Visa Sponsorship Jobs in USA 2026/2027 – EB-3 Visa, H-1B Jobs – How to Apply Now

The dream of moving to the United States to build a career and a better life is a goal shared by millions of people across the globe. It is a dream fueled by the promise of opportunity, competitive salaries, and a standard of living that remains one of the highest in the world. However, for many, the path to the U.S. feels like a maze of complex regulations, confusing acronyms, and high stakes. You might have the skills, the ambition, and the work ethic, but without a clear understanding of how the visa sponsorship system works, that dream can feel like it’s permanently out of reach.

As we look toward 2026 and 2027, the landscape of the American labor market is shifting. While economic cycles come and go, the fundamental need for skilled and dedicated workers remains constant. From the tech hubs of Silicon Valley to the sprawling agricultural fields of the Midwest and the busy healthcare corridors of the East Coast, U.S. employers are increasingly looking beyond their borders to fill critical gaps in their workforce. This creates a massive opportunity for foreign nationals, but it also means the competition is fiercer and the rules are more strictly enforced than ever before.

The primary hurdle for most people isn’t a lack of talent; it is the lack of a “sponsor.” In the U.S. immigration system, your employer often acts as your gateway. They are the ones who must tell the government that they need you, that no qualified American worker was available for the role, and that they are willing to navigate the legal and financial requirements to bring you over. Understanding how to find these employers and which visa categories—specifically the H-1B and the EB-3—are the most viable for your situation is the single most important step you can take.

This guide is designed to strip away the confusion and provide a clear, honest roadmap for your journey. Whether you are a software engineer with years of experience, a recent college graduate, or someone looking for “unskilled” manual labor roles that offer a path to permanent residency, there is a way forward. By the time you finish reading, you will understand the mechanics of visa sponsorship, the specific jobs that are in high demand for the 2026/2027 period, and the practical steps you need to take to move from an applicant to an employee on American soil.

What Are Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the USA?

Meaning of Visa Sponsorship

When we talk about “visa sponsorship,” we are referring to a formal commitment made by a U.S.-based company to the federal government. In simple terms, a company is telling the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that they want to hire a specific foreign worker and that they will take responsibility for the legal process required to bring that person into the country.

Sponsorship is not just a letter of recommendation; it is a legal and financial obligation. The employer must prove that the job offer is legitimate, that the pay is fair (meeting what is known as the “prevailing wage”), and that they have the financial stability to support the worker. For the employee, sponsorship is the “golden ticket” because, without it, most work-related visas are impossible to obtain. You cannot simply apply for an H-1B or an EB-3 visa on your own; a company must “petition” for you.

How Visa Sponsorship Works

The process usually begins with a job offer. Once you have interviewed and been selected, the employer’s legal team or an immigration attorney begins the paperwork. The first major step in many cases is obtaining a Labor Certification from the Department of Labor. This process, often called PERM, is designed to protect the U.S. labor market. The employer must demonstrate that they tried to find a U.S. worker for the position but were unsuccessful.

After the Labor Certification is approved, the employer files a petition (such as Form I-129 for H-1B or Form I-140 for EB-3) with USCIS. If USCIS approves the petition, the foreign worker then applies for the actual visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The final step is the visa interview, where a consular officer confirms the details of the job and the worker’s qualifications before stamping the visa into their passport.

Types of US Work Visas That Require Sponsorship

It is helpful to categorize these visas into two main groups: immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas.

Employment-based immigrant visas (Green Cards): These allow you to live and work in the U.S. permanently. The EB-3 visa falls into this category. Once you arrive on an EB-3 visa, you are a Lawful Permanent Resident from day one. This is highly desirable because it provides long-term security and a path to U.S. citizenship.

Employment-based non-immigrant visas (Temporary): These allow you to work in the U.S. for a specific period, usually a few years. The H-1B is the most famous example. While these are temporary, they are often “dual-intent,” meaning you can work on your temporary visa while your employer simultaneously applies for your permanent Green Card.

Overview of Popular US Work Visas for 2026/2027

Immigrant vs Non-Immigrant Work Visas

The choice between an immigrant and a non-immigrant visa often depends on your long-term goals and the employer’s needs. If a company needs you to start work quickly to finish a specific project, they might prefer the H-1B route because, despite the lottery system, the initial processing can sometimes be faster than the Green Card route.

However, if a company is looking for a long-term team member for a role that is hard to fill domestically—like specialized nursing or skilled trades—they may be willing to go straight for the EB-3. For the worker, the EB-3 is usually the “better” visa because it bypasses the stress of renewals and the uncertainty of temporary status. But because it results in a Green Card, the government scrutinizes these applications very closely.

