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EB-3 Unskilled Visa: Your Pathway to Legal Employment in the USA
Discover how the EB-3 unskilled visa program can open doors to permanent residency while filling critical workforce needs across the United States.
What is the EB-3 Unskilled Visa?
Employment-Based Category
The EB-3 unskilled visa is part of the third preference employment-based immigration category specifically designed for workers performing unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of training or experience.
Permanent Residency
Unlike temporary work visas, the EB-3 leads directly to a green card, offering a path to permanent residency in the United States for qualified applicants and their immediate family members.
Labor Certification
Requires a U.S. employer to sponsor the foreign worker through a PERM Labor Certification, proving no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
Eligibility Requirements
Job Offer from U.S. Employer
You must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your visa application and complete the necessary paperwork.
Unskilled Labor Position
The job must qualify as "unskilled labor" requiring less than two years of training or work experience to perform.
Labor Certification Approval
Your employer must obtain an approved labor certification from the Department of Labor, verifying no qualified U.S. workers are available.
Admissibility to the U.S.
You must be admissible to the United States with no disqualifying criminal history, health issues, or immigration violations.
Application Process Timeline
PERM Labor Certification
Your employer files for labor certification with the Department of Labor. This process includes recruitment efforts to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available. Time: 6-8 months.
I-140 Petition
After labor certification approval, your employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS. Time: 4-6 months for processing.
Priority Date Waiting Period
Wait for your priority date to become current in the visa bulletin. This is typically the longest part of the process for EB-3 unskilled workers. Time: 2-5+ years.
Green Card Application
File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if in the U.S. or complete consular processing if abroad. Time: 8-14 months after priority date is current.
Industries with EB-3 Opportunities
Hospitality
Hotels and resorts frequently hire for positions like housekeepers, kitchen staff, and maintenance workers through the EB-3 program.
Construction
General laborers, helpers, and various construction trades offer opportunities for EB-3 visa holders across the country.
Food Service
Restaurants and food production facilities sponsor kitchen staff, food preparation workers, and cleaning personnel.
Warehousing
Package handlers, stockers, and shipping/receiving clerks are commonly sponsored positions in the logistics industry.
Advantages and Challenges
Advantages
  • Path to permanent residency (green card)
  • Family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can be included
  • No education or special skills requirements
  • Access to most benefits and rights of permanent residents
Challenges
  • Long waiting periods due to annual visa caps
  • Significant costs for both employers and applicants
  • Complex documentation and legal requirements
  • Country-specific backlogs (especially for applicants from India, China, Mexico, and Philippines)
Costs and Financial Considerations
$700-1500
PERM Labor Certification
Employer costs for recruitment and advertising
$700
I-140 Petition
USCIS filing fee
$1,225
Adjustment of Status
I-485 filing and biometrics fee
$3,000-7,000
Attorney Fees
Typical legal representation costs
Additional costs may include medical examinations ($200-400), translation services, and document preparation. Some employers may require the employee to reimburse certain costs, though labor certification expenses must be paid by the employer by law.
Getting Started with Your EB-3 Journey
Find an Eligible Employer
Search for U.S. employers with a history of sponsoring EB-3 visas. Focus on industries with labor shortages and companies that understand the value of international workers.
Consult an Immigration Attorney
Work with a qualified immigration attorney who specializes in employment-based visas. They can evaluate your eligibility and guide both you and your employer through the complex process.
Prepare Documentation
Gather required documents including identification, work history verification, and any necessary translations. Ensure all documents are properly formatted according to USCIS requirements.