EB-3
EB-3 green card: including jobs without a degree
EB-3 is a green card (permanent residence) sponsored by a U.S. employer. It has three types: skilled worker (at least 2 years of experience or training), professional (bachelor's degree) and "other workers" for jobs needing less than 2 years of experience. The last one is the so-called unskilled EB-3.
How it works
- 1) The employer gets a labor certification (PERM) from the Department of Labor, showing no U.S. worker was found for the job.
- 2) Then it files the green card petition with USCIS (Form I-140).
- 3) When your priority date becomes current (Visa Bulletin), you have the consulate interview and enter the U.S. with a green card.
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 get green cards too.
The wait is long
- There are at most 10,000 visas a year for "other workers" (unskilled), shared by the whole world.
- So the wait takes years: in the November 2026 bulletin, people with priority dates up to June 2022 (rest of world) could get their visas. That is more than 4 years in line, plus the PERM time.
- Check the latest bulletin: dates change every month.
Who pays for what
- The law forbids the employer from charging the worker for PERM costs (certification attorney, ads, recruitment).
- Other steps, such as the I-140, consular fees and the medical exam, may be paid by the worker, as agreed. Get everything in writing.
- "Guaranteed EB-3" packages sold for tens of thousands of dollars are a red flag. No one can guarantee a green card.
Official links
ℹ️ Immigration rules change often. Confirm on the official links or with an immigration attorney before making decisions.
Information checked on Nov 11, 2026.