Why EB-3 and H-1B Are the Most Sought-After

The H-1B and EB-3 programs are popular because they cover a vast spectrum of the workforce. The H-1B is the go-to for the “knowledge economy”—tech, science, and finance. It allows American companies to stay competitive by hiring the brightest minds from around the world.

On the other hand, the EB-3 is unique because it isn’t just for people with PhDs or decades of experience. It includes a category for “unskilled workers,” which opens the door for people in hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing. This inclusivity makes the EB-3 one of the most accessible pathways for a wide variety of people, regardless of their educational background. As we head into 2026 and 2027, the demand for both high-tech innovators and essential manual laborers is expected to remain at record highs.

What Is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 is the “Third Preference” employment-based visa. Its primary appeal is that it leads directly to a Green Card. Unlike temporary work visas that expire after a few years, the EB-3 grants you the right to stay in the United States indefinitely. You can bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 with you, and your spouse is even allowed to work in the U.S. without needing their own sponsorship.

EB-3 Visa Categories

The EB-3 is divided into three distinct sub-categories. Understanding which one you fit into is vital for your strategy.

EB-3 Skilled Workers

This category is for people whose jobs require at least two years of training or work experience. This isn’t necessarily a university degree, but it could be a vocational certificate or documented on-the-job training. Examples include specialized chefs, automotive mechanics, or construction foremen. The key is that the job must not be of a temporary or seasonal nature.

EB-3 Professionals

To qualify as a “professional,” you must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent. Unlike the H-1B visa, which also requires a degree, the EB-3 Professional category is for permanent roles. Common occupations here include teachers, junior engineers, and architects. You must show that a bachelor’s degree is the normal requirement for entry into that specific occupation.

EB-3 Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)

This is perhaps the most interesting category for many applicants. It is designed for jobs that require less than two years of training or experience. Despite the name “unskilled,” these are essential roles in the U.S. economy. Jobs like poultry processors, commercial cleaners, and landscape laborers fall into this group. Because there are so many of these jobs available and not enough local workers to do them, many companies have established year-round recruitment programs for foreign workers.

EB-3 Visa Requirements

To succeed with an EB-3 application, three things must happen:

1. A Job Offer: You must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. employer.

2. Labor Certification (PERM): The employer must complete the PERM process to prove that no qualified U.S. workers were available for the position. This involves advertising the job in local newspapers and on job boards.

3. Qualifications: You must meet the specific requirements of the job. If the job requires two years of experience, you must have documented proof of that experience before the employer files the labor certification.

EB-3 Visa Processing Time for 2026/2027

Processing times for the EB-3 can vary wildly based on your country of birth. The U.S. limits how many Green Cards can be given to people from any one country each year. For most of the world, the process takes about 1.5 to 3 years. However, for individuals born in India or China, the wait times can be significantly longer due to high demand. For the 2026/2027 cycle, it is expected that the “unskilled” category might see slightly longer wait times as more people discover this pathway, so starting the process as early as possible is critical.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the EB-3 Visa

Benefits:

• Permanent residency (Green Card) upon arrival.

• Spouse and children are included.

• Path to citizenship after 5 years of residency.

• No “lottery” system like the H-1B.

Challenges:

• The PERM process is long and can be expensive for employers.

• Retrogression (backlogs) can delay your arrival by years.

• You are generally expected to stay with the sponsoring employer for a reasonable period after arrival to prove the job offer was “bona fide” (genuine).

What Is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in “specialty occupations.” These are roles that require theoretical or technical expertise. The H-1B is the backbone of the American tech industry, used by companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to hire software developers from around the world.

H-1B Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an H-1B, you must meet two main criteria. First, the job itself must require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. You cannot get an H-1B for a general labor job. Second, you must possess that degree or have equivalent experience (usually 3 years of experience is counted as 1 year of university). The employer must also pay you the “prevailing wage,” ensuring that they aren’t hiring foreign workers just to save money on salaries.

H-1B Cap and Lottery System

The biggest challenge with the H-1B is the “cap.” The U.S. government only issues 65,000 H-1B visas per year, with an additional 20,000 for people who hold a master’s degree from a U.S. university. Because demand is much higher than this limit, USCIS uses a random lottery system.

