The EB-3 visa represents one of the most accessible pathways to a U.S. Green Card for individuals without advanced degrees or millions of dollars to invest. It is designed to fill vital roles in the American economy where there is a demonstrated shortage of available domestic workers.
Whether you are a professional with a bachelor’s degree, a skilled tradesperson with years of experience, or someone seeking an entry-level opportunity, the EB-3 category offers a legal and permanent route to build your life in the United States.
The journey is employer-driven and requires patience, as the process can take 1.5 to 3+ years to complete. It begins with a single, crucial step: securing a full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you through the multi-stage immigration process. If you are dedicated and find the right sponsor, the reward is permanent residency for you and your eligible family members.
Who is Eligible for EB3 Sponsorship Jobs in USA?
The EB-3 category is divided into three subcategories:
- EB-3A: Professionals: For positions that require a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent. (e.g., architects, certain teachers).
- EB-3B: Skilled Workers: For positions that require at least two years of relevant work experience, training, or education. (e.g., chefs, electricians, IT support).
- EB-3C: Unskilled Workers (Other Workers): positions requiring less than two years of experience or training. (e.g., housekeepers, cleaners, agricultural workers).
Basic Applicant Requirements:
- A valid job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you.
- Meet the specific education or experience requirements for the job.
- Basic proficiency in English for the role.
- A clean criminal record and ability to pass a medical exam.
- Be admissible to the United States.
Common EB-3 Jobs Offering Visa Sponsorship:
This visa is particularly valuable for roles that are in high demand but face local labor shortages.
EB-3C: Unskilled / Entry-Level Roles
- Hotel Housekeepers & Cleaners
- Restaurant Kitchen Staff (Dishwashers, Line Cooks)
- Meat, Poultry, and Food Processing Workers
- Caregivers / Personal Support Aides
- Janitorial and Maintenance Staff
- Warehouse Packers and Assemblers
- Landscape and Groundskeeping Workers
EB-3B: Skilled Trade Roles
- Welders and Metal Fabricators
- CNC Machine Operators
- Licensed Electricians and Plumbers
- Automotive Mechanics
- Construction Trades (Carpenters, Masons)
- HVAC Technicians
- Chefs and Cooks (with substantial experience)
EB-3A: Professional Roles
- Registered Nurses (in some cases)
- Graphic Designers
- Financial Analysts (entry-level)
- Marketing Coordinators
Realistic Salary Expectations:
Salaries are tied to the “prevailing wage” for the role in the specific geographic location, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Unskilled Jobs (EB-3C): $30,000 – $42,000 per year
- Skilled Jobs (EB-3B): $45,000 – $75,000+ per year
- Caregiver & Hospitality Roles: $32,000 – $48,000 per year
Note: Some employers, especially in live-in or remote locations, may offer benefits like housing or transportation allowances to supplement the salary.
The EB-3 Visa Sponsorship Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process is lengthy and employer-driven, often taking 1.5 to 3+ years.
Step 1: Find a Sponsoring Employer
This is the most critical step. You must secure a full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. company that is willing and financially able to sponsor you.
Step 2: PERM Labor Certification
Your employer must prove to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that there are no qualified and willing U.S. workers available for the position. This involves:
- Conducting recruitment campaigns (advertising the job).
- Interviewing U.S. applicants.
- Filing ETA Form 9089.
Step 3: Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
Once the PERM is certified, your employer files this form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to officially designate you as an employment-based immigrant.
Step 4: Wait for Your Priority Date to Become Current
Due to annual quotas, there is often a waiting period, especially for the EB-3 “Other Workers” category. You must wait for your “priority date” (the date your PERM was filed) to be current according to the Visa Bulletin.
Step 5: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- If you are inside the U.S., you file Form I-485 to Adjust Status to a permanent resident.
- If you are outside the U.S., you will undergo Consular Processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate, leading to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Upon entry to the U.S., you become a permanent resident.
Potential Employers & Recruitment Channels:
While large corporations sponsor directly, many EB-3 roles are filled through specialized agencies.
Known Sectors & Companies:
- Food Production: Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, JBS USA
- Hospitality: Marriott, Hilton, and large hotel/casino chains
- Healthcare: Home Instead, Comfort Keepers, and senior living facilities
- Manufacturing & Warehousing: Various companies and contractors for firms like Amazon
Important: Always verify the legitimacy of any employer or agency. Check reviews, look for a physical address, and never pay a fee for a job offer.
Where to Find EB-3 Job Opportunities:
Use targeted search strategies on these platforms:
- Indeed / LinkedIn: Use keywords like “EB-3 visa sponsorship,” “PERM sponsorship,” or “green card sponsorship.”
- Specialized Sites: MyVisaJobs.com, UnskilledJobsUSA.com
- Recruitment Agencies: Work with international recruitment firms that specialize in U.S. immigration.
Conclusion:
The EB-3 visa is a legitimate and powerful tool for achieving permanent residency in the United States. While the path is long and requires a committed employer, it offers a unique opportunity for a wide range of workers to obtain a green card. Success depends on thorough research, patience, and perseverance in finding a genuine sponsorship opportunity. For those who navigate the process successfully, the EB-3 visa unlocks the door to a permanent future in U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the main difference between EB-3A, B, and C?
The difference lies in the education and experience requirements. EB-3A requires a bachelor’s degree, EB-3B requires at least 2 years of experience/training, and EB-3C is for unskilled work requiring less than 2 years of experience.
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How long does the entire EB-3 process take?
The entire process, from finding an employer to receiving a green card, typically takes 1.5 to 3 years or more. The “Other Workers” (EB-3C) category often has the longest waiting periods due to high demand.
