phone calls
Emails
Showing up in person
Contacting staff via LinkedIn
Messaging on any social media
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.
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 main Client Services chat for assistance.