Last updated: November 10, 2026
The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card for foreign workers who have a full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor them.
You qualify if you have that job offer and fit one of three categories: skilled workers (jobs that need at least 2 years of training or experience), professionals (jobs that need a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent), or other workers (jobs that need less than 2 years of training or experience).
The Other Workers category is the most common path for applicants without a degree or work history.
This guide covers the EB-3 visa requirements, the EB-3 visa process step by step, current costs and processing times, the latest Visa Bulletin dates, and where to find EB-3 visa jobs and EB-3 visa sponsors.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of job openings stood at 7.5 million in September 2026, highlighting the persistent labor shortage across the country. To help address these ongoing workforce gaps, the EB-3 visa remains one of the most reliable pathways for foreign workers to secure permanent residency in the United States.
This employment-based green card program not only enables employers to fill critical roles but also allows workers to move beyond temporary status and establish long-term stability in the country.
BLS further reported that total separations stood at 5.3 million, representing 3.3 percent of the workforce. With turnover holding steady, the challenge for employers remains not just retaining workers but also finding enough new hires to fill millions of open positions.
Foreign workers often see the EB-3 visa (also called visa EB3) as a better option than short-term visas that expire after a season or a year.
With the EB-3 visa program, the worker has the possibility of staying in the United States permanently and building a steady future. This long-term benefit makes the EB-3 attractive for both applicants and employers.
Applicants should know that the process takes time and requires patience. The entire journey from the start of the employer’s paperwork to a green card usually takes 48+ months, depending on the category and the applicant’s country of birth. While that may sound long, many find that the reward of permanent residency is worth the effort.
What Is an EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that leads directly to a green card. “EB-3” stands for Employment-Based, Third Preference. It was created for foreign workers who can fill jobs in the United States where employers cannot find enough American workers. The program is divided into three main categories depending on the applicant’s background.
The first category is for skilled workers who have at least two years of job experience or training. The second category is for professionals who hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent. The third category is called Other Workers, which covers entry-level jobs that require less than two years of training or experience and is the most common path for many foreign applicants.
The EB-3 visa is different from temporary work visas such as the H-2B or J-1. Those programs allow workers to stay in the country for a limited period of time before they must return home. The EB-3 visa instead provides a clear pathway to permanent residency, which is why it is highly valued among applicants.
The EB-3 visa category also has yearly limits. About 28.6% of employment-based green cards go to the EB-3 visa each year, and no more than 10,000 of those can go to Other Workers. No single country can receive more than 7% of the total, which is why wait times differ by country.
As per BLS, the number of people marginally attached to the labor force stood at 1.6 million in October 2026. These individuals were not in the labor force but wanted a job, were available to work, and had searched for employment within the past 12 months, though not during the 4 weeks prior to the survey.
Why the EB-3 Visa Exists
The EB-3 visa program was designed to address workforce gaps in the United States. Employers often struggle to fill essential jobs because there are not enough domestic workers available. The EB-3 visa helps close that gap by connecting willing foreign workers with open positions.
According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, the country faces millions of unfilled jobs each year. The combination of an aging workforce and a declining birth rate has created a situation where demand for workers is much higher than the supply. This shortage is sharp for many industries.
Employers also prefer workers who are able to commit long term. Short-term solutions like seasonal visas or temporary contracts cannot always guarantee stability. By sponsoring EB-3 workers, employers invest in people who are more likely to stay for many years and become part of their community.
The U.S. labor market remains tight. BLS reported an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent in October 2026, which is low by historical standards. With few unemployed workers available, employers in many industries still cannot fill every opening locally.
This is also why the Department of Labor plays a central role. Before an employer can sponsor a foreign worker, the Department of Labor must confirm that no qualified, willing and available U.S. workers applied for the job, and that hiring a foreign worker will not lower wages for U.S. workers in similar jobs.
EB-3 Visa Requirements
To qualify for an EB-3 visa, an applicant must first receive sponsorship from a United States employer. This means that a company is willing to offer a full-time, permanent job and file the necessary paperwork. Without an employer sponsor, it is not possible to begin the EB-3 process.
Each category then has its own requirements:
- Skilled workers: at least 2 years of training or work experience, as required by the job offer. Relevant post-secondary education can count as training.
