Dreaming of moving to the U.S. but don’t have a degree or specialized skills? The EB3 unskilled worker visa could be your ticket. Unlike temporary work visas, the EB3 leads to a Green Card (permanent residency)—and yes, some U.S. companies are willing to sponsor you.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- What the EB3 unskilled visa is.
- Which companies sponsor EB3 unskilled workers.
- Step-by-step application timeline.
- Salaries, costs, family benefits, and risks.
- How to avoid scams.
Let’s get started.
What is the EB3 Unskilled Worker Visa?
The EB3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa. It has three categories:
- Skilled workers → Jobs requiring 2+ years of training/experience.
- Professionals → Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree.
- Other workers (Unskilled) → Jobs requiring less than 2 years of experience/training.
The EB3 unskilled visa is for that last group. Think of jobs in hospitality, agriculture, warehouses, food processing, and care facilities.
Key advantage: Once approved, you and your family get U.S. Green Cards.
What Are the Requirements for EB3 Unskilled Worker Visa
You don’t need a degree, but you do need to meet basic requirements:
- A job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor.
- Ability to perform the work.
- No advanced training required (less than 2 years).
- Background check + medical exam.
- Patience—because the process can take years.
Official details: USCIS EB-3 Visa.
EB3 Unskilled Sponsoring Companies (2025)
Here are industries and companies historically known to sponsor EB3 unskilled workers:
| Company / Employer | Industry | Type of Jobs | Visa Sponsorship? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyson Foods | Food processing | Meatpacking, poultry plant workers | Yes, EB3 |
| JBS USA | Agriculture/Food | Meat processing, plant labor | Yes |
| Cargill | Agriculture | Food production, general labor | Yes |
| Marriott International | Hospitality | Hotel cleaners, food service staff | Some locations sponsor |
| McDonald’s (Franchisees) | Fast-food | Crew members, kitchen staff | Limited, depends on franchise owner |
| Warehouse/Logistics Firms | Logistics | Packers, loaders, handlers | Some sponsor EB3 |
| Nursing Homes / Care Facilities | Healthcare support | Janitors, non-certified caregivers | Yes, in shortage regions |
Not every branch or franchise sponsors. Always confirm directly with HR before committing.
Common Job Roles Under EB3 Unskilled Visa
To give you a clear picture, here are roles typically offered:
- Hotel housekeepers / cleaners
- Food service workers (fast-food crew, kitchen helpers)
- Meatpacking/food plant workers
- General farm laborers
- Warehouse handlers (packers, loaders)
- Janitors / maintenance staff
- Nursing home assistants (non-certified)
If it’s a job that doesn’t require advanced training or degrees, it could fall under EB3 unskilled.
How to Apply for EB3 Sponsorship: Step-by-Step Timeline
Here’s the process, from job offer to Green Card:
| Step | Who Does It | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Employer recruitment | Employer | 2–6 months |
| PERM Labor Certification (DOL) | Employer | 6–12 months |
| I-140 Petition | Employer → USCIS | 6–9 months |
| Priority Date Waiting | NVC / State Dept | Varies (can be years) |
| Visa Interview & Approval | U.S. Embassy/Consulate | 1–3 months |
| Move to U.S. & Start Work | You | — |
Average total: 12–36 months. For some countries, longer due to visa backlogs.
EB3 Backlogs & Priority Dates Explained
Here’s the tough truth: EB3 unskilled visas often have long queues.
- Every EB3 applicant gets a priority date (the date USCIS receives your petition).
- You can only get your visa once your priority date is “current” in the U.S. Visa Bulletin.
- For some countries (e.g., India, China, Philippines), backlogs can stretch years.
Check monthly updates: U.S. Visa Bulletin.
Costs of EB3 Sponsorship (Employer vs Worker)
Who pays what?
| Cost | Paid by Employer | Paid by Worker |
|---|---|---|
| PERM Labor Certification | ✅ | — |
| I-140 Petition Fee | ✅ | — |
| Visa Application Fee | — | ✅ ($345) |
| Medical Exam | — | ✅ ($200–$500) |
| Police Clearance | — | ✅ (varies) |
| Travel to U.S. | — | ✅ |
If an “agent” asks you to pay sponsorship fees, 🚩 it’s a scam. Employers must cover government filing fees.
EB3 vs H-2B Visa: What’s the Difference?
Many confuse EB3 with H-2B. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | EB3 Unskilled | H-2B Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Residency | Green Card (permanent) | Temporary (up to 3 years) |
| Family | Spouse + kids get Green Cards | Dependents get H-4, no work rights |
| Employer | Sponsorship required | Sponsorship required |
| Path to PR | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
If your goal is permanent U.S. residency, EB3 is the right visa.
Recruitment Agencies for EB3 Sponsorship
Some agencies connect workers with sponsoring employers. Be careful—stick with legit ones.
- Mercan Group (hospitality + food processing).
- Worldwide EB3 (multiple industries).
- Law firms specializing in EB3 filings.
Always cross-check with USCIS approved attorney list.
Salary & Benefits for EB3 Unskilled Jobs
| Industry | Typical Hourly Wage | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | $12–$16/hr | $25,000–$33,000 |
| Food Processing | $13–$18/hr | $27,000–$37,000 |
| Agriculture | $11–$15/hr | $23,000–$30,000 |
| Warehouse/Logistics | $13–$17/hr | $27,000–$35,000 |
| Care Facilities | $12–$16/hr | $25,000–$32,000 |
Benefits may include:
- Employer-paid filing fees.
- Housing (sometimes in agriculture).
- Healthcare coverage (varies).
- Permanent residency after approval.
Risks & Challenges for EB3 Workers
It’s not all smooth sailing:
- Long waits: Backlogs may take years.
- Hard jobs: Meatpacking, warehouse, and farm jobs are physically demanding.
- Employer dependency: If your employer withdraws, your petition collapses.
- Scams: Fake agents sell jobs that don’t exist.
Family Benefits of EB3 Sponsorship
One of the biggest perks: your family comes with you.
- Spouse → gets a Green Card and work authorization.
- Children under 21 → get Green Cards, can attend U.S. schools/universities.
FAQs About EB3 Unskilled Sponsoring Companies
1. Which U.S. companies sponsor EB3 unskilled workers?
Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, Marriott, some nursing homes, warehouses, and select fast-food franchisees.
2. Do I need experience for EB3 unskilled jobs?
No more than 2 years of training/experience. Most jobs train you on the job.
3. How much do EB3 workers earn?
$25,000–$37,000 per year, depending on industry.
4. How long does the EB3 process take?
12–36 months on average; longer for countries with visa backlogs.
5. Can I change employers after Green Card approval?
Yes, but not during the sponsorship process.
6. Do EB3 workers get exploited?
Some reports of poor working conditions exist. Protect yourself by researching the employer and signing a clear contract.
7. How do I verify if a company really sponsors EB3 visas?
Check the employer’s sponsorship record in the USCIS database and the Department of Labor PERM disclosure data.
Conclusion
The EB3 unskilled visa is one of the only ways for foreigners without degrees to move permanently to the U.S. Companies in hospitality, food processing, agriculture, warehouses, and care facilities are sponsoring workers in 2025.
Your next steps:
- Search for EB3 jobs on Indeed or through licensed recruiters.
- Verify employer legitimacy with USCIS/DOL.
- Prepare for a long process—but remember, the reward is a U.S. Green Card for you and your family.
This isn’t just a job. It’s a pathway to permanent residency.