EB-3: Skilled and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)
Form I-140 | PERM Labor Certification Required
The EB-3 immigrant visa category is a popular employment-based green card option for foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States through jobs that require varying levels of education and experience. The EB-3 category is divided into three subcategories: skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled (other) workers. All EB-3 applicants require a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer and an approved PERM Labor Certification from the Department of Labor.
1. Skilled Workers
This subcategory is for individuals performing jobs that require at least two years of job experience or training. The two years must be relevant to the offered position and not temporary or seasonal in nature. Examples include:
Electricians
Mechanics
Chefs
Healthcare technicians
Supervisory roles in manufacturing or logistics
2. Professionals
Applicants under this subcategory must possess a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent and the job must require a degree as a minimum entry-level qualification. Work experience cannot substitute for the degree. Common roles include:
Teachers
Accountants
Engineers
IT professionals
Architects
3. Unskilled or Other Workers
This subcategory is for individuals performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience, as long as the work is not seasonal or temporary. Examples include:
Housekeepers
Construction laborers
Farm workers (non-seasonal)
Janitorial staff
Food service helpers
⚠️ Note: Unskilled worker petitions often have significantly longer wait times due to annual visa limits and high demand.
PERM Labor Certification Requirement
All EB-3 petitions require a PERM labor certification, which proves that:
There are no able, willing, and qualified U.S. workers available for the position at the prevailing wage.
Employing the foreign worker will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
This process includes mandatory recruitment steps and employer attestations.
Filing Process
PERM Labor Certification filed with the Department of Labor (ETA Form 9089)
Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker filed by the U.S. employer after PERM approval
Form I-485: Adjustment of Status (if applicant is in the U.S. and visa number is current) or Consular Processing through a U.S. Embassy abroad
Optional applications for work authorization (EAD) and advance parole during adjustment
Benefits of EB-3 Green Card
Permanent residency (green card) for qualified workers and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
Eligibility to live and work anywhere in the U.S.
Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency
Option for concurrent filing of I-140 and I-485 if the visa priority date is current
Ideal for:
U.S. employers seeking to fill long-term labor shortages in skilled or unskilled positions
Foreign workers with job offers in the U.S. but who may not qualify for EB-1 or EB-2
Individuals without advanced degrees or specialized skills but with stable job offers from U.S. employers