- Professionals: a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, and the degree must be normally required for the job. Experience cannot replace the degree.
- Other Workers: no advanced education or specialized experience. The job must require less than 2 years of training or experience.
In all three categories, the job cannot be temporary or seasonal, and the employer must get an approved labor certification from the Department of Labor.
There is no official English test for the EB-3 visa. Still, conversational English helps applicants communicate at work and in daily life, and it helps during the consular interview. Some employers also require basic English for safety reasons.
All applicants must pass both a medical exam and a background check. These steps are required to ensure the health and safety of the United States population. Once these conditions are met, the employer and worker can begin the formal application.
For a full checklist of documents and eligibility rules, see our guide to the EB-3 visa requirements: who qualifies and what you need.
The EB-3 Visa Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Understand What the EB-3 Visa Is
The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa that leads directly to permanent residency. It was created to help fill jobs in the U.S. when employers cannot find enough American workers. The program has three paths: skilled workers with experience, professionals with a degree and “other workers” for entry-level roles requiring little to no experience.
Step 2: Learn Why the EB-3 Visa Program Exists
The EB-3 visa program exists to address the country’s ongoing labor shortage, which spans industries like healthcare, logistics and hospitality.
Step 3: Review the EB-3 Visa Requirements
To apply for an EB-3 visa, an applicant must first be sponsored by a U.S. employer, as self-petition is not an option. Basic requirements include a willingness to work and passing both a medical exam and background check. Skilled and professional categories require prior experience or education, but entry-level “Other Workers” applicants do not need advanced qualifications.
Step 4: Follow the EB-3 Visa Process Step by Step
The process begins with the employer requesting a prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor, which sets the minimum pay for the job. The employer then advertises the job and files a PERM labor certification to prove they couldn’t find enough American workers.
The date the Department of Labor receives the PERM becomes the worker’s priority date, their place in line for a green card.
After PERM approval, the employer submits an I-140 petition to USCIS. Once the worker’s priority date is current in the Visa Bulletin, the case moves to processing at the National Visa Center.
The applicant then attends an embassy or consulate interview, and once approved, enters the U.S. with a green card mailed shortly after. Applicants already in the U.S. in valid status may instead file Form I-485 to adjust status with USCIS.
For a detailed breakdown of each form and stage, read the EB-3 visa process: every step explained.
Step 5: Know the Jobs Available Under EB-3
Many EB-3 visa jobs are entry-level, but they play a vital role in industries that keep the economy running. Common EB-3 visa roles include healthcare staff, food service, hotel housekeeping, caregiving, warehousing and light manufacturing. Learn more in our EB-3 visa jobs list.
Step 6: Prepare for the EB-3 Processing Times and Costs
The EB-3 process takes time, currently set at 48+ months from start to finish, and it can be longer depending on the applicant’s country of birth. Employers are required to cover PERM certification costs, while applicants usually pay for their green card application fees, medical exams and consular interviews.
Step 7: How to Apply for the EB-3 Visa
Applicants usually start by reviewing the EB-3 visa job listings through recruiters, agencies or online platforms. Once they find a suitable employer, they work with immigration experts such as EB3.Work to ensure paperwork is filed correctly. At the embassy stage, preparing documents and practicing interview responses is key to a smooth process and successful approval.
The EB-3 Visa Jobs Available
The EB-3 program covers a wide variety of job types. Many positions are entry level and do not require advanced skills. These jobs are important to the daily functioning of industries like food service, hospitality and care work.
The BLS reported that the health care sector added 42,000 jobs in October 2026, above its average monthly increase of 31,000 over the prior year. Hospitals added 16,000 positions and home health care services added 11,000.
Common EB-3 visa jobs include fast food crew members and restaurant staff. Hotels also sponsor EB-3 workers for housekeeping and service roles. Caregivers for nursing homes and assisted living facilities are in high demand as well.
Warehouse jobs and light manufacturing positions are also open under the EB-3 visa sponsorship. These roles often involve packaging, stocking or simple production tasks. Applicants interested in these jobs can often find multiple opportunities through sponsoring employers.
Keep in mind that seasonal jobs, such as summer resort or harvest work, do not qualify for an EB-3 visa. Those positions go through temporary programs such as H-2A or H-2B. Browse current openings on our EB-3 visa jobs list.
