Brazilians are exploring the EB-3 visa as a viable route to permanent residency in the United States.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate in Brazil held steady at 4.2 percent in April.
The number stays within a narrow range of 4.0 to 4.2 percent since May 2024.
Unemployed individuals were 7.2 million in April.
This employer-sponsored green card offers a structured pathway for those seeking better employment opportunities and a stable future for their families.
Many Brazilians are drawn to the program because it does not require advanced degrees.
Applicants only need to meet basic qualifications and have a sponsoring U.S. employer.
This makes it easier for workers in industries like food service, hospitality and manufacturing.
The demand for reliable workers continues to grow across many U.S. states.
Employers are actively looking for people who are ready to commit and work full time.
The EB-3 visa connects foreign workers to these job openings with legal protections and long-term benefits.
For Brazilian families looking for safety, education, and opportunity, this visa offers a clear and legal path forward.
It is a first step toward building a life with more security and possibility.
Texas led all states in job growth during April 2025 with an increase of 37,700 nonfarm jobs.
From April 2024 to April 2025, Texas added a total of 215,500 nonfarm jobs.
Since Governor Abbott took office in January 2015, Texas has gained 2,515,200 nonfarm jobs.
This is the highest increase among all U.S. states during that time.
In Tennessee, the Distribution and Logistics sector supported more than 311,350 jobs in 2023.
These jobs were spread across 17,393 businesses throughout the state.
What Is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card that allows foreign nationals to become lawful permanent residents through a job offer from a U.S. employer.
It encompasses three subcategories: skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
The “other workers” category is especially relevant to many Brazilians.
This category includes full-time and entry-level positions that require less than two years of training or experience.
Compared to temporary work visas, the EB-3 visa leads to permanent residency.
That means recipients can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
This visa provides real stability and a path forward for individuals and families looking to make a life in the United States.
Why the EB-3 Visa Appeals to Brazilians
Economic Motivations
Brazil’s economy continues to face challenges.
The highest unemployment rates were recorded in Pernambuco (11.5%), Bahia (11.1%), and the Federal District (9.7%).
The lowest rates were observed in Santa Catarina (3.2%), Mato Grosso (3.3%), and Rondônia (3.3%).
Among Brazil’s 27 Federation Units, 15 experienced significant declines in unemployment, while the remaining 12 showed no statistically significant change.
The estimated monthly expenses for a family of four, not including rent, are $1,844.10 (R$10,464.90).
For a single individual, the estimated monthly costs without rent are $521.20 (R$2,957.90).
EB-3 visa jobs in the U.S. offer significantly higher wages, legal worker protections and access to healthcare.
According to the BLS, the median hourly wage for food and beverage serving and related workers was $14.92 in May 2024.
This is more than double the Brazilian monthly average when calculated on a full-time basis.
The EB-3 visa also appeals to Brazilians seeking long-term solutions for their families.
Rather than cycling through temporary visa programs or working abroad illegally, the EB-3 allows entire families to relocate, build a stable life and integrate into American society.
Rising Demand Despite Longer Wait Times
Visa availability for citizens of Brazil under the EB-3 category has been progressing.
As of the June 2025 Visa Bulletin, the priority date for EB-3 Other Workers for Brazil was moved to 2021.
This reflects growing demand.
While some applicants may need to wait several years for their visa number to become available, many believe it is a worthwhile investment in their future.
EB-3 Jobs Available to Brazilians
The EB-3 program is designed to fill labor shortages in the United States.
Most positions available to Brazilian applicants fall into the “Other Workers” category.
These are full-time, permanent jobs that do not require advanced education or specialized training.
Examples include:
Restaurant Workers (Kitchen Staff, Fast Food Crew)
Restaurant jobs are among the most common positions available under the EB-3 visa.
Kitchen staff may include cooks, dishwashers, prep workers and line cooks.
Their duties include preparing food, cleaning work areas and assisting with inventory.
Fast food crew members work in popular chains and assist with taking orders, assembling meals and serving customers.
These jobs usually offer steady schedules, on-the-job training and opportunities for advancement.
Teamwork, speed and customer service are key skills in this role.
Hotel Housekeepers and Front Desk Clerks
Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning guest rooms, changing linens, sanitizing bathrooms and maintaining cleanliness in common areas.
This role is essential in keeping hotel environments clean and welcoming for guests.
Front desk clerks assist with guest check-ins and check-outs.
They answer phones, respond to questions, and handle reservations.
Good communication and a friendly attitude are important for this position.
Hotels often provide uniforms, training and employee discounts on lodging.
