Many people around the world dream of living and working in the United States. However, many people believe they need a college degree or specialized training to qualify.
The reality is very different. There are thousands of jobs in the U.S. that don’t require a college degree, and some of them can even lead to a green card through employment.
These opportunities exist because many U.S. businesses cannot find enough workers to fill entry-level positions. As a result, some employers sponsor foreign workers through the EB-3 visa program.
This visa allows eligible foreign workers to work legally in the United States and eventually apply for permanent residence. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the EB-3 category includes “other workers” who perform unskilled labor requiring less than two years of training or experience.
If you are exploring jobs in the U.S. that don’t require a college degree, the positions below are among the most common and accessible options.
Why the United States Needs Entry-Level Workers
The United States is currently experiencing a major workforce shortage.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are still millions of open jobs across the country with fewer available workers to fill them. In early 2024, the U.S. had roughly 8.5 million job openings but only about 6.5 million unemployed workers available.
This means employers must compete for workers, especially in industries like food service, hospitality, cleaning, and warehouse operations.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that industries such as leisure and hospitality continue to experience high turnover and staffing shortages.
Because these jobs often require little formal education, they are ideal candidates for the EB-3 Other Worker visa category.
Top 5 Jobs in the U.S. That Don’t Require a College Degree
These jobs are among the most common entry-level roles available to international workers seeking EB-3 visa sponsorship.
- Fast Food Crew Member
Fast food restaurants across the United States employ millions of workers.
Crew members typically take customer orders, prepare food, operate registers, and maintain a clean dining area.
These jobs rarely require previous experience or a college degree. Employers usually provide on-the-job training.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 3.7 million fast food and counter workers employed in the United States.
Many restaurant franchise owners struggle to find reliable workers. This makes fast food jobs one of the most common EB-3 sponsored positions.
- Hotel Housekeeper
Hotels rely on housekeeping teams to maintain guest rooms and public areas.
Housekeepers typically clean rooms, replace towels and bedding, vacuum floors, and restock supplies.
Tourism continues to grow in the United States, which increases demand for hotel workers. The hospitality industry consistently reports staffing shortages.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 800,000 people work as maids and housekeeping cleaners in the U.S. hospitality sector.
These jobs are widely available in tourist states such as Florida, Nevada, California, and Texas.
- Restaurant Dishwasher or Prep Cook
Restaurants cannot operate smoothly without kitchen support staff.
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Prep cooks help prepare ingredients and assist chefs during busy hours.
These jobs usually require no formal training. Many workers learn everything on the job.
The restaurant industry continues to face staffing shortages across the country. According to the National Restaurant Association and labor data, restaurants remain one of the largest employers in the U.S.
Kitchen positions are also common stepping stones into higher-paying culinary jobs.
- Janitor or Cleaning Staff
Janitors and cleaning staff help keep buildings safe and sanitary.
They clean offices, schools, warehouses, and retail spaces. Duties often include sweeping floors, disinfecting surfaces, and managing trash.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 2 million janitors and building cleaners work in the United States.
Many businesses struggle to fill these roles because the work can involve evening shifts or physical tasks.
These positions frequently qualify for EB-3 sponsorship because they require minimal training.
- Warehouse Associate or Assembler
The rise of e-commerce has dramatically increased the need for warehouse workers.
Warehouse associates prepare shipments, pack boxes, and organize inventory.
Assemblers help build products before they are packaged and shipped to customers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong demand for hand laborers and material movers due to continued growth in online shopping and logistics.
Why the EB-3 Visa Exists
The EB-3 visa program exists because U.S. employers sometimes cannot find enough American workers for certain jobs.
Before hiring foreign workers, employers must prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available. This process is called labor certification.
The certification process is managed through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG).
Once the labor certification is approved, the employer can sponsor the foreign worker for a green card under the EB-3 category.
Visa availability is also tracked through the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin.
This system helps ensure the immigration process remains fair and organized.
How to Get an EB-3 Job That Can Lead to a Green Card
Step 1: Research EB-3 Eligible Jobs
Start by identifying jobs in the U.S. that don’t require a college degree and qualify for EB-3 sponsorship.
Step 2: Apply Through Trusted EB-3 Job Platforms
Look for legitimate job listings from employers willing to sponsor foreign workers.
Step 3: Receive a Job Offer from a U.S. Employer
An employer must officially offer you a full-time position before the immigration process can begin.
Step 4: Employer Files Labor Certification
The employer must prove to the U.S. Department of Labor that no qualified U.S. workers are available.
Step 5: Immigration Petition Is Submitted
After certification approval, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS to sponsor the worker.
Step 6: Complete Visa Processing
Once your priority date becomes current, you can apply for your EB-3 immigrant visa and prepare to move to the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a green card without a college degree?
Many people receive green cards through the EB-3 “Other Worker” category, which includes jobs that require less than two years of training or experience. These roles are often entry-level positions in industries such as hospitality, food service, and cleaning.
How long does the EB-3 visa process take?
The EB-3 process can take several years depending on visa availability and processing times. The U.S. Department of State publishes monthly updates in the Visa Bulletin that show when applicants can move forward with their green card applications.
Do I need work experience for EB-3 jobs?
Most EB-3 “other worker” jobs do not require formal experience. Employers usually provide training once you arrive in the United States, especially for entry-level positions.
Are EB-3 jobs full-time jobs?
EB-3 sponsored jobs must be permanent, full-time positions. U.S. immigration law requires employers to offer long-term employment when sponsoring workers for permanent residence.
Is the EB-3 visa only for skilled workers?
The EB-3 category includes three groups: skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. The “other worker” category is specifically designed for jobs that require less than two years of training or experience.
Can my family move to the U.S. with me?
EB-3 visa holders can usually bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21. Family members may also qualify for green cards once the main applicant is approved.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for jobs in the U.S. that don’t require a college degree, there are real opportunities available.
Industries like hospitality, restaurants, cleaning services, and warehouses need reliable workers every year.
For many international workers, the EB-3 visa program offers a realistic path to build a new life in the United States while helping American businesses fill critical labor shortages.
