EB3 Unskilled visa

EB-3 Unskilled Visa: Your Path to U.S. Permanent Residency

Complete Guide to the EB-3 Other Workers Category - Opportunities for Global Workers

~10,000 Visas Available Annually

3-5 Years Typical Processing Time

10+ Years to Citizenship

100% Family Inclusion

Introduction

In today's globalised world, many individuals and families dream of relocating to a country that offers long-term stability, opportunity, and the possibility of permanent residence. For those seeking a path to the U.S. through employment — even without advanced degrees or long training — the EB-3 Unskilled Visa presents a viable route. The EB-3 unskilled (Other Workers) category allows foreign workers to obtain a U.S. green card based on full-time job offers in positions requiring less than two years of training or experience, provided other conditions are met.

What is the EB-3 Visa and the "Unskilled / Other Workers" Sub-Category?

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category (third preference) for workers who will be permanently employed in the U.S. under a sponsoring employer. It is divided into three sub-categories:

Skilled Workers – requiring at least 2 years of training or experience.
Professionals – requiring at least a U.S. bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent).
Other Workers (Unskilled) – for jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience, which are neither temporary nor seasonal.

According to official information from the U.S. government: "Other workers (also called unskilled workers) are persons capable of performing unskilled labor whose job requires less than 2 years training or experience… The job must not be of temporary or seasonal nature."

Why Consider the EB-3 Unskilled Category? (Benefits)

1. Path to U.S. Permanent Residency (Green Card)

Once approved, the beneficiary obtains lawfully permanent resident status — meaning they can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, with rights similar to citizens (except voting) and may eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

2. Lower Training or Education Requirement

Unlike many immigration routes that require advanced degrees or extensive work experience, the unskilled category allows for jobs with less than two years of training or experience — broadening opportunity for many workers from around the world.

3. Family Inclusion

The principal applicant's spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible to accompany them and become permanent residents. This means relocation of the whole family is viable.

4. Long-Term Stability

As a green-card holder, you enjoy protections and opportunities for long-term residence, employment freedom (in many cases), and access to benefits that non-immigrant visas don't provide.

5. Opportunity for Change & Growth

While job-specific initially, many EB-3 recipients later change employers, advance in their careers, or transition to other visa/citizenship statuses. Though this requires compliance, it provides long-term flexibility.

Who Qualifies? Eligibility Requirements

Applicant – Minimum Requirements

You must have a valid full-time job offer from a U.S. employer for a permanent position (not temporary or seasonal).
The job must be an "unskilled" labour position defined as requiring less than two years of training or experience.
You must be able and willing to perform the job described in the petition.
While advanced education is not required in the unskilled category, you must still satisfy the employer's requirement (which must be less than two years of experience/training).
You (and your family) must pass medical, security, criminal-background checks, and consular processing (if applicable).

Employer – Sponsorship Requirements

The U.S. employer must offer a permanent, full-time job to the applicant.
Go through the PERM labour certification process – which requires showing that no able, willing, qualified U.S. workers are available for the job, and that hiring you will not adversely affect wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.
File Form I-140, "Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker", on behalf of the applicant.
Pay the required wage (prevailing wage) for that position in the geographic area, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Employer Recruitment & PERM Labour Certification

The employer must first recruit U.S. workers, advertise the job, and show that no qualified U.S. worker applied. This is part of the PERM process.

Filing Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)

Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 on behalf of the employee with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Waiting for Priority Date & Visa Availability

After I-140 approval, the applicant must wait until a visa number becomes available based on the monthly Visa Bulletin.

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

If the applicant is already in the U.S. in an eligible status, they may file Form I-485 to adjust status.

Entry to the U.S. and Getting the Green Card

Once the immigrant visa is approved or the adjustment of status is granted, the applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident.

What Types of Jobs Qualify in the Unskilled Category?

