The EB-3 “Other Workers” category is a U.S. government immigration program that provides a direct path to a permanent green card through employer sponsorship — no degree required, and your family is included.
Government Program
Administered by USCIS
No Degree Required
Less than 2 years training
Family Included
Spouse & children under 21
Permanent Residency
Green card for life
The EB-3 visa has three subcategories. Our marketplace focuses on the “Other Workers” category, which has the lowest entry barriers.
Positions requiring at least 2 years of job experience or training. Examples: mechanics, electricians, chefs, bookkeepers.
Positions requiring a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent (but not qualifying for EB-2). Examples: teachers, accountants, engineers.
Positions requiring less than 2 years of training or experience. Examples: food service, housekeeping, landscaping, meat processing.
The EB-3 Other Workers category has straightforward requirements — but every applicant must meet USCIS admissibility standards.
Important: Waivers May Be Available
Some inadmissibility grounds can be overcome with waivers (Form I-601 or I-212). An experienced immigration attorney can evaluate your specific situation. Having one issue does not automatically disqualify you.
Browse verified EB-3 job opportunities from trusted providers. No degree required — your family is included.
From choosing a provider to receiving your green card — here is every stage of the EB-3 unskilled process in detail.
You browse verified EB-3 job opportunities and select a provider who sponsors your green card. The employer files paperwork on your behalf.
The employer requests a wage determination from the Department of Labor to ensure the offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for the position in the area.
The employer must prove no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position by conducting supervised recruitment. Then Form ETA-9089 is filed with the Department of Labor.
Once PERM is certified, the employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) with USCIS to classify you under EB-3.
After I-140 approval, you must wait until a visa number becomes available based on your priority date and country of birth. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin.
When your priority date is current, you either attend an interview at a U.S. consulate abroad (DS-260) or file Form I-485 to adjust status if already in the U.S.
After approval, you receive your green card — permanent resident status for you and your qualifying family members.
Every EB-3 case involves specific USCIS and DOL forms. Here are the critical filings and their associated government fees.
Fees shown are approximate USCIS/DOL government fees and are subject to change. Attorney/legal fees, recruitment costs, and provider service fees are separate. Always verify current fees at uscis.gov.
Compare verified providers, read real Google reviews, and find the right partner for your immigration journey.
EB-3 visa availability depends on your country of birth. The State Department publishes monthly cutoff dates.
| Country / Region | Typical Wait | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Most Countries (Rest of World) | Current or 1–2 years | Available |
| Philippines | Current or near-current | Available |
| Mexico | Current or near-current | Available |
| El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras | 1–3 years | Moderate |
| China (mainland) | 5–10+ years | Significant Backlog |
| India | 10+ years | Severe Backlog |
How does EB-3 unskilled compare to other ways to get a U.S. green card?
| Feature | EB-3 Unskilled | EB-2 | EB-5 Investor | Diversity Lottery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Required | None | Master's or Bachelor's + 5yr exp | None | High school or 2yr work exp |
| Investment Required | None | None | $800K–$1.05M | None |
| Employer Sponsor | Required | Required (or NIW) | Not required | Not required |
| Family Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Timeline | 18–36 months | 12–36 months | 2–5+ years | If selected: ~12 months |
| Annual Visa Cap | ~40,000 | ~40,000 | ~10,000 | ~55,000 |
| Availability | Guaranteed if eligible | Guaranteed if eligible | Guaranteed if eligible | Random lottery — no guarantee |
An EB-3 green card gives you and your family full permanent resident rights in the United States.
Work for any U.S. employer in any industry. Change jobs freely. Start your own business.
Your spouse and children under 21 receive their own green cards. They can work and study in the U.S.
In-state tuition rates at public universities. Access to federal financial aid programs.
Access to Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs after qualifying.
Travel in and out of the U.S. without a visa. Your green card is valid for 10 years (renewable).
Apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
Thousands of people from around the world have used the EB-3 program to build a new life in America. You could be next.
Everything you need to know about the EB-3 unskilled category, answered clearly.
Our verified providers have helped thousands of applicants navigate the EB-3 process. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your eligibility.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and procedures change frequently. Visa Bulletin dates, processing times, and fees are subject to change by USCIS, DOL, and the State Department. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation. This page references publicly available information from uscis.gov and travel.state.gov.