The EB-3 Visa Processing Time and Wait by Country
Most EB-3 visa cases take about 48+ months. This includes every stage from labor certification to the embassy interview. For many applicants this waiting period requires patience, but the long-term reward is significant.
Here is how long each stage takes, based on the latest government data:
| Stage | Agency | Typical time (late 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Prevailing wage determination | Department of Labor | About 4 months |
| Job advertising (recruitment) | Employer | 2 to 3 months |
| PERM labor certification | Department of Labor | About 10 to 12 months |
| Form I-140 petition | USCIS | 15 business days (Premium Processing) to several months |
| Visa Bulletin wait | Department of State | Could be months or years |
| Consular processing or I-485 | Department of State or USCIS | Several months to over a year |
According to the Department of Labor, PERM applications took an average of 300 to 360 days as of October 31, 2026, and prevailing wage requests filed in June 2026 were being processed as of September 30, 2026. Current I-140 and I-485 times are posted on the USCIS processing times tool.
As per U.S. Congress, roughly 140,000 foreign workers and their family members receive lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card, through employment-based immigration each year. Wait times also depend on the applicant’s country of birth, because there are limits on the number of visas available each year for each country.
For most applicants, including those born in Jamaica, Vietnam, Mexico and Brazil, the timeline is usually more steady. While delays can still occur, many applicants can expect progress within the normal timeframe. Staying informed about visa bulletins can help track updates.
November 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-3 Dates
The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin shows each month which priority dates can move forward. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed for your category and country, your case can proceed.
Final Action Dates (when a green card can be approved):
| Category | Jamaica, Vietnam and Brazil* | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| EB-3 skilled workers and professionals | June 15, 2024 | June 15, 2024 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | June 1, 2022 | June 1, 2022 |
Dates for Filing (when you can submit your application early):
| Category | Jamaica, Vietnam and Brazil* | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| EB-3 skilled workers and professionals | Aug. 1, 2024 | Aug. 1, 2024 |
| EB-3 Other Workers | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2022 |
**Jamaica, Vietnam and Brazil don’t have their own column in the Visa Bulletin. They follow the “All Chargeability Areas” date, which covers every country not listed separately.*
In November, EB-3 Other Workers for Jamaica, Vietnam, Brazil and Mexico moved forward five months, from January 1, 2022 to June 1, 2022. For November 2026, USCIS is accepting the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based I-485 applications. This can change each month, and applicants processing abroad should follow National Visa Center instructions.
For the latest monthly numbers, see our EB-3 visa processing times update for November 2026.
EB-3 Visa Costs
The costs of the EB-3 process are shared between the employer and the applicant. By law, the employer must cover the expenses of the PERM labor certification, including attorney and advertising costs. This ensures that companies take responsibility for initiating the process.
Applicants usually pay for other parts of the process. These include their green card application fees, medical exams, embassy interview costs and, in some cases, attorney fees for their own part of the case. Altogether, the amount can be significant and varies depending on the country and the immigration experts who assist in the process.
Current government fees from USCIS and the Department of State:
| Fee | Amount | Who can pay |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-140 petition | $715 paper / $665 online | Either the employer or the worker |
| Asylum Program Fee (with I-140) | $600 ($300 for employers with 25 or fewer employees; $0 for nonprofits) | Employer |
| I-140 premium processing (optional) | $2,965 | Either the employer or the worker |
| Form I-485, age 14 and over | $1,440 paper / $1,390 online | Worker |
| Form I-485, under 14 filing with a parent | $950 paper / $900 online | Worker |
| Form I-765 work permit (with I-485) | $260 | Worker |
| DS-260 immigrant visa fee (consular processing) | $345 per person | Worker |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee (after consular processing) | $235 per person | Worker |
| Medical exam | Varies by country and doctor | Worker |
The premium processing fee rose from $2,805 to $2,965 on March 1, 2026. Fees change, so always confirm amounts on the USCIS fee schedule and the Department of State visa fees page before paying.
It is important for applicants to compare recruiters and sponsoring companies carefully. Some may offer support with costs or cover additional expenses. Be cautious of anyone who asks you to pay for the job offer or PERM process, since those costs belong to the employer. Understanding the financial side from the start helps avoid surprises later.
