Many Canadians work in the United States under temporary permits like the TN visa. While these options allow short-term employment, they do not provide a pathway to permanent residency. The EB-3 visa is a long-term immigration solution that allows Canadian workers to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
In just the past decade, 11.3% of all lawful permanent residents since 1820 gained their status, amounting to 9.96 million new green card holders. As of 2022, over 11,000 Canadians became lawful permanent residents of the U.S., making Canada one of the top 20 source countries for green cards. Despite this, many Canadians remain unaware that employer-sponsored options, such as the EB-3 visa, are available to them.
Offering incentives like better pay, flexible hours, hotel discounts, job fair participation and increased advertising helped reduce hotel staffing shortages from 76% in May 2024 to 65% by the end of the year. The share of hotels reporting they were “severely understaffed” also dropped from 13% to 9% during the same period.
If you are a Canadian citizen working in hospitality, healthcare support, warehousing or similar fields, this guide is for you. It will clarify the difference between temporary work visas and permanent employment-based immigration. Our goal is to help Canadians move beyond temporary work permits and toward long-term stability in the U.S.
What Is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is part of the U.S. government’s employment-based immigration program. It provides a path to lawful permanent resident status or commonly known as a green card through full-time employment. EB-3 stands for “Employment-Based, Third Preference,” and is divided into three subcategories: skilled workers, professionals and “other workers.”
Most Canadians applying for EB-3 fall under the “Other Workers” category. This category is for people doing unskilled labor requiring less than two years of training or experience. Examples include restaurant servers, hotel staff, warehouse workers, and caregivers.
The Department of State set the FY 2024 employment-based visa cap at 160,791, boosted by unused family-sponsored visas from FY 2023. About 10,874 EB-5 visas were carried over from the prior two fiscal years, as permitted by Congress. Preliminary data suggests nearly all employment-based visas were used, except for about 7,700 EB-5 visas, which will carry over to the next fiscal year.
The process begins when a U.S. employer agrees to sponsor a foreign worker. Once approved, the worker, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21 are all eligible to receive green cards.
Why Canadians Are a Strong Fit for EB-3
Canadian workers bring a number of advantages to the U.S. labor market. First, most Canadians are already fluent in English and culturally aligned with American norms. This makes the transition to a U.S. workplace smoother and increases productivity.
Second, Canadian workers are seen as highly reliable and professional. Employers in hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, and care services often cite dependability and customer service skills as top priorities. These traits are frequently found among Canadian applicants.
Third, many Canadians are already familiar with U.S. systems. Workforce numbers have shifted significantly over the past five years. The construction industry is projected to require about 439,000 additional workers in 2025 to keep up with expected demand, based on a model from Associated Builders and Contractors. In 2026, that number is expected to rise to 499,000 as construction activity increases, likely driven by lower interest rates.
In 2023, U.S. retirement numbers reached record levels, while first grade enrollment fell to historic lows. In 30 states, there are now fewer first graders than high school seniors. This gap signals a future decline in new workers about a decade from now.
By 2030, Generation Z is expected to make up 30% of the workforce, bringing a clear shift in views on work, flexibility, and life balance.
EB-3 vs. TN Visa: What’s the Difference?
Many Canadians are familiar with the TN visa under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA. This visa allows qualified Canadian professionals to work in the U.S. temporarily but it does not lead to a green card.
Here’s how the two compare:
| Feature | TN Visa | EB-3 Visa |
| Duration | Temporary (renewable) | Permanent |
| Job Requirements | Professional fields only | Entry-level jobs allowed |
| Work Type | Specialized or professional | General labor accepted |
| Path to Residency | No | Yes |
| Dependents Eligible | Yes, but cannot work | Yes, and can work/study |
While the TN visa is useful for short-term stays, many Canadians find themselves limited by its restrictions. The EB-3 visa offers an opportunity to make the move permanent and bring family members with full benefits.
What Types of EB-3 Jobs Are Available to Canadians?
The EB-3 “Other Workers” category includes a wide range of jobs. These roles do not require specialized degrees or certifications and are in industries experiencing chronic labor shortages.
Hospitality and Tourism
Hotels have made progress in staffing by offering higher wages and expanding benefits, yet nearly 65% still report shortages. This is based on a recent survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and its Gold Partner, Hireology. Despite improvements over the past year, staffing challenges remain widespread in the industry.
Warehousing and Logistics
Employment for hand laborers and material movers is expected to grow by 4 percent between 2023 and 2033, keeping pace with the average growth rate across all occupations.
Healthcare and Elder Care
Jobs for home health and personal care aides are projected to grow by 21 percent from 2023 to 2033, far outpacing the average for all occupations. Each year, there are expected to be about 718,900 job openings in this field. Many of these openings will arise as workers retire or move into other careers.
Manufacturing and Food Processing
Manufacturing jobs have bounced back after the pandemic. The National Association of Manufacturers estimates 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2030. Many of these are entry-level roles suitable for EB-3 sponsorship.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the EB-3 Visa as a Canadian
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the EB-3 visa process for Canadians:
- Find a U.S. Employer
You must secure a job offer from a U.S. company willing to sponsor you. Employers can be found through recruitment firms or platforms like EB3.Work.
- Labor Certification (PERM)
The employer must prove to the U.S. Department of Labor that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job. This step takes about 8–10 months on average.
- I-140 Immigrant Petition
Once the PERM is approved, your employer files a Form I-140 with USCIS. This confirms the company’s intent to hire you permanently. Processing time is typically 6–9 months.
- Visa Availability and Consular Processing
Once your priority date becomes current, you can complete the process through a U.S. embassy (if abroad) or apply for adjustment of status (if already in the U.S.). This step may take 6–12 months.
- Enter the U.S. and Begin Work
After approval, you’ll receive your green card and can start work. Your family can also move with you and obtain permanent resident status.
In total, the process takes about 2.5 to 3.5 years, though times can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I switch from a TN visa to an EB-3 visa?
Yes, many Canadians currently in the U.S. on TN status can transition to an EB-3 visa if they find an employer willing to sponsor them. If your TN visa does not allow you to adjust status within the U.S., you can apply through consular processing in Canada.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible to receive green cards as your dependents. They can live, study, and work in the U.S. legally.
How long does the process take?
The full EB-3 process typically takes 30 to 42 months. This timeline includes PERM processing, petition approval, and final visa issuance. However, times may vary depending on visa bulletin dates and USCIS processing volumes.
Do I need to have a college degree or specific skills?
No. The EB-3 “Other Workers” category is open to people without college degrees. You only need to meet the minimum qualifications for the offered job and be able to perform the work.
Is the EB-3 visa a good alternative to marriage or family-based immigration?
Yes. The EB-3 visa is an independent route to permanent residency. It does not require family ties to U.S. citizens and is especially useful for people who want to build their future through employment.
Wrap-Up
The EB-3 visa gives Canadian workers a real pathway to permanent residency in the United States. Unlike temporary programs like the TN visa, the EB-3 leads to a green card and full access to U.S. opportunities. With job shortages continuing across key sectors, now is an ideal time to pursue this route.
If you’re a Canadian citizen ready to make a long-term move, the EB-3 visa offers a reliable, structured way to secure your future. Thousands of employers in hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare are looking for workers like you. The process may take time, but the payoff, permanent residency for you and your family, is worth the investment.
