EB-3 green card jobs

EB-3 is the third-preference employment-based immigrant category: a U.S. employer sponsors you, and you and your family receive green cards (permanent residence).

Green cards for you, your spouse and unmarried children under 21
The employer is the petitioner; you are the beneficiary
Permanent residents can travel freely and work without restrictions

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Who can apply

Already in the U.S.

People in valid status such as F-1, F-2, H-1B, H-4, L-1, L-2, J-1 or H-2B can usually adjust status inside the U.S. when their date is current, without going home for an interview.

Outside the U.S.

If you meet the job’s requirements and have no grounds of inadmissibility, you can apply. When your date is current you interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate and enter on an immigrant visa.

Past immigration problems

If you have status violations or unauthorized work in the U.S. totaling more than 180 days, you generally can’t adjust status inside the U.S. If you’ve had a visa refusal, an overstay or an arrest, have an attorney review it first.

Three categories, set by the job

Professional

The job requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent. You need that degree; foreign degrees need a credential evaluation.

Skilled worker

The job requires at least 2 years of training or experience, for example an experienced cook or technician. Experience is proven with letters from past employers.

Other worker (EW-3)

The job requires less than 2 years of training or experience, for example fast-food crew, cleaning or warehouse work. Easiest to qualify for, but fewest visas and the longest wait.

The category is set by the job’s actual minimum requirements, not by your education. Requirements can’t be inflated to get a faster category, and education or experience can never be made up: that is immigration fraud and can bar you from the U.S. for life.

Current visa bulletin

EB-3 category	China mainland	All other countries
Professional / skilled worker	Jan 22, 2022Backlog: about 4 yrs 9 mo	Jun 15, 2024Backlog: about 2 yrs 4 mo
Other worker (EW-3)	Oct 1, 2019Backlog: about 7 yrs 1 mo	Jun 1, 2022Backlog: about 4 yrs 5 mo

Final Action Dates from the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for November 2026. “Backlog” is how far the cutoff date is behind today; it is not a prediction of how long you will wait.

How long it takes

Labor certification (PERM)

Prevailing wage, local recruitment and DOL review usually take more than a year.

I-140

Several months to a year with regular processing; 15 business days with premium processing.

Waiting for your date

Depends on your country of birth and category; see the table above. Dates can move forward or back.

The final step

Adjustment of status or a consular interview, usually several months to a year.

Processing times by stage →

Latest jobs

All jobs →

No open jobs right now.

Questions

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 get green cards as your dependents. If a child is close to 21, use the CSPA calculator to estimate whether the Child Status Protection Act covers them. Parents and siblings can’t be included.

What if the employer cancels or closes?

It’s rare, but it happens. If the employer can no longer offer the full-time job before you get your green card, the case usually has to start over with a new employer. We’ll help you restart with another employer.

Do I have to buy a “sponsorship slot”?

No, there’s no such thing. Labor certifications can’t legally be bought or sold. Not every applicant is selected by us or by the employer.

Do I need experience or a degree?

It depends on the job’s category: Other Worker jobs usually require neither; Skilled Worker jobs require at least 2 years of related experience or training; Professional jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Each job page lists its requirements.

How good does my English need to be?

Most jobs need basic conversational English: understanding your manager and safety instructions, talking with coworkers and customers, and handling daily life. You don’t need to be fluent. We’ll talk with you in English during the interview.

Is there an age limit?

U.S. immigration law has no upper age limit. Most jobs are full-time physical work, so you need to be able to do the job.

Can people born in mainland China apply?

Yes, but the wait is longer than for most other countries, especially in the Other Worker category, so check the visa bulletin first. People born in Taiwan or Hong Kong generally fall under “all other countries.” If your spouse was born elsewhere, you may be able to use their country; ask an attorney.

Can I apply for EB-3 without an employer?

No. EB-3 requires a full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. employer, who files the labor certification and I-140. We match and coordinate; we can’t sponsor you ourselves.

Will I pay U.S. taxes?

Yes. Like any employee you pay federal tax, and in most states state tax too; your employer withholds it from your pay.

Can my spouse work?

Yes. With a derivative green card your spouse is a permanent resident and can work anywhere in the U.S.

When can I become a citizen?

Usually after 5 years of continuous permanent residence, if you meet the physical presence, good moral character, English and civics requirements.

Not ready yet? Leave your details

If you’re not ready to apply but want to hear about jobs and which category fits you, fill in the form and we’ll get in touch.