Restaurant Workers

Servers, line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers

Healthcare Aides

Caregivers, home health aides, nursing assistants

Janitors & Cleaners

Building maintenance, house cleaners

Agricultural Workers

Farmworkers, harvesters, agricultural laborers

Construction Laborers

General laborers, site helpers

Manufacturing

Production workers, assembly line workers

Processing Time & Cost Considerations

Processing Time

PERM labour certification: about 10 months or more (can be 12-18 months or more if audited)
I-140 petition: 6-9 months typical, premium processing available (15 days) for additional cost
Waiting for visa number: depends on your country of origin, backlog
Adjustment of status/consular processing: can add many months
Total time: from job offer to green card for EB-3 unskilled workers can be 3-5 years, sometimes longer

Cost Considerations

While the employer covers some costs (advertising, Prevailing Wage Determination, PERM), the applicant may incur fees including I-140 filing fee, Adjustment of Status fee or Consular Visa fee for applicant and family, medical examination, translation of documents, travel, and legal/consulting fees.

Key Tip

Because of the backlog and waiting time, it is crucial to plan ahead, maintain legal status in the U.S. if applicable, and keep all documentation updated. Also, verify employer is eligible, job is bona fide full-time/permanent, and that all recruitment steps were properly followed.

Challenges, Limitations & Things to Watch

Backlogs & Waiting Time: Because there are only about 10,000 visas per year for unskilled workers, and high global demand, there is often a backlog.
Employer Risk & Fraud: Because this category involves permanent job offers and foreign workers, some fraudulent schemes exist.
Changing Career or Employer: While there are provisions that allow some flexibility after I-140 approval, applicants should be careful when changing jobs.
Dependents & Family Issues: Including spouse and children is possible, but the applicant must ensure all dependent forms, fees, and timing align.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need a bachelor's degree for EB-3 Unskilled?

No. The "unskilled / other worker" category requires less than two years of training or experience — a bachelor's degree is not required.

Q2: Can I apply without a job offer?

No. A job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you is a mandatory requirement. The employer must go through the PERM and I-140 process.

Q3: Is the job seasonal or temporary acceptable?

No. The job must be permanent (i.e., not a temporary or seasonal job) and full-time. Seasonal or temporary jobs do not qualify.

Q4: How long must I stay with the employer?

While there's no fixed number of years mandated, you are expected to work for the sponsoring employer in the offered role for a "reasonable period" once you receive residency.

Q5: Can my spouse and children come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 can accompany you and receive the same status as derivative beneficiaries.

Ready to Start Your EB-3 Journey?

At GVS Co., Ltd., we specialise in managing EB-3 unskilled visa cases with end-to-end support — job sourcing, employer matching, documentation assistance, case tracking, and post-arrival support.

Book Your Free Consultation Now

Why Choose GVS Co., Ltd. as Your Trusted Partner?

Established Track Record: Our agency has been working on EB-3 unskilled placements in the U.S. over the past three years and has a strong success rate.
Global Reach: We operate in South Korea and Bangladesh, helping workers from multiple countries navigate the complex U.S. immigration system.
Transparent Process: We provide clear breakdowns of costs, timelines, obligations, and expectations — no hidden surprises.
Trusted Employer Network: We partner with U.S. employers who understand and comply with the PERM and I-140 requirements, ensuring the job offers are genuine and permanent.
Multilingual Support: Our team can communicate in Korean, Bangla, English, Urdu, Filipino, and Vietnamese — making the process accessible.
Post-Arrival Support: We help you with orientation, initial housing, adjustment tips and transition support once you arrive in the U.S.

Conclusion & Next Steps

For many workers around the world who dream of settling in the U.S., the EB-3 Unskilled visa offers a realistic, long-term route to permanent residency — provided you secure the right job offer, work with a compliant employer, and move forward step by step. At GVS Co., Ltd., we specialise in precisely this path — guiding you, matching you to employers, monitoring your case, keeping you informed, and ensuring your relocation is done legally and effectively.

Your next steps:

Book a free consultation with us at GVS Co., Ltd.
We'll assess your profile, job qualifications, training/experience, and match you with available job offers for EB-3 unskilled category.
Once employer sponsorship is confirmed, we will guide you through PERM, I-140 and the waiting process.
We'll support you until you arrive in the U.S. and begin your new life.

Don't let lack of advanced credentials hold you back. With perseverance, the right employer, and proper legal guidance, you can achieve your dream of a new life in the U.S.

EB3 Unskilled visa