43 EB-3 Green Card Jobs: Your Path to U.S. Work & Residency
The EB-3 Green Card is a popular employment-based immigration option for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the United States. Designed for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers, the EB-3 visa allows individuals to secure employment in the U.S. while working toward a Green Card. In this article, we will explore what EB-3 Green Card Jobs are, eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to apply.
What Is the EB-3 Green Card?
The EB-3 Green Card is part of the employment-based third preference category for permanent residency in the U.S. It is divided into three subcategories:
- Skilled Workers – Individuals with at least two years of work experience or training in a relevant field.
- Professionals – Workers with a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) and employment in a field requiring such a degree.
- Other Workers (Unskilled Laborers) – Individuals performing unskilled jobs that require less than two years of training or experience.
This visa category allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers when qualified American workers are unavailable for the job.
EB-3 Green Card Jobs: Industries and Opportunities
A variety of industries in the U.S. rely on EB-3 visa workers to fill labor shortages. Some of the most common sectors offering EB-3 Green Card Jobs include:
1. Healthcare Industry
- Registered Nurses
- Medical Technologists
- Healthcare Assistants
2. Hospitality and Food Services
- Hotel Staff (housekeepers, maintenance workers, front desk clerks)
- Restaurant Workers (chefs, cooks, servers, dishwashers)
3. Manufacturing and Industrial Jobs
- Welders
- Machine Operators
- Production Workers
4. Construction and Skilled Trades
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
5. Agricultural Jobs
- Farm Workers
- Greenhouse Workers
6. Other Unskilled Labor Jobs
- Janitors and Cleaners
- Warehouse Workers
- Caregivers and Home Aides
These industries provide great opportunities for foreign workers looking to secure employment and gain permanent residency in the U.S.
Eligibility Criteria for EB-3 Green Card Jobs
To qualify for an EB-3 Green Card Job, applicants must meet specific requirements based on their subcategory:
1. Skilled Workers
- Minimum of two years of training or experience in the job field.
- Job offer from a U.S. employer proving that qualified U.S. workers are unavailable.
2. Professionals
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a field relevant to the job.
- The position must require a degree as an essential qualification.
3. Other Workers (Unskilled Laborers)
- Job must require less than two years of training or experience.
- The employer must show that no U.S. workers are available for the role.
In all cases, the employer must obtain PERM labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact wages or working conditions for American workers.
Benefits of EB-3 Green Card Jobs
Applying for an EB-3 Green Card Job comes with several advantages, including:
- Pathway to Permanent Residency – The EB-3 visa allows workers to obtain a Green Card, leading to U.S. citizenship in the future.
- Work Authorization – Applicants receive permission to work legally in the U.S.
- Family Benefits – Spouses and children (under 21) can obtain Green Cards and live in the U.S.
- No Business Investment Required – Unlike other visa programs, applicants do not need to invest money in a business.
How to Apply for EB-3 Green Card Jobs
The EB-3 Green Card application process involves several key steps:
- Job Offer from a U.S. Employer – Find an employer willing to sponsor your visa.
- Labor Certification (PERM) – The employer must file a PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor.
- Form I-140 Petition – The employer submits Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Visa Application (If Outside the U.S.) – Applicants outside the U.S. go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy.
- Adjustment of Status (If Inside the U.S.) – If the applicant is already in the U.S. on a different visa, they can file Form I-485, Adjustment of Status to transition to permanent residency.
- Green Card Approval – Once approved, the applicant receives their EB-3 Green Card, granting permanent residency.
Processing Time and Costs
The EB-3 Green Card processing time varies but typically takes 12 to 24 months, depending on backlogs and country quotas. The costs include:
- PERM Labor Certification Fees (Paid by employer)
- Form I-140 Filing Fee – $700
- Visa Application Fee – Varies by country
- Adjustment of Status Fee – $1,225 (if applying from within the U.S.)
Conclusion
The EB-3 Green Card Jobs program is a valuable opportunity for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the U.S. With job opportunities in industries like healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and agriculture, many individuals can find a pathway to U.S. employment and long-term settlement. If you meet the eligibility criteria and secure employer sponsorship, the EB-3 visa can be your key to a successful career and a future in the United States.