How to Work and Immigrate to the US as an Unskilled Worker?

What is the US Visa for Unskilled Labor?

To immigrate to the US as an unskilled worker, you have two primary options: an EB-3 visa and an H-2B visa.

EB-3 Visa (Permanent Residency)

• Your job is permanent and unskilled.
• Leads to a green card after labor certification.
• Provides long-term residency and citizenship opportunities.

H-2B Visa (Temporary Work)

• Suitable for temporary, unskilled work.
• The position is seasonal or peak-load.
• It does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

Consider your job type and long-term goals. The EB-3 visa is for permanent work and residency, while the H-2B visa is for temporary work. In this article, we will focus more on EB-3 visas to help you immigrate to the US as an unskilled worker permanently.

What is an EB3 Visa for Unskilled Workers?

US workers, professionals, and other workers can all apply for visas under the EB-3 category, which is part of the country’s employment-based immigrant visa program. There are three specific categories within the EB-3 visa:

Skilled Worker Visa (EB-3)

Those offered employment in the United States with at least two years of training or work experience fall into this category. Workers who are considered skilled tend to specialize in a certain field.

EB-3 Professionals

This subcategory is for applicants who have been offered a position that requires a bachelor’s degree (either in the United States or its international equivalent) as a minimum qualification. The position must be in a field where a bachelor’s degree is normally required, and the candidate must hold such a degree.

EB-3 Other Workers

A job offer in the United States that requires less than two years of training or experience qualifies a candidate for this category. Jobs that don’t require specialized training or certification typically fall under this category.

The following are common conditions for anyone applying for an EB-3 visa as “Other Workers”:

• The candidate must have an authentic job offer from an organization in the United States.
• The business must get a labor certification from the US Department of Labor (DOL) to prove that no competent US workers are available for the position.
• In addition, the employer is responsible for submitting an immigration petition (Form I-140) on the employee’s behalf.
• Each country has a limited number of visas to issue each year, and applicants may have to wait several years before their turn comes around.

EB3 Unskilled Jobs List

People seeking employment-based immigration to the United States under the EB-3 “Other Workers” category typically have positions that require little more than two years of training or experience. Examples of possible low-skill occupations are:

• Construction laborers
• Janitors and custodians
• Landscapers and groundskeepers
• Agricultural workers
• Food service workers
• Manufacturing and production workers
• Retail and stock clerks
• Housekeeping and cleaning staff
• Personal care aides
• Childcare workers

EB3 Unskilled Worker Requirements

To immigrate to the US as an unskilled worker and obtain an EB-3 visa, you need to meet specific requirements and provide necessary documents:

Requirements

• A permanent, low-skilled, or unskilled job offer from a company in the US
• Your employer must get a labor certification (PERM) from the US Department of Labor (DOL).
• You must demonstrate that you have what it takes to do a low-skilled job.
• A “priority date” or the date your labor certification (PERM) is filed.

Documents

• Job offer letter
• Approved labor certification from the DOL.
• Proof of job qualifications
• A visa petition (Form I-140) that your employer filed with USCIS.
• If you’re going through consular processing, you’ll need a visa application (Form DS-260).
• A passport that’s valid for a long time.
• Payment receipts for the visa application fees.
• Background checks, medical exams, or any additional documents the US embassy or consulate requires.

What is the EB-3 Unskilled Process?

How do I get an unskilled visa? To immigrate to the US as an unskilled worker using the “EB-3 Other Workers” category, you must meet stringent requirements. The most important ones are as follows:

Step 1. Job Offer

You need a genuine offer of full-time employment from a business in the United States. The position must be full-time and low-skilled, and the company must be willing to sponsor your green card application.

Step 2. Labor Certification

The US Department of Labor (DOL) requires your US employer to get a labor certification (PERM) before you can legally work there. The labor certification process aims to ensure that neither the hiring of a foreign worker nor the availability of US jobs is negatively impacted by the bringing in of an individual from outside the country.

Step 3. Job Qualifications

To immigrate to the US as an unskilled worker, you must get hired for a low-skilled job. Although formal education or work experience are not usually prerequisites for this position, you should have the specific qualifications and requirements to be qualified to do the work.

Step 4. Priority Date

After you submit your PERM application for employment authorization to the Department of Labor, that date will be known as your “priority date.” You’ll use this date to check your visa number availability status.

Step 5. Visa Number Availability

To know when a visa number becomes available for your priority date, you must watch the Visa Bulletin published by the United States Department of State. Annual caps and country constraints might affect the length of time one must wait for a visa.

