U.S. employers are still feeling the pressure of labor shortages in 2026. From hospitality and healthcare to construction and manufacturing, many businesses are struggling to fill essential roles.
This updated EB-3 visa sponsorship guide explains the latest rules, costs, and step-by-step process for sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residence. If you are looking for a long-term staffing solution instead of a temporary fix, the EB-3 program may be the right strategy.
Understanding the EB-3 Visa Category
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based green card category. It allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent residence.
There are three EB-3 subcategories:
Skilled Workers (jobs requiring at least two years of training or experience)
Professionals (jobs requiring at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent)
Other Workers (positions requiring less than two years of training or experience)
The Other Workers category is especially important for employers hiring entry-level and essential staff.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, EB-3 visas account for 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based immigrant visa limit. No more than 10,000 visas per year are allocated to the Other Workers category.
Visa availability changes monthly and is published in the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
Why Employers Are Turning to EB-3 in 2026
Labor shortages remain widespread across the country. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, millions of job openings remain unfilled due to a mismatch between available workers and open positions.
Some states have fewer than 70 available workers for every 100 open jobs. The state-by-state breakdown is available
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey confirms that leisure and hospitality, healthcare support, and manufacturing continue to face high job openings and turnover rates.
If your company is constantly rehiring for the same role, the cost of turnover may already exceed the cost of sponsorship.
Unlike temporary visas, the EB-3 category leads to a green card. Workers sponsored through this employment-based third preference visa are pursuing permanent residence, which often results in stronger long-term retention.
Breakdown of EB-3 Sponsorship Costs in 2026
Before beginning the EB-3 green card sponsorship process, employers should understand the financial commitment involved.
Step 1: PERM Labor Certification
The first stage is filing a PERM Labor Certification with the U.S. Department of Labor. This confirms that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
Employers must complete mandatory recruitment steps and follow strict advertising rules.
There is currently no government filing fee for PERM itself. However, advertising and compliance costs apply.
Step 2: Form I-140 Immigrant Petition
After PERM approval, the employer files Form I-140 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
As of 2026, the standard filing fee for Form I-140 is $715. Employers should verify current fees directly with USCIS..
Premium processing is available for an additional fee, which may shorten processing times.
Step 3: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
If the worker is inside the United States and eligible, they may file Form I-485 to adjust status. Filing fees generally exceed $1,400 per applicant, depending on age and eligibility category.
If the worker is outside the U.S., they will complete immigrant visa processing through a U.S. consulate abroad.
USCIS provides full guidance on adjustment of status at https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-of-status.
How To Sponsor a Worker Through the EB-3 Visa (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify a Permanent, Full-Time Position
The job must be permanent and meet EB-3 classification requirements.
Step 2: Obtain a Prevailing Wage Determination
Request a prevailing wage from the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure the offered wage meets legal standards.
Step 3: Conduct Required Recruitment
Advertise the position according to Department of Labor regulations and document the results.
Step 4: File ETA Form 9089 (PERM)
Submit ETA Form 9089 through the DOL FLAG system once recruitment is complete.
Step 5: File Form I-140 with USCIS
After PERM approval, submit Form I-140 along with required evidence and filing fees.
Step 6: Monitor Visa Bulletin Availability
Check the monthly Visa Bulletin to confirm when the priority date becomes current.
Step 7: Complete Green Card Processing
The worker completes adjustment of status (if inside the U.S.) or consular processing (if abroad).
Enhancing Workforce Stability and Productivity
When you sponsor a worker through EB-3, you are offering a path to permanent residency. That creates stability for both the employee and the employer.
Because the worker is building a long-term future in the United States, retention often improves. Many employers report stronger commitment and reduced turnover compared to short-term visa programs.
Foreign workers also bring valuable hands-on experience. In sectors like caregiving, food production, and hospitality, this can reduce training time and improve productivity.
Corporate Diversity and Competitive Advantage
Workplace diversity remains a competitive advantage. Diverse teams often bring new perspectives that improve problem-solving and innovation.
Sponsoring foreign workers demonstrates a commitment to inclusion and global talent. This can strengthen your employer brand and attract additional applicants who value stability and opportunity.
Calculating Return on Investment (ROI)
To calculate ROI, employers should compare sponsorship costs against:
Reduced turnover expenses
Lower recruitment frequency
Increased productivity
Improved operational continuity
BLS turnover data helps quantify replacement costs in high-churn industries. Employers can access current labor turnover statistics.
If your company replaces the same role multiple times per year, stabilizing that position with permanent sponsorship can produce measurable financial benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About EB-3 Visa Sponsorship
How long does the EB-3 sponsorship process take in 2026?
Processing times vary based on PERM timelines, USCIS workload, and visa availability. PERM alone can take many months due to recruitment and review requirements, and visa bulletin backlogs may extend the overall timeline.
Can small businesses sponsor workers under the EB-3 category?
Small businesses can sponsor EB-3 workers as long as they demonstrate the financial ability to pay the offered wage and meet all Department of Labor and USCIS requirements.
Is there a limit on how many EB-3 workers a company can sponsor?
There is no fixed limit per employer, but each case must independently meet labor certification and immigration requirements. Annual visa caps may affect overall availability.
What happens if the sponsored employee leaves the company?
If the employee leaves before receiving permanent residence, the process may end and a new petition could be required. After obtaining a green card, employees are generally expected to work in good faith for the sponsoring employer.
Are EB-3 workers allowed to bring family members?
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for immigrant visas as derivatives. Spouses may also qualify for work authorization once in the United States.
Final Thoughts
This EB-3 visa sponsorship guide shows that hiring foreign workers is both a financial commitment and a strategic workforce solution. With continued labor shortages documented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and BLS, many employers are using EB-3 sponsorship to secure long-term staffing stability.
When carefully planned and compliant with Department of Labor and USCIS rules, EB-3 sponsorship can strengthen productivity, reduce turnover, and support sustainable business growth in today’s competitive labor market.
