According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of job openings remained little changed at 7.4 million in June 2025 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 held steady at 5.1 million, representing 3.2 percent of the workforce. With turnover showing little change, 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 visa EB3 as a better option than short term visas that expire after a season or a year. With the EB3 program, the worker has the possibility of staying in the United States permanently and building a steady future. This long term benefit makes the EB3 attractive for both applicants and employers.
Applicants should know that the process takes time and requires patience. The entire journey from application to approval usually lasts more than 36 months. While that may sound long, many find that the reward of permanent residency is worth the effort.
What is Visa EB3
The visa EB3 is an employment based immigrant visa that leads directly to a green card. 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 university degree or equivalent. The third category is called Other Workers which covers entry level jobs that require little to no experience and is the most common path for many foreign applicants.
Visa EB3 is different from temporary work visas such as the H2B or J1. Those programs allow workers to stay in the country for a limited period of time before they must return home. EB3 instead provides a clear pathway to permanent residency which is why it is highly valued among applicants.
As per BLS, the number of people marginally attached to the labor force stood at 1.6 million in May, showing little change. 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 Visa EB3 Exists
The EB3 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. Visa EB3 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 EB3 workers, employers invest in people who are more likely to stay for many years and become part of their community.
Since May 2024, the U.S. labor market has shown notable stability, with only a slight uptick in the unemployment rate in July that does not alter the overall trend. The jobless rate has consistently remained within a narrow, historically low band of 4.0 to 4.2 percent, which is generally considered full employment, based on data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Visa EB3 Requirements
To qualify for an EB3 visa, an applicant must first receive sponsorship from a United States employer. This means that a company is willing to offer a job and file the necessary paperwork. Without an employer sponsor, it is not possible to begin the EB3 process.
Applicants must also meet some basic requirements. They should be able to speak conversational English to communicate at work and in daily life. For Other Workers, there is no requirement for advanced education or specialized experience.
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.
How to Apply for the Visa EB3: Step by Step
Step 1: Understand What Visa EB3 Is
The EB3 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 EB3 Program Exists
The EB3 program exists to address the country’s ongoing labor shortage, which spans industries like healthcare, logistics and hospitality.
Step 3: Review EB3 Visa Requirements
To apply for an EB3 visa, an applicant must first be sponsored by a U.S. employer, as self-petition is not an option. Basic requirements include conversational English, 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 worker” applicants do not need advanced qualifications.
Step 4: Follow the EB3 Process Step by Step
The process begins with the employer filing a PERM labor certification to prove they couldn’t find enough American workers. After that, they submit an I-140 petition to the USCIS, followed by 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.
Step 5: Know the Jobs Available Under EB3
Many EB3 jobs are entry-level, but they play a vital role in industries that keep the economy running. Common EB3 roles include healthcare staff, food service, hotel housekeeping, caregiving, warehousing and light manufacturing. Learn more about 2025 EB3 Job List.
Step 6: Prepare for EB3 Processing Times and Costs
The EB3 process takes time, usually about three years from start to finish, though workers from India and China often face longer waits due to higher demand. Employers typically cover PERM certification costs, while applicants usually pay for USCIS fees, medical exams and consular interviews.
Step 7: How to Apply for Visa EB3
Applicants usually start by reviewing EB3 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.
Jobs Available Under Visa EB3
The EB3 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 39,000 jobs in June 2025, closely matching its average monthly increase of 43,000 over the past year. Job growth was driven by hospitals, which added 16,000 positions, and by nursing and residential care facilities, which added 14,000.
Common EB3 jobs include fast food crew members and restaurant staff. Hotels also sponsor EB3 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 EB3. These roles often involve packaging, stocking, or simple production tasks. Applicants interested in these jobs can often find multiple opportunities through sponsoring employers.
Visa EB3 Processing Time and Wait by Country
The standard processing time for EB3 applications is about three years. This includes every stage from labor certification to embassy interview. For many applicants this waiting period requires patience but the long term reward is significant.
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. Applicants from India and China face longer backlogs. This is due to higher demand and limits on the number of visas available each year for each country.
For workers from other countries the timeline is usually more steady. While delays can still occur, many applicants outside of India and China can expect progress within the normal three year period. Staying informed about visa bulletins can help track updates.
Visa EB3 Costs
The costs of the EB3 process are shared between the employer and the applicant. By law, the employer must cover the expenses of the PERM labor certification. This ensures that companies take responsibility for initiating the process.
Applicants usually pay for other parts of the process. These include United States Citizenship and Immigration Services fees, attorney fees, medical exams, and embassy interview costs. Altogether, the amount can be significant and varies depending on the country and the immigration experts who assist in the process.
It is important for applicants to compare recruiters and sponsoring companies carefully. Some may offer support with costs or cover additional expenses. Understanding the financial side from the start helps avoid surprises later.
Other Workforce Solutions Beyond Visa EB3
The shortage of available workers is not limited to a single field but extends across technology, manufacturing, healthcare and logistics. This makes a widespread and systemic challenge. The EB3 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 and 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 EB3 sponsorship, these will help employers address long-term staffing challenges.
How to Apply for Visa EB3
The first step for any applicant is to review EB3 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visa EB3
How long does the EB3 visa process take?
Most applicants can expect the EB3 process to take around 36 months. However, those from India and China usually wait longer because of high demand and country-based visa limits. Patience is important, as the long-term reward is permanent residency.
Can family members immigrate with me?
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can typically join the main applicant under the EB3 visa. They are also eligible for green cards through the same process. This makes EB3 a family-friendly pathway to permanent residency
Do I need fluent English to qualify?
No, fluency is not required. Applicants only need conversational English, 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 EB3 process?
Switching employers is possible but can be complicated. If the original sponsor withdraws, the case may need to start over. It is best to remain committed to the sponsoring employer until the green card is approved.
What types of jobs qualify for EB3?
EB3 covers a wide range of 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 EB3 visa cost?
Employers are required to cover the cost of the PERM labor certification, which starts the process. Applicants usually handle USCIS filing fees, medical exams, attorney costs and embassy interview expenses. The total varies but can be significant depending on the case.
Why choose EB3 over temporary visas like H-2B or J-1?
Temporary visas expire after a season or a year forcing workers to return home. EB3, on the other hand, provides a direct path to permanent residency. This long-term stability makes EB3 a smarter solution for both employers and applicants.