Every March, employers register their prospective employees in an online portal. If your name is selected in the lottery, the employer can then file the full petition. If you aren’t selected, you have to wait until the following year to try again. However, some employers are “cap-exempt,” such as universities and non-profit research organizations. These employers can hire H-1B workers at any time of the year without going through the lottery.

H-1B Visa Validity and Extensions

The H-1B is initially granted for three years and can be extended for another three years, for a total of six years. If your employer starts the Green Card process (like the EB-3 or EB-2) for you before your fifth year on H-1B, you may be allowed to extend your H-1B status indefinitely while you wait for your Green Card to be processed. This makes the H-1B a very effective “bridge” to permanent life in the U.S.

Pros and Cons of the H-1B Visa

Benefits:

• Faster entry to the U.S. (if selected in the lottery).

• Allows for “dual intent” (you can apply for a Green Card).

• High salaries in specialized fields.

Drawbacks:

• The lottery system makes it a gamble; you can be a perfect candidate and still not get a visa.

• Your status is tied to your employer; if you lose your job, you have only 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the country.

• Spouses (H-4 holders) are not always allowed to work immediately.

Top Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the USA (2026/2027)

Understanding which jobs are actually being sponsored is the key to a successful search. For the 2026/2027 period, we are seeing a clear divide between the types of roles sponsored under the EB-3 and H-1B programs.

EB-3 Visa Sponsorship Jobs

These roles are often in industries with high turnover or labor shortages. Employers in these sectors are frequently willing to sponsor Green Cards because they need a stable, long-term workforce.

• Factory and Warehouse Workers: With the growth of e-commerce, the demand for people to process, pack, and ship goods is endless. Large manufacturing hubs in states like Texas, Ohio, and Georgia are major sponsors.

• Cleaners and Janitors: Commercial cleaning companies that service hospitals, schools, and offices often struggle to find local staff and turn to the EB-3 “unskilled” category.

• Caregivers and Nursing Assistants: As the American population ages, the need for home health aides and nursing assistants is skyrocketing. These are noble roles that provide a direct path to a U.S. life.

• Construction Laborers: The U.S. is constantly building. From roadwork to residential housing, skilled and unskilled construction workers are in high demand.

• Hotel and Hospitality Workers: Housekeepers, kitchen staff, and front-desk workers in major tourist destinations often receive sponsorship, especially in regions where the local labor pool is small.

• Farm and Agricultural Workers: While many use the temporary H-2A visa, some large-scale agricultural operations use the EB-3 for permanent positions in processing and farm management.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship Jobs

These are professional roles that require specific degrees. The competition for these spots is high, but so are the rewards.

• Software Engineers and Developers: This remains the top category for H-1B visas. Companies are looking for experts in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and full-stack development.

• IT Support Specialists: Beyond coding, companies need people to manage complex networks and cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure).

• Data Analysts and Data Scientists: Businesses today run on data. If you can analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions, you are a prime candidate for sponsorship.

• Engineers: Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers are needed for infrastructure projects and the growing green energy sector (solar and wind).

• Accountants and Financial Analysts: Large accounting firms and investment banks are consistent H-1B sponsors for those with CPA-level knowledge or specialized financial expertise.

• Healthcare Professionals: While nurses often use the EB-3, specialized doctors, physical therapists, and medical researchers frequently utilize the H-1B.

• University Lecturers and Researchers: Higher education is a major “cap-exempt” sponsor, making this a great route for academics.

Industries Actively Hiring Foreign Workers in the USA

If you want to maximize your chances, you need to look where the hunger for talent is greatest.

1. Technology and IT Sector

Despite headlines about tech layoffs, the industry is simply correcting itself. The core need for innovation hasn’t changed. In 2026/2027, the focus is shifting away from general social media apps toward artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and green tech. Startups are often more willing to sponsor talented individuals to get an edge over larger competitors.

2. Healthcare Industry

This is perhaps the most “recession-proof” industry for sponsorship. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialized clinics are facing a massive shortage of staff. Because these roles are critical to public health, the government often prioritizes healthcare-related visa petitions. If you are a nurse or a specialized technician, your chances of finding a sponsor are significantly higher than in almost any other field.

3. Construction and Manufacturing

The “Made in America” push has led to a resurgence in domestic manufacturing. From electric vehicle battery plants to semiconductor factories, these massive projects require thousands of workers. Because many of these plants are located in rural areas where the local population is small, sponsorship becomes a necessity for the employer.

4. Hospitality and Tourism

As international travel continues its post-pandemic boom, the hospitality sector is desperate for staff. Resorts in Florida, California, and Nevada often have dedicated international recruitment teams. These roles are excellent for those looking at the EB-3 unskilled category.

