EB-3 – Permanent Unskilled Workers

Overview

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category that enables foreign workers to reside in the United States and obtain permanent residency, also known as a Green Card. The “unskilled worker” subcategory is for individuals performing unskilled labor that requires less than 2 years of training or experience, and is not temporary or seasonal.

Eligibility

To petition for an EB-3, you, your entity, and the type of employment should be eligible.

Candidate’s Requirements

Workers willing to perform unskilled labor require less than 2 years of training or experience and are not temporary or seasonal.

Entities’ Requirements

Any entities that can demonstrate that insufficient U.S. workers are available for their needs.

Here are some industries in need of EB-3 unskilled workers (not limited to): Restaurants, fast-food chains, and other food service establishments – Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses – Landscaping companies, property management firms, and other businesses involved in outdoor maintenance – The construction industry

Position’s Requirements

Positions should be in a labor shortage in the USA (where qualified workers are unavailable).

The work schedule must be full-time (at least 35 hours per week), but employers can require additional hours.

The tax form must be a W-2, not a 1099.

Work hours must be paid at least the Federal, State, or local minimum wage.

Here are some examples of EB-3 jobs (not limited to): Food service workers (kitchen staff, servers, and dishwashers), Housekeepers, Janitors, Commercial Cleaner, Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers (lawn care, gardening, and landscaping – Landscaping laborers, Greenskeepers), Construction workers (carrying materials, site cleanup, and basic construction work), Manufacturing operators, Truck drivers, etc.

Length of Stay

The EB-3 is an application for permanent residency (Green Card). The Green Card is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as you remain in the USA for more than 6 months each year.

Compensation & Benefits

While you are in the United States, you have the right to:

• Be paid fairly: Your employer must pay you for all work you do, and at least the federal legal minimum wage.
• Work in a healthy and safe workplace, free from discrimination, harassment, and exploitation: Your employer must comply with all relevant federal and local workforce laws and regulations.

It’s your responsibility to conduct your research and negotiate your compensation and benefits before accepting an offer from a U.S.-based company.

Family

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be your dependents, and they can come and live in the United States with you under the Green Card.

Your spouse and children can study in the United States under the Green Card.

Your spouse can work in the United States under a Green Card.

Process

Parties Involved

The entity that sponsors you is your future employer. You will need a certified immigration lawyer or an agency.

Process Step by Step

Here is the process in this proper order:

1. Find a job at an entity willing to sponsor you for an EB-3
2. Your entity files an EB-3 petition with you
3. Apply for the EB-3 (if you are outside the USA)
4. Get the EB-3 visa and travel to the USA (if you are outside the USA)

You can not skip any steps. For example, if you haven’t received any job proposal from an entity willing to sponsor you for an EB-3, and if this entity hasn’t filed any H-1B petition and gotten approved for it, you won’t be able to apply for the EB-3 visa.

Job Search Duration

Your job search duration (step 1 above) will vary depending on your profile and the difficulty U.S. employers have hiring in your field.

The time to get a job varies depending on the number of jobs you apply for and receive each month, your fit for the jobs, the quality of your applications, and your performance in job interviews. For example, someone with an American resume and a cover letter, who applies for 5 or more targeted jobs each week and is ready to master job interviews, usually gets an ideal job offer with visa sponsorship within 4 months.

Visa Process Duration

Candidates usually take 2 to 3 years to obtain an EB-3 visa.

Fees

The fees are the candidate’s responsibility and range from $28,000 to $40,000.

Alternatives

If EB-3 isn’t the right fit, consider this alternative.
The J-1 visa is designed for professional training and skill development—not just temporary labor—making it a strong option for building your career in the United States. It’s more affordable (fees up to $1,995) and faster to obtain (around 2 weeks), making it a great way to live and gain experience in the U.S.
👉 Learn more about the J-1 visa