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EB-3 unskilled jobs: typical duties, how wages are set and how to read a listing

EB-3 unskilled jobs: typical duties, how wages are set and how to read a listing

EB-3 Other Workers jobs are mostly in food service, hospitality, logistics and manufacturing. The wage must be at least the prevailing wage set by the U.S. Department of Labor, and it varies by state and role. Read every listing for location, duties, wage, schedule and employer verification.

Before you decide whether EB-3 Other Workers is right for you, it helps to know what the jobs are actually like. These are real, often physical jobs that need less than two years of training or experience. They are not office jobs, and shifts can be long. This article describes the common sectors, explains how the wage is set, and shows you how to read a job listing so that you can spot what is missing. Duties, pay and conditions differ between employers, and nothing here is a promise of any particular job.

Common sectors

  • Food service: kitchen helpers, prep cooks, dishwashers and food packers in restaurants, hotels and food producers. Work is often on your feet, in hot and busy settings.
  • Hospitality: housekeepers, laundry staff and room attendants in hotels and resorts. Duties include cleaning rooms, changing linen and restocking supplies, with some lifting and bending.
  • Logistics and warehouse: picking, packing, loading, unloading and sorting goods. Many sites run early, late or overnight shifts, and may require lifting a stated weight.
  • Manufacturing: assembly, machine feeding, packaging and general production work in factories, usually on set shifts.

What duties and shifts look like

Expect repetitive, physical tasks, safety rules and instructions given in English. Most jobs are full-time, which for these purposes means the employer must offer a permanent, full-time position. Weekend, holiday or rotating shifts are common in hospitality, food service and logistics. The listing should state the schedule and any physical requirements, such as lifting or standing for long periods, so that you know them before accepting.

How the wage is set

The wage in an EB-3 case is not left to guesswork. As part of the PERM process, the Department of Labor issues a prevailing wage determination for the occupation and the work location, and the employer must offer at least that wage. Prevailing wages vary by state, city and job, and they can change over time, so a warehouse job in one state can have a very different wage from a similar job elsewhere. Ask the employer for the wage in writing, and compare it with the cost of living where you would be living, since a wage that looks fine on paper can be tight in an expensive city. Overtime rules and pay periods are governed by U.S. and state law, and the employer should explain how it applies to your role. See how the PERM process works.

How to read a job listing

CheckWhat to look for
LocationCity and state of the actual work site, and whether you may be assigned to more than one site
DutiesA specific list of tasks, not vague wording such as "various work"
WageAn hourly or annual figure that is at least the prevailing wage, and how overtime is paid
ScheduleHours per week, shift pattern, weekend and holiday work
RequirementsPhysical demands, any language or experience requirements, and nothing unrelated to the job
Employer verificationWho the employer is, whether it has been verified, and who the attorney of record is

Warning signs in a listing

  • No employer name or location, or a "guaranteed" visa or green card
  • A fee requested for the labor certification or to "hold" a position (see who pays EB-3 costs)
  • A wage far above what similar local jobs pay, with no explanation
  • Pressure to decide quickly, or to pay before you have a written offer

Our guide on telling a real employer from a scam explains how to check these points. If you have a listing you are unsure about, contact us and ask an immigration attorney to confirm the details for your situation.

Official sources

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