The EB-3 green card path is one of the few routes available for unskilled workers.
But it takes time, strategy, and a real employer. In this article, we’ll walk through the full EB-3 journey, step by step.
For more details on the steps, read our EB-3 Unskilled Visa Guide: What You Should Know
What Is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 is an employment-based green card for three categories:
Skilled workers (jobs requiring at least 2 years of experience)
Professionals (jobs requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent)
Unskilled workers (also called “Other Workers”) for jobs requiring less than 2 years of experience or training
If you’re applying as an unskilled worker, you’ll fall under the EB-3 “Other Workers” category.
Here are the steps of the EB-3 Process:
Step 1: Find a Willing U.S. Employer
The EB-3 visa requires a real job offer from a U.S. company willing to sponsor you.
The employer must:
Offer a permanent, full-time position
Be able to pay the prevailing wage
Complete the required paperwork to prove no U.S. worker is available
You cannot self-sponsor for this category, because the program requires a legitimate job offer from a U.S. employer.
Step 2: Labor Certification (PERM)
The first official step is PERM, or labor certification, through the U.S. Department of Labor.
This process includes:
Advertising the job in the U.S.
Proving that no qualified U.S. workers applied
Filing Form ETA-9089 for approval
The employer is responsible for this step, and it typically takes 6–12 months, depending on processing times.
Step 3: I-140 Immigrant Petition
Once PERM is approved, your employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
This step proves:
The job is real
The employer can pay the wage
You meet the minimal qualifications (e.g., ability to perform unskilled labor)
Currently, USCIS processes most I-140 petitions in approximately 8 to 14 months, and it offers Premium Processing for an additional fee. However, if you are from a country with a visa backlog, I-140 processing times do not affect how long it will take for a visa number to become available.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
There are two ways to complete your green card:
Inside the U.S.: You file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
Outside the U.S.: You go through Consular Processing (visa interview at a U.S. Embassy)
Both routes require medical exams, background checks, and interview preparation.
Step 5: Visa Approval and Green Card Issuance
If all steps go smoothly, you’ll receive:
A visa to enter the U.S. (if abroad)
A green card mailed to you (if already in the U.S.)
You are now a lawful permanent resident, and so are your spouse and children under 21 if they were included in your petition.
How Long Does the EB-3 Process Take?
On average, the full EB-3 process may take approximately 3-4 years. However, this estimate is not a guarantee, as visa availability depends on annual quotas and country-specific demand, which can change over time.
Applicants from countries with significant visa backlogs, such as India, China, or the Philippines, may experience longer waiting periods.
The U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly, and applicants should review it regularly to monitor priority date movement.
What Are the Risks?
Employer backs out
PERM denial due to poor documentation
Fraud (beware of fake offers or unauthorized agents)
That’s why it is important to work only with vetted employers and attorneys, to ensure you are protected throughout the process.
EB-3 Workers FAQs
The EB-3 Other Workers category allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for permanent, full-time jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience.
A general estimate would be 3-4 years from labor certification filing to visa issuance. However, processing times vary depending on government workload and visa availability.
Yes. Government agencies review each stage independently and can deny the petition at any stage.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply as derivative beneficiaries.
EB-3 Visa Related Articles
What to Expect When Moving to the U.S. on an EB-3 Unskilled Visa
Moving to the United States through the EB-3 unskilled pathway is a significant transition. By the time the process reaches completion, most applicants have spent several years preparing, waiting, and organizing documentation. As a result, it is important to understand not only the legal process, but also what daily life
How to Evaluate an EB-3 Unskilled Sponsorship Opportunity
Table of Contents The EB-3 unskilled process requires coordination between an employer, government agencies, and the applicant. Because the process unfolds over several years, applicants should evaluate any sponsorship opportunity carefully before proceeding. A structured review reduces uncertainty and supports long-term planning. For a full overview of the EB-3 framework,
What Happens After I-140 Approval in an EB-3 Unskilled Case?
Table of Contents I-140 approval represents a significant milestone in the EB-3 unskilled process. However, it does not grant permanent residence by itself. Instead, it confirms that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has approved the immigrant petition filed by the employer. The applicant must still complete the final stage of
Is EB-3 Processing Paused? What the Current Immigrant Visa Pause Means
Table of Contents Recent government announcements regarding a temporary pause in certain immigrant visa processing have created uncertainty for many EB-3 applicants. As a result, some individuals have asked whether EB-3 processing has stopped entirely. The short answer is no. However, the impact depends on which stage of the process
PERM Labor Certification Explained for EB-3 Unskilled Workers
Table of Contents Labor certification, commonly known as PERM, represents the first formal stage of the EB-3 unskilled immigration process. Although applicants often focus on visa issuance, PERM establishes the legal foundation of the entire case. Therefore, understanding this stage is essential for realistic planning. For a broader overview of
EB-3 Unskilled Eligibility Requirements Explained
Table of Contents The EB-3 Other Workers category allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent, full-time positions that require less than two years of training or experience. Although the term “unskilled” appears straightforward, the regulatory requirements remain precise. Therefore, applicants should understand both what qualifies and what may
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a licensed immigration attorney. Immigration laws, regulations, and processing practices are subject to change, and individual circumstances may affect case outcomes.
Our organization provides coordination, administrative support, and document preparation assistance in connection with employer-sponsored immigration processes. We are not a U.S. government agency, and we do not act as the sponsoring employer in any immigration petition. Where legal representation is required, services are provided by licensed attorneys retained for that purpose.
All immigration petitions and visa applications are reviewed and adjudicated solely by the appropriate U.S. government authorities. Approval is never guaranteed, and processing timelines may vary based on regulatory, administrative, and quota-related factors.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that they fully understand the structure, requirements, and responsibilities associated with any employment-based immigration process before proceeding.
