Eb3 Visa USA – Just Real Talk for Brothers in Pakistan (2026)

January 30, 2026
7:46 am

If you’re anywhere in Pakistan or UAE staring at your phone wondering how to get a proper U.S. green card without being super rich or super educated, the EB3 visa is the one most normal people from here end up chasing. It’s the work visa that turns into permanent residency – no need for genius talent or millions in the bank. Just a real job offer from an American employer who says “yeah, I need this guy full-time and I’ll sponsor him.”

But straight up – things are rough right now. Since January 21, 2026, the U.S. put a hold on stamping immigrant visas for Pakistani’s (and some other countries) because of some public charge rule change. You can still file papers, do interviews in Islamabad, but they aren’t giving the actual visa stamp until they lift it. Keep refreshing pk.usembassy.gov and travel.state.gov because this pause could end tomorrow or drag on. It’s annoying, but that’s the situation.

What the EB3 Visa Actually Means

It’s an immigrant visa that gets you a green card straight away – you land as a permanent resident, can live and work anywhere in America. The EB3 bucket has three parts:

The catch is the U.S. boss has to prove they tried to hire locals and couldn’t find anyone good enough. That’s called PERM labor certification. Once that’s done, they sponsor you, and if everything lines up, you get the green card.

EB3 Visa Requirements – What You Gotta Have

Simple list:

Full-time permanent job offer from a US company that agrees to sponsor.
You can actually do the job (for unskilled – just show you can handle it; no degree needed).
Employer gets PERM approved – they advertise the job and prove no American wants it.
You pass medical, police check, background stuff.

For us Pakistanis:

In the February 2026 Visa Bulletin (that’s the monthly list that says who can move forward):

That means serious waiting – unskilled has only like 10,000 spots a year for the whole world.

How Long the eb3 Visa Really Takes

No sugar-coating: 3 to 6 years is normal, often longer.

Typical steps:

PERM (advertising + DOL approval): 12–24 months (if they audit, add months).
I-140 (employer files petition): 6–12 months, or faster if they pay extra for premium.
Waiting for your date to be “current”: 1–5+ years (unskilled is slowest).
Interview and final steps in Islamabad: 6–12 months once your turn comes.

Most guys I know who got it waited 4+ years. The current pause makes it even slower because even if your date is current, no stamp yet.

What Kind of eb3 Visa Jobs Pakistanis Actually Get

EB3 unskilled jobs are the easiest to sponsor – stuff Americans don’t want long-term.

Real examples:

Hotel cleaners, room attendants, kitchen helpers.
Restaurant dishwashers, prep guys, back-of-house workers.
Factory line workers – packaging, assembly, food processing.
Warehouse pickers and packers.
Office building janitors.
Basic landscaping (mowing, trimming).
Entry-level construction helpers.
Non-medical home care aides.

These come from hotels, big food plants, cleaning companies, warehouses in states like Texas, California, New York area, Florida. Bosses sponsor when they can’t keep locals.

Important warning: If someone asks for 5–10 lakh rupees upfront to “get you the job,” it’s usually fake. Real employers don’t charge you for the opportunity – you pay government fees later.

How to Actually Apply for eb3 Visa from Pakistan

1. Find a real sponsoring employer

Hardest step. Use proper consultants or sites – stay away from shady Facebook groups promising quick jobs.

2. Employer starts PERM

They post ads, interview locals, get DOL okay.

3. I-140 petition

Employer sends it to USCIS after PERM.

4. Wait for your priority date

Check Visa Bulletin every month.

5. DS-260 + interview

Fill form online, medical in Pakistan, interview at US Embassy Islamabad.

6. Land in U.S.

Get visa stamp (when pause lifts), fly, green card comes in mail.

Best EB3 Consultant in Pakistan – How to Pick One

Plenty of people in Lahore, Islamabad, use consultants to find sponsors and prepare files. Good signs:

Some names that come up lately: Innovators Consultant, some in Lahore like U.S. Immigration Consultants.. Always check fresh reviews on Google or Facebook yourself. Ask to see proof of people who actually got it.

Conclusion

EB3 Visa is slow, the pause sucks, backlogs are real – but brothers from Punjab are still getting through when they find a legit sponsor. Don’t rush into scams. Be patient, save money for fees, keep checking official updates.

Disclaimer:

Some content on this website may be created or assisted using AI technology and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, or immigration advice. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.