EB3 unskilled sponsor refers to a U.S. employer willing to petition for a foreign worker under the EB-3 “Other Workers” immigrant visa category. This pathway allows certain non-professional workers to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States.
The EB-3 unskilled category is designed for jobs that require less than two years of training or experience.
Contents
What Is the EB-3 Unskilled Category?
The EB-3 immigrant visa category has three subgroups:
- Skilled Workers (at least 2 years of experience)
- Professionals (bachelor’s degree required)
- Other Workers (unskilled positions requiring less than 2 years of experience)
An EB3 unskilled sponsor petitions under the “Other Workers” classification.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under an EB3 unskilled sponsor petition, the applicant must:
- Receive a permanent full-time job offer
- Be capable of performing the job duties
- Meet any minimal training requirements
- Pass medical and background checks
The position must be permanent and not seasonal or temporary.
Employer Requirements
An EB3 unskilled sponsor must:
- Offer a permanent full-time job
- Complete the PERM labor certification process
- Demonstrate ability to pay the offered wage
- Comply with U.S. Department of Labor regulations
The employer must prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
PERM Labor Certification Process
- Step 1: Employer conducts recruitment efforts
- Step 2: File PERM application with Department of Labor
- Step 3: Await certification approval
PERM approval is required before filing the immigrant petition.
EB3 Unskilled Sponsor Process
- Step 1: PERM labor certification approval
- Step 2: Employer files Form I-140 immigrant petition
- Step 3: Wait for priority date to become current
- Step 4: File Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or consular processing
- Step 5: Receive green card approval
Processing times may be longer than EB-2 due to visa backlogs.
Common Occupations
Positions often associated with EB3 unskilled sponsor cases include:
- Hospitality and housekeeping roles
- Food processing workers
- Agricultural workers (permanent roles only)
- Warehouse workers
- Caregiving positions
The job must be permanent, not temporary or seasonal.
Priority Dates and Waiting Times
The EB-3 Other Workers category is subject to annual visa limits and often experiences longer wait times compared to EB-2 or EB-1 categories.
Applicants from certain countries may face additional backlog delays.
Costs Involved
- PERM recruitment costs
- Form I-140 filing fee
- Form I-485 filing fee
- Medical examination costs
- Legal representation fees
Employers must pay mandatory PERM-related expenses.
Common Challenges
- Long visa bulletin backlogs
- PERM recruitment denial
- Employer withdrawal
- Wage compliance issues
Careful documentation improves approval prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone apply under EB-3 unskilled?
No. A permanent job offer from an approved employer is required.
How long does the process take?
Processing may take several years depending on visa availability.
Can family members immigrate with me?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be included as derivatives.
Final Thoughts
An EB3 unskilled sponsor provides a pathway to U.S. permanent residence for workers in positions requiring less than two years of training or experience. However, long waiting periods and strict employer requirements must be carefully considered.