Warehouse Workers and Forklift Operators
Warehouse workers handle receiving, organizing, packaging and shipping goods.
Their tasks include loading and unloading trucks, scanning inventory and keeping the workspace clean.
Forklift operators are trained to move heavy products and materials with forklifts.
They must follow strict safety guidelines and may be required to lift heavy items.
These jobs often offer consistent hours and overtime opportunities.
Some companies may offer certification programs for operating machinery.
Food Production Line Workers and Packers
Food production line workers are employed in factories that prepare and package food items.
Their work involves operating machinery, monitoring production lines and inspecting products for quality.
Packers prepare finished goods for shipment by weighing, sealing, and labeling packages.
Cleanliness and attention to detail are very important in these roles.
The work can be repetitive but steady with regular breaks and benefits provided by most employers.
Workers often receive protective gear and safety training on the job.
Caregivers and Personal Care Aides in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities
Caregivers assist elderly or disabled individuals with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and eating.
They also help with moving residents from bed to chair and may assist with medications under supervision.
Personal care aides provide emotional support and companionship.
They play a key role in improving the quality of life for those in long-term care facilities.
Jobs in this field are in high demand due to the aging U.S. population.
Workforce participation has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.7 million fewer Americans in the labor force compared to February 2020.
These trends make EB-3 sponsorship an attractive solution for American employers and Brazilian workers alike.
A U.S. employer must be willing to sponsor the applicant for a specific position and the job must be offered as a permanent and full-time role.
These are not seasonal or short-term contracts but they are long-term employment arrangements.
How to Apply for an EB-3 Visa from Brazil
Step 1: Find a Sponsoring Employer
The first and most important step is finding a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you.
EB3.Work regularly posts a curated list of EB-3 jobs available to foreign nationals.
These listings are specifically from employers who understand the EB-3 process and are open to sponsoring Brazilian workers.
Step 2: The PERM Labor Certification Process
Once you have a job offer, your employer must complete the PERM labor certification.
This involves proving to the U.S. Department of Labor that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the role.
The employer must conduct a formal recruitment process and submit detailed documentation.
Step 3: File the I-140 Immigrant Petition
After PERM approval, your employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.
This petition establishes your eligibility and begins your place in line for a visa.
As of 2025, USCIS processing times for I-140s range from 6 to 10 months.
Step 4: Wait for a Visa Number
Because demand for EB-3 visas is high, applicants from Brazil must now wait for their priority date to become current.
According to the June 2025 Visa Bulletin, the estimated wait time is around 2 years after the I-140 filing.
Step 5: Immigrant Visa Interview in Brazil
Once your priority date becomes current, you will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. Embassy in São Paulo.
If approved, you will receive your immigrant visa and can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Life in the U.S. as a Brazilian EB-3 Worker
For many Brazilians, the EB-3 visa is more than just a job opportunity.
It is a chance to start a new life with stability and long-term potential.
Most EB-3 workers move to mid-sized or smaller cities in the United States.
These places are more affordable and less stressful than large cities like New York or Los Angeles.
Life in these areas is quieter and more family-friendly.
States like Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee have growing Brazilian communities.
You may find Brazilian restaurants, churches, and markets in these areas.
This helps new arrivals feel more at home.
An EB-3 visa provides full-time employment.
This means more than just a monthly paycheck.
Most jobs include health insurance.
You may also receive dental and vision coverage.
Your employer will make Social Security contributions on your behalf.
This helps you prepare for retirement.
Having legal status in the U.S. also gives you access to credit.
You can apply for a credit card, car loan or even a mortgage.
You can also rent an apartment or buy a home more easily.
The EB-3 visa allows you to bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
This opens the door to a better life for your whole family.
Your children can attend public schools at no cost.
They will have access to free books, meals and after-school programs.
Schools also provide help for students learning English.
Your spouse can find their own job and contribute to the household income.
This helps families become more financially stable.
With the EB-3 visa, you can apply for a green card.
This gives you and your family the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
As a green card holder, you are protected by U.S. labor laws.
You can work in any state or change jobs if you want to.
You can also travel in and out of the U.S. more freely.
After five years with a green card, you may apply for U.S. citizenship.
This gives you the right to vote and the ability to get a U.S. passport.
You can also sponsor other family members for immigration.
Final Thoughts
The EB-3 visa is a smart and realistic way for Brazilians to secure permanent residency in the United States.
While the process can take a few years, the outcome is a green card, job stability and a better life.
It is more than worth it.
For anyone in Brazil looking to start over in the U.S. with a reliable job and a path to citizenship, the EB-3 visa remains one of the most powerful immigration options available today.
