The EB-3 visa is an employment-based, third-preference green card category designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (unskilled or caregivers). It provides a permanent residency pathway, requiring a job offer and PERM labor certification to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available visum-usa.com.
Subcategories:
-
Professionals (EB-3A): Requires a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, in a role requiring such credentials.
-
Skilled workers (EB-3B): Requires at least 2 years of training or experience.
-
Other workers / Caregivers (EB-3C): Includes caregivers, housekeepers, and similar roles with less than 2 years training (not seasonal or temporary).
2. Why EB-3 Is a Great Option for Caregivers in 2026
-
No degree required: Caregivers can qualify without formal education—experience and ability to work are sufficient attorneyjenha.com.
-
High demand: The aging U.S. population has triggered demand, making caregivers a top priority for EB-3 processing.
-
Family benefits: Green card holders receive 10-year residency, and family members (spouse and children under 21) can join and also pursue citizenship after 5 years.
-
Tuition support: Some employers sponsor caregiver education toward nursing or related professions.
3. Eligibility & EB-3 Requirements
To qualify for an EB-3 visa in 2026 as a caregiver or skilled worker, you’ll need:
-
A valid job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor the visa and navigate the PERM labor certification process.
-
PERM labor certification proving no qualified U.S. workers are available, with the employer agreeing to pay a prevailing wage.
-
Education/experience based on subcategory:
-
Degree for professionals;
-
2 years’ training/experience for skilled roles;
-
Physical ability and job readiness for caregivers without formal credentials.
-
-
Ability to pay wages: The employer must prove financial ability to pay and file Form I-140 with USCIS.
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
-
Employer obtains PERM labor certification: posts job, recruits U.S. workers, and gets prevailing wage determination.
-
File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition): Employer sponsors and demonstrates financial capacity.
-
Visa Bulletin & priority date: Wait time depends on your country—visa numbers are limited and backlogged.
-
Adjustment vs. Consular Processing:
-
If inside the U.S., file Form I-485 to adjust status.
-
If outside, proceed through a U.S. embassy with DS-260.
-
-
Attend interview, complete medical: Schedule a consular interview and provide required documentation and exam results.
-
Receive Green Card: Upon approval, you can live and work permanently in the U.S.
5. Salary Expectations for EB-3 Caregivers & Workers
While EB-3 does not mandate a fixed minimum salary, the employer must offer the prevailing wage for the role/location, Boundless. Here’s the current expected pay for carers:
-
Caregivers (entry-level): Approximately $20–$25/hour, depending on state and employer.
-
Median for healthcare support roles: Around $16.12/hour (2023 BLS data) reflecting home health aides nationwide.
-
With experience or progression (e.g., nursing training), potential pay rises: $30,000–$50,000+ annually.
6. Common Challenges & Tips
-
Visa Backlogs: Popular countries (e.g., India, the Philippines) face long waits due to per-country caps in EB-3.
-
No shortcuts:Follow the proper PERM and I-140 process—deviations risk denial.
-
Scam awareness: Only official forms (USCIS, DOL) are valid—avoid agents requiring upfront fees outside their legal remit.
-
Policy shifts: Advocacy is ongoing to streamline EB-3 for caregivers amidst staffing crises.
7. Summary & Success Tips
-
The EB-3 carer track is realistic in 2026 for those without degrees but with strong job readiness and compassion.
-
Follow the PERM → I-140 → priority date → adjustment/consular pipeline precisely.
-
Starting pay ranges from $20 to $25/hour, with the opportunity to grow via sponsored education.
-
Plan for waiting periods, ensure employer compliance, and reference official sources.
user