U.S. EB-3 Visa 2026: How Caregivers and Skilled Workers Can Get a Green Card

If you’ve dreamed of living and working in the United States but thought you needed a tech degree or high-level job, the EB-3 visa might be your best opportunity. Unlike many other employment-based visas, EB-3 welcomes skilled workers, professionals, and even unskilled workers (including caregivers). In 2026, with the U.S. facing nationwide worker shortages, EB-3 remains one of the most realistic pathways to a U.S. green card for those willing to fill in-demand roles.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the EB-3 visa: who qualifies, how the process works, the costs, timelines, and the kinds of jobs—like caregiving, hospitality, and farming—that are in high demand. Whether you’re overseas or already in the U.S., this is your step-by-step roadmap to permanent residency.

What is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) visa is an immigrant visa category for:

1. Skilled Workers – Jobs requiring 2+ years of training or experience.

2. Professionals – Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.

3. Other Workers (Unskilled) – Jobs requiring less than 2 years of experience or training, such as caregivers, hotel staff, janitorial staff, farm workers, and food service workers.

Key advantage: EB-3 visas lead directly to a green card, making it a long-term immigration solution rather than a temporary work permit.

Why EB-3 is Popular in 2026

• Labor shortages: U.S. employers are struggling to find workers for healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture.

• Direct PR pathway: No need for H-1B lottery; EB-3 gives you permanent residency.

• Family inclusion: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 also receive green cards.

• No high education barrier: Even those with limited schooling qualify under the “Other Workers” category.

Who Can Apply for an EB-3 Visa?

You can apply if:

• You have a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer.

• Your employer is willing to sponsor you (pay for legal filings and complete paperwork).

• You meet the qualifications for your job category:

  • Skilled Worker: 2+ years of job experience or training.

  • Professional: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).

  • Unskilled Worker: No formal education required; some roles require basic English.

Many EB-3 jobs are “Schedule A” occupations (healthcare roles like nurses and physical therapists) that bypass certain approval steps because the U.S. officially recognizes shortages.

Types of EB-3 Jobs in Demand

The EB-3 visa is one of the few U.S. immigration programs open to entry-level workers.

1. Caregivers and Nursing Assistants

• Duties: Assist elderly or disabled patients in homes, nursing facilities, or hospitals.

• Salary: $28,000 – $40,000/year (varies by state).

• High-demand states: California, New York, Florida, Texas.

2. Hospitality Workers

• Jobs: Hotel housekeepers, servers, cooks, cleaners.

• Salary: $27,000 – $35,000/year plus benefits.

3. Farm and Agricultural Workers

• Jobs: Fruit pickers, livestock caretakers, seasonal workers.

• Salary: $26,000 – $35,000/year; housing often included.

4. Skilled Trades

• Jobs: Welders, machinists, electricians, and mechanics.

• Salary: $40,000 – $60,000/year.

5. Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (Schedule A)

• Salary: $75,000 – $120,000/year.

• Fast-tracked EB-3 approval because of national shortage.

EB-3 Visa Requirements

EB-3 Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Employer Files PERM Labor Certification

The U.S. employer must advertise the position and prove they couldn’t find qualified U.S. workers. This step takes 6–9 months.

Step 2: Employer Submits Form I-140

The employer files an I-140 petition with USCIS to classify you under EB-3. This step confirms your eligibility for the green card.

Step 3: Priority Date and Visa Bulletin

Your case is placed in line based on your priority date (the day your employer files PERM). You track visa availability through the State Department’s Visa Bulletin.

Step 4: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

• If you’re abroad: Attend a green card interview at a U.S. embassy.

• If you’re in the U.S.: File for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).

Step 5: Get Your Green Card

Once approved, you and your immediate family receive green cards and can live and work in the U.S. permanently.

Costs Involved

Employers often cover the bulk of these costs, especially for roles they’re struggling to fill.

EB-3 Visa Processing Time (2026)

Processing times vary by category and country of birth.

• PERM Labor Certification: 6–9 months.

• I-140 Processing: 6–8 months (can be 15 days with premium processing).

• Visa Availability: Immediate for most countries; backlog of 1–2 years for India, China, Philippines.

• Overall Timeline: 18 months – 3 years from start to green card for most applicants.

EB-3 vs. Other U.S. Work Visas

EB-3 stands out as the most accessible U.S. employment visa for entry-level workers.

Advantages of EB-3

• Permanent Residency: You’re not on a temporary visa cycle.

• Family Sponsorship: Spouse gets work authorization; children under 21 get green cards.

• Job Security: Jobs are full-time and permanent.

• Accessible Requirements: No need for advanced education.

Common Challenges

• Backlogs for Certain Countries: Applicants from India, China, and the Philippines face longer waits.

• Employer Sponsorship: You can’t self-petition; finding a willing employer is essential.

• Geographic Restrictions: Some roles are in rural areas or require relocation.

How to Find EB-3 Sponsorship Employers

1. Recruitment Agencies specializing in EB-3 caregiver and hospitality roles.

2. Job Boards: Indeed, Glassdoor, and U.S. nursing or caregiver recruitment sites.

3. Immigration Attorneys: Many work directly with EB-3 sponsoring employers.

4. Industry-Specific Networks: Healthcare, agriculture, and hospitality are top sectors.

Tips for a Successful EB-3 Application

• Gather Strong Documentation: Birth certificate, marriage records, passports, and employment history.

• Stay Updated on Visa Bulletins: Knowing priority date movement helps plan ahead.

• Consider Premium Processing: Cuts I-140 wait time to 15 days.

• Learn English: Even if not mandatory, basic communication skills increase job options.

• Be Patient: The process is slower than temporary visas but leads to permanent residency.

Future Outlook for EB-3 in 2026

The EB-3 category remains a top choice for workers without advanced degrees because:

• U.S. labor shortages in healthcare, caregiving, hospitality, and food services are expected to grow.

• The Biden administration and Congress are exploring immigration reforms to make EB-3 more efficient.

• Employers continue to sponsor foreign workers due to domestic workforce shortages.

For many immigrants, EB-3 represents not just a job but a secure, long-term future in the U.S.

Conclusion

The EB-3 visa is one of the most practical ways for caregivers, hospitality staff, and other skilled or unskilled workers to immigrate to the U.S. in 2026. With direct green card eligibility, family inclusion, and opportunities in essential industries, EB-3 is a life-changing program for those who qualify.

If you’re serious about moving to the United States, start by finding a sponsoring employer, working with a reputable immigration attorney, and staying updated on processing times. With persistence, EB-3 can be your ticket to a stable and permanent life in America.