EB-3 Unskilled Visa (Other Workers) — Permanent U.S. Green Card

The EB-3 "Other Workers" subcategory is the third employment-based green card preference reserved for full-time, permanent workers performing jobs that require less than two years of training or experience. It leads to lawful permanent residence in the United States for the worker, spouse, and unmarried children under 21.

Who qualifies?

• A bona fide, full-time, permanent U.S. job offer from a sponsoring employer.
• The role requires less than two years of training or experience.
• You are physically able to perform the job duties.
• You can pass standard medical and background checks.
• No specific education or English level is required at the visa level.

The 5-step process

1. Eligibility review — Immilink verifies you meet basic EB-3 requirements within 48 hours.
2. Sponsor match — We match you to a verified employer in your industry, state, and role preference.
3. PERM labor certification — Filed by your sponsor with the Department of Labor (8–14 months).
4. I-140 immigrant petition — Filed with USCIS to confirm the offered position (4–8 months).
5. Consular processing or adjustment of status — Once your priority date is current.

Costs

• I-140 immigrant petition fee: $715
• DS-260 / I-485: $345 / $1,440
• Medical exam: ~$200–$500
• PERM filing: paid by the sponsoring employer

Industries hiring on EB-3

Food production, hospitality, warehousing & logistics, cleaning & janitorial, senior care & caregiving, construction & landscaping, and meat & poultry processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree or English test for the EB-3 unskilled visa?

No. The EB-3 Other Workers category has no education, English, or prior experience requirement at the visa level. You need a full-time permanent job offer from a sponsoring U.S. employer and the physical ability to do the job.

How long does the EB-3 unskilled process take?

Most cases take roughly 3–5 years end to end: PERM labor certification (8–14 months), I-140 petition (4–8 months), then waiting for your priority date to become current under the ~10,000-per-year Other Workers visa cap before consular processing or adjustment of status.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive green cards as derivative beneficiaries on the same petition.

What does the EB-3 unskilled process cost?

Government fees include the I-140 petition ($715, paid by the employer), DS-260 ($345) or I-485 ($1,440), and a medical exam (~$200–$500). PERM recruitment costs must be paid by the sponsoring employer by law.

Do I have to stay with the sponsoring employer forever?

No. You commit to working for the sponsor in the offered role for a reasonable period after your green card is issued (commonly understood as about a year), after which you may change employers freely as a permanent resident.