How to Find EB-3 Visa Sponsors and Apply
The first step for any applicant is to review the EB-3 visa job listings. Many sponsoring employers share their openings through agencies or online platforms. Choosing the right job is important since it connects directly to the green card process.
Finding a sponsor is often the hardest part. Hotels, food processing plants, care facilities and warehouses are among the employers most likely to sponsor. Our step-by-step guide on how to find an EB-3 visa sponsor explains where to look and how to spot recruitment scams.
After finding a suitable employer, the applicant submits their application and begins working with an immigration expert. This helps ensure that all documents are filed correctly and on time. Immigration guidance is very helpful because the process is complex.
Once the case reaches the embassy stage, the applicant must prepare for the interview. This includes organizing documents and practicing common interview questions. Working with trusted recruiters and companies improves the chance of a smooth experience.
Applicants who go through consular processing should also check the website of the U.S. embassy in their country for current status.
In 2026, the Department of State paused or restricted immigrant visa processing for nationals of some countries. A federal court ruled against the broad pause in August 2026 and processing has resumed in some places, but restrictions remain in others.
Other Workforce Solutions Beyond the EB-3 Visa
The shortage of available workers is not limited to a single field but extends across technology, manufacturing, healthcare and logistics. This makes it a widespread and systemic challenge. The EB-3 visa program is a strong solution for filling the vacancies.
EB3.Work highlights how the EB-3 visa provides employers with a reliable and long-term staffing solution, particularly for industries facing persistent shortages. Some companies use apprenticeship programs to train new workers directly. Other businesses have started hiring formerly incarcerated individuals with proper support.
Programs that encourage this type of hiring are growing across different industries. Employers also offer benefits like childcare or tuition assistance to attract American workers.
According to workforce studies from the United States Chamber of Commerce, these strategies can make jobs more appealing. Together with the EB-3 sponsorship, these will help employers address long-term staffing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EB-3 Visa
What is an EB-3 visa and who qualifies?
The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card for foreign workers with a full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. employer. It covers three groups: skilled workers with at least 2 years of training or experience, professionals with a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, and other workers in jobs requiring less than 2 years of training or experience. In every case, the employer must sponsor the worker.
How long does the EB-3 visa process take?
Most applicants can expect the EB-3 process to take about 48+ months. The Department of Labor and USCIS steps alone usually take 18 to 24 months, followed by any Visa Bulletin wait. Wait times can also vary by country of birth because of country-based visa limits.
Can family members immigrate with me?
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can typically join the main applicant under the EB-3 visa. They are also eligible for green cards through the same process. This makes the EB-3 visa a family-friendly pathway to permanent residency.
Do I need fluent English to qualify?
No, fluency is not required, and there is no official English test. Conversational English is enough to communicate on the job and in daily life. According to EB3.Work, many workers improve their English skills naturally after arriving in the United States.
Can I change employers during the EB-3 process?
Switching employers is possible but can be complicated. If the original sponsor withdraws before the I-140 has been approved for 180 days, the case may need to start over. Applicants in the U.S. with an I-485 pending for 180 days or more may be able to move to a similar job, but it is best to remain committed to the sponsoring employer until the green card is approved.
What types of jobs qualify for the EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 visa sponsorship covers a wide range of full-time, permanent jobs, from skilled and professional positions to entry-level work. Many applicants find opportunities in caregiving, hospitality, food service, warehousing and manufacturing. These roles are essential to industries struggling with worker shortages.
How much does the EB-3 visa cost?
Employers are required to cover the cost of the PERM labor certification, which starts the process, and usually pay the I-140 fees. Applicants usually pay their own green card fees: $1,440 for Form I-485 inside the U.S., or $345 for the DS-260 plus the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee from abroad, plus medical exams. The total varies depending on the case and family size.
Why choose the EB-3 visa over temporary visas like H-2B or J-1?
Temporary visas expire after a season or a year, forcing workers to return home. The EB-3 visa, on the other hand, provides a direct path to permanent residency. This long-term stability makes an EB-3 visa a smarter solution for both employers and applicants.
Looking for an EB-3 Visa Job?
The EB-3 visa is a real path to a U.S. green card, including for workers without a degree. Start by browsing the EB-3 visa jobs list to see employers currently sponsoring, then use our guide on how to find an EB-3 visa sponsor to prepare your application.
