Short answer: EB-3 unskilled (Other Workers) suits people without a degree who will work full time in a specific US job. A US employer must sponsor you through labor certification (PERM). With only about 10,000 visas a year, waits are usually longer than for skilled EB-3.
Basic requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | No degree required |
| Experience | The job needs less than two years of training or experience |
| Employer | A full-time, permanent US job, and the ability to pay the wage |
| Wage | At least the prevailing wage set by the US Department of Labor |
| Family | Spouse and children under 21 get green cards too |
| Age | No upper limit |
Common job types
Elder care and nursing homes, hotels and restaurants, food processing, cleaning and warehousing, depending on the employer’s real needs.
Steps
- Labor certification (PERM): the employer recruits in the US to show no qualified US worker is available — can take a year or more.
- I-140: the employer files the immigrant petition.
- The wait: follow the EB-3 Other Workers date for “all other areas” in the Visa Bulletin.
- Immigrant visa: generally an interview at AIT, then you enter and start work.
Pitfalls
- Actually working: after the green card, you should genuinely work for the sponsoring employer.
- The employer: check its size, finances and sponsorship history.
- Fees: some labor certification costs must legally be paid by the employer — watch for unreasonable charges.
- Changes while waiting: if the employer closes, your case can be affected.
Compared with other routes
With a degree, consider EB-3 skilled; with funds and a wish not to depend on an employer, consider EB-5. As of October 2026.