Hire Permanent Workers in the United States Through the EB-3 Program
The EB-3 Immigrant Visa program allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent, full-time roles — resulting in a green card and a committed long-term employee.
At a Glance
- Program
- EB-3 Immigrant Visa
- Outcome
- Permanent residency (Green Card)
- Typical timeline
- ~24 months
- Categories
- Skilled · Professional · Unskilled
A Permanent Workforce Solution for U.S. Employers
The EB-3 immigrant visa program allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent, full-time positions. It provides workers with a pathway to lawful permanent residency (a 'green card'), making it one of the most effective solutions for long-term workforce stability.
EB-3 is subdivided into three categories — skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers (often the most relevant for roles experiencing labour shortages) — but all lead to permanent employment in the United States.
Designed for Employers Facing Ongoing Labour Shortages
The EB-3 program is ideal for employers who:
- Struggle to fill essential positions locally
- Experience high employee turnover
- Require consistent, long-term staffing
- Operate in industries where labour shortages are chronic
This pathway is best suited for businesses seeking lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes.
If you've exhausted local hiring options and need a workforce that shows up and stays — EB-3 is built for you.
Roles Suitable for EB-3 Hiring
Hospitality Staff
Housekeeping, Kitchen, Front-of-House
One of the highest-demand sectors for EB-3 — high turnover roles that permanent placement solves directly.
Food Processing
Production & Packing Workers
Physically demanding roles with chronic vacancies — ideal candidates for the EB-3 unskilled worker category.
Manufacturing
Assembly & Production
Stable, full-time production roles are well-suited to the EB-3 structure and prevailing wage requirements.
Warehouse Staff
Logistics & Distribution
Logistics roles with consistent demand and clear job descriptions that align with PERM documentation requirements.
Construction & Labor
Skilled Trades & General
From general laborers to skilled tradespeople — EB-3 supports both professional and other-worker categories.
If your business operates in these sectors and experiences persistent staffing gaps, EB-3 is a strong fit.
Benefits of EB-3 for U.S. Employers
- Permanent workforce
- Workers obtain permanent residency, reducing turnover and ensuring long-term staffing.
- Lower turnover
- EB-3 employees are more likely to stay, cutting the costs associated with frequent rehiring.
- Access to global talent
- Employers tap into a worldwide pool of pre-qualified candidates, widening the search far beyond local labour markets.
- Predictable staffing
- Once approved, the employer can plan workforce needs years in advance rather than season to season.
Green card = long-term commitment
Reduce rehiring costs significantly
30+ countries of sourcing infrastructure
Plan years ahead, not season to season
Structured and Compliant Hiring Process
Define the role and requirements
Ensure the position is full-time, permanent, and meets prevailing wage standards.
PERM Labor Certification
Conduct a U.S. recruitment campaign to demonstrate no qualified U.S. worker is available. Managed by the Department of Labor — the cornerstone of EB-3.
File the I-140 immigrant petition
Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS to sponsor the candidate.
Candidate processing
The foreign worker completes consular processing or adjustment of status, including background checks and medical exams.
Worker arrival and onboarding
Upon approval, the worker enters the U.S. and begins long-term employment under permanent status.
Understanding the Timeline and Your Role
typical EB-3 process time (varies by nationality and government processing)
Employers must:
- Conduct transparent U.S. recruitment efforts during the PERM stage
- Provide a bona fide job offer with full-time, permanent employment
- Meet or exceed the prevailing wage
- Maintain compliance with U.S. labour and immigration regulations
Planning ahead is essential — EB-3 is a long-term solution, not a quick fix.
A Trusted Partner for EB-3 Hiring
Mercan Recruit Ltd., part of the Mercan Group of Companies, combines international recruitment expertise with deep immigration knowledge. With over 35+ years of experience, tens of thousands of immigration applications processed, and a global recruitment network, we manage every step of the EB-3 process — from sourcing qualified candidates to navigating PERM and petition filings.
- Integrated compliance, efficiency, and seamless employer experience
- Over 35+ years of immigration and international recruitment experience
- Tens of thousands of immigration applications successfully processed
- Global recruitment network spanning 30+ source countries
- Dedicated employer account management throughout the entire EB-3 lifecycle
EB-3 Employer Questions
How long does the EB-3 process take?
The typical EB-3 process takes approximately 24 months from start to finish. Timelines vary by worker nationality, USCIS processing times, and application volume. EB-3 is a long-term workforce strategy, not a quick fix.
Which EB-3 category fits unskilled labor shortages?
The EB-3 'Other Workers' (unskilled) category covers roles requiring less than two years of training or experience. This is the most applicable category for employers in hospitality, food processing, manufacturing, warehouse, and construction sectors facing chronic labor shortages.
What are the employer's PERM responsibilities?
Employers must conduct a transparent U.S. recruitment campaign, document all recruitment efforts, provide a bona fide permanent full-time job offer, meet or exceed the prevailing wage set by the Department of Labor, and maintain ongoing compliance with U.S. labour and immigration regulations.
Can EB-3 workers bring their families?
Yes. EB-3 principal beneficiaries can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 as derivative applicants. Family members receive lawful permanent residency alongside the primary worker.
What happens after the worker arrives?
Upon approval and entry to the U.S., the foreign worker begins employment under permanent resident status. Mercan Recruit coordinates deployment and onboarding to ensure smooth integration into your workforce.
Start Building Your U.S. Workforce
If your business requires long-term staffing stability, the EB-3 program offers a structured and reliable solution. Our team will guide you through every stage — from workforce assessment and recruitment to immigration filing and onboarding.