EB-3 Other Workers Visa: Your Path to America

The EB-3 Other Workers visa (also called EB-3 Unskilled) provides a pathway to U.S. permanent residency for individuals in jobs requiring less than 2 years of training or experience. No college degree, no English proficiency test, and no prior work experience are required. This is the most accessible employment-based green card category available.

Key Facts About EB-3 Other Workers

• Average processing time: 3–5 years from application to green card
• Family included: Spouse and children under 21 receive green cards too
• Employer sponsored: A verified U.S. employer files and sponsors your green card petition
• No degree required: No college education or professional certification needed
• No English test: No IELTS or TOEFL required
• Annual visa cap: 10,000 visas per year for EB-3 Other Workers

The EB-3 Process: Step by Step

The EB-3 visa process has several stages. The first three steps are shared by all applicants, then the path splits based on whether you are inside or outside the United States.

Shared Steps (Everyone)

1. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) — 4–6 months. The Department of Labor determines the minimum wage for the position.
2. Labor Certification / PERM (Form 9089) — 16–18 months. Employer proves no qualified U.S. workers are available.
3. I-140 Immigrant Petition — 6–12 months standard, or 15 business days with premium processing ($2,965).

Path A: Consular Processing (Outside the U.S.)

1. DS-260 — Online immigrant visa application submitted to the National Visa Center.
2. Consular Interview — Face-to-face interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Path B: Adjustment of Status (Inside the U.S.)

1. I-485 Application — Apply to adjust status to permanent resident without leaving the U.S.
2. I-765 Work Permit (EAD) — Work for any employer while your case is pending.
3. I-131 Advance Parole — Travel internationally while your case is pending.
4. AOS Interview — Interview at your local USCIS field office (may be waived).

Green Card Approval

The final step: receiving your permanent resident card and beginning your life in America.

Who Can Apply for EB-3 Other Workers?

You May Qualify If:

• You are willing to work in the U.S. for at least 1 year
• You can pass a background check and medical exam
• You are able to perform the job duties as described
• You are from a country without significant visa backlogs (most countries except India and China)
• You have basic English communication skills (helpful but not required)

Common EB-3 Job Categories

• Food service and restaurant workers
• Housekeeping and cleaning staff
• Food processing and packaging
• Manufacturing and assembly line
• Landscaping and groundskeeping
• Warehouse and logistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EB-3 Other Workers visa category?

The EB-3 Other Workers (also called EB-3 Unskilled) visa is an employment-based green card category for jobs requiring less than 2 years of training or experience. It provides a pathway to U.S. permanent residency through employer sponsorship for positions like food service workers, cleaners, factory workers, and other essential roles.

How long does the EB-3 process take?

The complete EB-3 process typically takes 3–5 years from start to green card. This includes: Labor Certification/PERM (16–18 months), I-140 (6–12 months standard or 15 days with premium processing), priority date wait (varies by country), and final visa processing. Timelines vary based on your country of birth and current USCIS processing times.

What's the difference between consular processing and adjustment of status?

Consular processing is for applicants outside the U.S. who will attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy and receive their immigrant visa abroad. Adjustment of status (I-485) is for applicants already in the U.S. with valid status who can apply to become permanent residents without leaving the country.

What costs should I expect for EB-3?

Applicants typically pay for their own visa application fees ($1,500–$2,000), medical exams ($200–$400), and travel costs. The employer pays PERM and I-140 filing fees. Total applicant costs are typically $16,000–$25,000 depending on the service provider.

Can my family come with me on an EB-3 visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you as derivative beneficiaries. They will receive their own green cards through your application and can live, work, and study in the United States.