If you are researching the EB-3 visa immigration process, you probably have many questions.
Many foreign workers want a reliable way to live and work permanently in the United States, but the immigration system can seem complicated at first.
The EB-3 visa offers one of the most realistic pathways to a U.S. green card for workers who do not have advanced degrees or specialized training.
This guide explains how the EB-3 visa works, who qualifies, how long the process takes, and what you should expect along the way.
All information is based on official U.S. government sources so you can make informed decisions about your immigration future.
What Is the EB-3 Visa Immigration Program?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States.
It is issued under the third preference employment category described by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The EB-3 category has three groups:
- Skilled Workers
- Professionals
- Other Workers (unskilled workers)
The “Other Workers” category is designed for entry-level jobs that require less than two years of experience or training.
Common industries include hospitality, food service, manufacturing, caregiving, and warehouse operations.
These industries continue to experience labor shortages across the United States.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are still millions of open jobs nationwide and not enough available workers to fill them.
Because of this shortage, many U.S. employers use the EB-3 visa immigration process to legally hire foreign workers.
Who Qualifies for the EB-3 Visa?
One reason the EB-3 visa is popular is that it has relatively simple requirements compared to other immigration programs.
For the EB-3 Other Worker category, applicants generally must:
- Be physically able to perform the job
- Pass background and security checks
- Meet basic job requirements set by the employer
- Be willing to work full-time for the sponsoring employer
Most EB-3 positions do not require a college degree.
Many jobs require little or no prior experience, making the EB-3 visa immigration process accessible to a wide range of applicants worldwide.
The key requirement is that a U.S. employer must sponsor your green card application.
Why U.S. Employers Need EB-3 Workers
Many American industries face ongoing worker shortages.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that the U.S. labor force participation rate remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, leaving employers struggling to fill essential jobs.
Government data supports this trend.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the U.S. economy still records millions of job openings each month.
When employers cannot find enough qualified U.S. workers, immigration programs like EB-3 help fill those labor gaps.
This is why the Department of Labor requires employers to prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available before hiring foreign workers.
How the EB-3 Visa Immigration Process Works
The EB-3 visa immigration process involves several government agencies and legal steps.
The employer, not the worker, must start the process.
Below is a simplified explanation of the key stages.
Step 1: Prevailing Wage Determination
The employer requests a prevailing wage determination from the U.S. Department of Labor.
This ensures the foreign worker will be paid a fair wage comparable to local workers.
Step 2: PERM Labor Certification
The employer must conduct recruitment efforts to try to hire U.S. workers first.
If no qualified workers apply, the employer files a PERM Labor Certification with the Department of Labor.
PERM certification confirms that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect U.S. workers.
Step 3: Form I-140 Petition
Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
This petition confirms that the employer intends to hire the foreign worker permanently.
Step 4: Visa Processing or Adjustment of Status
If the worker is outside the United States, the case moves to the U.S. embassy for consular processing.
Workers inside the U.S. may apply for adjustment of status.
Visa availability depends on the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
Step 5: Immigrant Visa Interview
Applicants attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
After approval, the worker can travel to the United States and receive permanent residence.
What Are Prevailing Wages?
A prevailing wage is the minimum salary that employers must offer for a specific job and location.
The Department of Labor calculates prevailing wages based on local labor market data.
This rule protects both foreign workers and U.S. workers from wage undercutting.
Prevailing wage determinations are issued through the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system.
Employers must pay at least the prevailing wage once the worker begins employment in the United States.
How Long Does the EB-3 Visa Immigration Process Take?
Processing times can vary depending on government workloads and visa availability.
However, typical timelines today look like this:
- PERM Labor Certification: about 12–14 months
- I-140 Petition: about 6–10 months (or 15 days with premium processing)
- Visa availability and consular processing: about 12–18 months
In total, the EB-3 visa immigration process often takes around 3 to 4 years.
Workers from most countries usually experience shorter waiting times than applicants from countries with high demand.
Can Your Family Come With You? Yes.
The EB-3 visa allows eligible family members to immigrate with the primary applicant.
Dependents include:
Your spouse
Unmarried children under 21
Your spouse may also apply for work authorization after arriving in the United States.
This makes the EB-3 visa immigration process attractive for families seeking long-term stability.
How Much Does the EB-3 Process Cost?
Costs vary depending on legal support and recruitment services.
Typical applicant costs may include:
- Medical examination
- DS-260 visa application fee
- Travel costs
- Immigration attorney fees
- Recruitment or program service fees
Employer-required steps such as PERM labor certification must be paid by the employer, not the worker.
According to U.S. Department of Labor regulations, workers cannot legally pay for the PERM recruitment process.
HOW TO Apply for the EB-3 Visa (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Find a legitimate EB-3 employer sponsor
You must first secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your green card.
Step 2: Verify that the job qualifies for the EB-3 program
The job must be permanent, full-time, and require less than two years of experience for the Other Worker category.
Step 3: Employer begins the PERM labor certification process
The employer files recruitment advertisements and requests a prevailing wage determination through the Department of Labor.
Step 4: Employer files the I-140 immigration petition
Once PERM is approved, the employer submits Form I-140 to USCIS.
Step 5: Wait for visa availability
The case proceeds when a visa number becomes available according to the Visa Bulletin.
Step 6: Complete consular processing and visa interview
You submit your visa application, attend a medical exam, and complete the U.S. embassy interview.
Step 7: Travel to the United States and begin work
After approval, you receive an immigrant visa and can enter the United States as a permanent resident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EB-3 visa a green card?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that leads to permanent residency in the United States. Once approved and after entering the U.S., you become a lawful permanent resident and eventually may qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Do I need a college degree to qualify for the EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 Other Worker category is designed for entry-level jobs that require less than two years of training or experience. Many applicants qualify without a college degree, making it one of the most accessible employment-based immigration pathways.
How long does the EB-3 visa immigration process take?
Most EB-3 cases take approximately 4 years from start to finish. Processing times vary depending on government workloads, visa availability, and the country of birth listed on the visa application.
Can I change jobs after getting an EB-3 green card?
You must generally work for the sponsoring employer for about one year after arriving in the United States. After fulfilling that commitment, you typically have the freedom to change jobs or employers.
Can my spouse work in the United States with me?
Your spouse can apply for work authorization after arriving in the United States as your dependent. This allows them to legally work while your family builds a life in the U.S.
Is the EB-3 visa safe and legal?
The EB-3 visa is a fully legal immigration pathway established under U.S. immigration law and administered by USCIS, the Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of State. However, applicants should work only with trusted employers and verified immigration professionals to avoid fraud.
Final Thoughts
The EB-3 visa immigration process provides a legal path to permanent residency in the United States for workers who may not qualify for other immigration categories.
Although the process takes time, thousands of workers successfully immigrate to the U.S. through this program every year.
For many applicants, it offers a life-changing opportunity to build a stable future while helping American businesses fill critical labor shortages.