Step 6. Immigrant Petition (Form I-140)

Your US employer must submit an immigrant petition (Form I-140) to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf once they have obtained an approved labor certification and a visa number is available.

Step 7. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

If you are already in the United States, you can alter your status to permanent residence; if you are outside the country, you must undergo consular processing to obtain a visa number before you can enter the United States.

Step 8. Background Checks and Medical Examination

You may be subject to background checks and even medical exams during the immigration procedure.

Step 9. Green Card Approval

Once you’ve gone through the adjustment of status or consular processing, you’ll get a green card.

Is EB-3 Easy to Get?

• Due to its complexity and length, the EB-3 visa application procedure can be difficult to navigate.
• A job offer and an employer ready to sponsor your labor certification are both necessary conditions for qualifying.
• Those applying from high-demand countries may wait longer to receive their EB-3 visas.
• Timelines can shift due to variations in processing timeframes for individual steps.
• There are a lot of standards that need to be met before you can apply for a job.
• Longer processing periods and stiffer competition have been associated with high demand for EB-3 visas.

How Long Does EB-3 Unskilled Take?

Visa availability and processing timeframes for the EB-3 visa for low-skilled workers may fluctuate dramatically. Time and numerical constraints are briefly discussed below.

• Labor Certification (PERM). The time it takes to process an application might range from several months to over a year. As of right now, there is no hard numerical cap in place.
• Immigrant Petition (Form I-140). Depends on the USCIS backlog and current processing dates, but expect several months to over a year. As of right now, there is no hard numerical cap in place.
• Visa Bulletin and Visa Number Availability. The Visa Bulletin is released monthly by the US Department of State and can be used to determine when a visa number becomes available for your priority date. There are two tables of information in the Visa Bulletin: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing.”
  • “Final Action Dates” Chart. The chart shows the next possible processing times for visa numbers, allowing you to complete your green card application.
  • “Dates for Filing” Chart. This chart shows when you can submit your adjustment of status application (Form I-485) and begin the consular processing phase of obtaining your green card.
• Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
  • Processing Time for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). USCIS processing times and workload vary from several months to over a year.
  • Processing Time for Consular Processing. It can take a while, depending on the US consulate or embassy.
• Final Green Card Approval. Upon completing either the adjustment of status or consular processing, you’ll get your green card.

How Do I Get a US Unskilled Visa Through H2B Visas?

To immigrate to the US as an unskilled worker using US H2B visas, you’ll typically need to follow these steps:

Step 1. Secure a Job Offer from a US Employer

Getting hired for a low-skill job in the United States should be your priority. The company must be genuinely interested in hiring you and be willing to sponsor your visa application.

Step 2. Determine the Appropriate Visa Category

The H-2B visa is for temporary non-agricultural employees, and the EB-3 Other Employees category is for permanent employment for those with no special skills. The kind and length of the work will determine the best classification.

Step 3. Employer Compliance

Your US company must go through a process to prove there are no suitable US workers available for the position before they can sponsor your application for a temporary unskilled visa like the H-2B. In most cases, this requires a temporary labor certification from the DOL in the United States.

Step 4. Visa Application

The application procedure may differ slightly based on the type of visa you wish to obtain. You’ll most need to apply for a visa and pay the accompanying price. The United States Embassy or Consulate in your nation may also request that you appear for an interview.

Step 5. Required Documentation

Get your job offer letter, labor certification (if required), passport, visa application forms, and other paperwork to prove your qualifications and eligibility.

Step 6. Attend Visa Interview

Visit the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for a visa interview if necessary. The consular officer will review your resume and possibly ask you questions about the position and your qualifications.

Step 7. Background Checks and Medical Examination

You may be subjected to a medical exam or background check as part of the visa application procedure.

Step 8. Visa Approval

You can enter the United States with a visa stamp on your passport if your visa application is granted.

Step 9. Arrival in the US

Upon entering the United States, visitors must go through customs and immigration checks.

Step 10. Maintain Legal Status

You must keep your legal status in the United States by abiding by your visa requirements after you arrive. Please observe all requirements that are specific to your type of visa.

Immigrate to the US as an Unskilled Worker: Let’s Recap

It takes preparation and perseverance to immigrate to the US as an unskilled worker. You can realize your ambition of working and living in the United States if you familiarize yourself with the many types of visas, ensure that you satisfy the eligibility requirements, and follow the application process with diligence.

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