When people hear the term “low-skilled worker,” it often comes with misconceptions—ideas that these jobs are somehow less valuable or unimportant to the economy. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The EB3 visa, which allows foreign workers to fill labor shortages in the U.S., is proof of just how essential these roles are.
This visa category covers a wide range of workers, from skilled professionals to those in jobs requiring minimal formal training. And while many focus on the high-demand fields like tech and medicine, the need for so-called “low-skilled” workers is just as urgent—sometimes even more so.
What is the EB3 Visa?
The EB3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) visa is a U.S. green card category designed for three main groups:
- Skilled Workers – Those with at least two years of work experience or training.
- Professionals – Workers with a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in a field related to their employment.
- Other Workers – Jobs that require less than two years of training or experience (often labeled as “unskilled” or “low-skilled” roles).
It’s this third category that often gets overlooked, but in reality, it plays a massive role in the country’s economy. These are the people who fill jobs that Americans aren’t taking in large enough numbers—positions in industries like construction, hospitality, food services, manufacturing, and elder care.
Why ‘Low-Skilled’ Workers Are a High Priority
The phrase “low-skilled” is misleading because it doesn’t reflect the real-world impact of these workers. Many of these jobs require physical endurance, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of their specific industry. They may not require a college degree, but they are critical to keeping businesses running smoothly. Here’s why these jobs—and the EB3 visa holders who fill them—are more important than people realize:
1. Filling Labor Shortages
Many industries in the U.S. struggle to find enough workers, especially for physically demanding or service-oriented roles. Without EB3 visa holders, restaurants would struggle to stay open, farms wouldn’t have enough labor to harvest crops, and the construction industry would face delays that impact housing availability.
2. Supporting Economic Growth
The economy depends on a well-balanced workforce at every level. The presence of EB3 visa holders ensures that businesses don’t have to cut hours, reduce services, or increase prices due to labor shortages. These workers contribute to tax revenue, consumer spending, and overall economic stability.
3. Essential to Daily Life
Think about the services you use every day—cleaning staff in office buildings, food production workers ensuring grocery stores stay stocked, caregivers looking after the elderly. These aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities. And without enough workers in these fields, everyday life would be significantly harder for millions of Americans.
The EB3 Visa Process: What It Takes to Qualify
Applying for an EB3 visa isn’t a simple process. In fact, it’s one of the more rigorous employment-based visa categories, requiring multiple steps:
- Job Offer from a U.S. Employer – The worker must secure a legitimate job offer from an employer willing to sponsor them.
- Labor Certification (PERM) – The employer has to prove to the U.S. Department of Labor that there are no qualified American workers available for the role. This step alone can take months.
- Filing of the Immigrant Petition (I-140) – Once the labor certification is approved, the employer files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Visa Processing & Green Card Issuance – After the petition is approved, the applicant must wait for their priority date to become current, complete an interview, and pass security and medical checks.
From start to finish, this process can take years. The idea that EB3 visa holders are taking “easy” jobs is completely false—these workers go through a long, complicated journey just to be able to contribute to the U.S. workforce.
The Future of the EB3 Visa and U.S. Workforce Needs
The demand for EB3 workers is only going to grow. As the U.S. population ages and fewer young workers enter the labor force, industries like healthcare, food services, and logistics will continue to face shortages. Policymakers and businesses alike are recognizing the importance of streamlining employment-based immigration to keep up with labor market demands.
For those considering applying under the EB3 visa, the opportunity is there—but it requires perseverance and the right employer sponsorship. For businesses, understanding how this visa works can be a game-changer in addressing chronic staffing shortages.
More Than Just a Visa—A Vital Workforce
Labeling workers as “low-skilled” fails to capture their true value. The EB3 visa isn’t just a pathway for foreign workers—it’s a necessary part of keeping the U.S. economy functioning. These workers aren’t taking opportunities away from Americans; they’re filling gaps that would otherwise cause disruptions in essential industries.
For anyone still doubting the importance of EB3 visa holders, just take a look around. The people preparing your food, cleaning public spaces, constructing buildings, and caring for loved ones may very well be those benefiting from this visa. Without them, life as we know it wouldn’t be the same.