5. Agriculture and Farming

Food security is a national priority. Large-scale farming operations in the Central Valley of California and the Great Plains are increasingly looking toward permanent sponsorship to ensure they have the staff needed to plant, harvest, and process the world’s food supply.

How to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the USA

Finding a job that offers sponsorship requires a different strategy than a standard job search. You aren’t just looking for a “vacancy”; you are looking for a “sponsor.”

Official US Job Portals

While the U.S. government doesn’t have a single “sponsorship job board,” they do provide resources. You can search the Department of Labor’s “disclosure data” to see which companies have successfully filed for H-1B or PERM certifications in the past. If a company has sponsored 50 people in the last two years, they are much more likely to sponsor you than a company that has never done it.

Company Career Pages

The best way to identify an employer is to look for the “International Candidates” or “Visa Policy” section on their careers page. Large multinational corporations like IBM, Deloitte, and Amazon have well-oiled machines for sponsorship. For smaller companies, you may need to ask the recruiter directly during the initial screening call.

Recruitment Agencies and Job Boards

Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor allow you to filter for “visa sponsorship.” However, specialized sites like MyVisaJobs or H1BGrader are even better. These sites aggregate data on which companies are actively hiring foreign workers and what salaries they are paying.

Networking and Referrals

Never underestimate the power of a personal connection. If you know someone already working in the U.S. on a visa, ask them about their company’s policy. Referrals are often the fastest way to get your resume in front of a hiring manager who is already comfortable with the sponsorship process. LinkedIn is an invaluable tool here—connect with people in your field who have made the move and ask for advice (not just a job).

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Jobs

The road to the U.S. is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow these steps to stay organized.

1. Identify Visa-Sponsoring Employers

Don’t waste time applying to “mom-and-pop” shops that have no idea how to file a petition. Focus your energy on companies with a proven track record of sponsoring foreign workers. Use the data-driven websites mentioned above to build a list of target companies.

2. Prepare a US-Style Resume and Cover Letter

A U.S. resume (or CV) is different from those in Europe, Asia, or Africa. It should be concise (1-2 pages), focused on achievements rather than just duties, and must not include personal details like your age, photos, or marital status. Use “action verbs” and quantify your results (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%” rather than “Responsible for sales”).

3. Apply for Relevant Job Openings

When you apply, be honest about your need for sponsorship. Many application portals ask, “Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the U.S.?” Always answer “Yes.” If you say “No” and they find out later, it usually results in an immediate rejection for dishonesty.

4. Attend Interviews

U.S. interviews are often behavioral. They want to know how you handle challenges. Prepare stories using the “STAR” method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Be ready to explain why you want to move to the U.S. and how your specific skills will help the company grow.

5. Employer Files Visa Petition

Once you have the offer, the ball is in the employer’s court. You will need to provide them with copies of your degrees, transcripts, past employment letters, and passport. Their lawyers will handle the filing with the Department of Labor and USCIS.

6. Visa Application and Interview

After USCIS approves the petition, you will receive a notice (like the I-797). You then fill out the DS-160 online form, pay the visa fee, and schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy. At the interview, be confident, tell the truth, and have all your documents organized.

7. Travel and Start Work in the USA

Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive your passport with the visa stamp. Now, the real adventure begins! You’ll arrange your travel, find housing, and begin your new career in the United States.

Salary Expectations for Visa Sponsorship Jobs

Salaries in the U.S. are generally higher than in most other countries, but so is the cost of living in many areas.

Average Salaries for EB-3 Jobs

Average salaries for EB-3 jobs in the U.S. vary widely, from around $30k-$40k for unskilled roles (like fast food/hospitality) to potentially $70k-$90k+ for skilled/professional roles, with averages often falling in the $60k-$80k range, depending heavily on the job type (unskilled, skilled, or professional) and location, with median hourly wages often around $19.71/hr for general EB-3 listings. 

Average Salaries for H-1B Jobs

H-1B roles are usually higher-paying because they require specialized degrees. Software engineers can expect anywhere from $90,000 to $160,000+, depending on the location (Silicon Valley pays more than the Midwest, but the rent is also much higher). Data scientists and specialized engineers often see similar ranges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

The stakes are high, and a single mistake can set you back years.

• Applying for jobs without sponsorship: Many people send hundreds of resumes to companies that simply do not sponsor visas. This leads to burnout and frustration. Target your search.

• Falling for fake visa sponsorship offers: If an “agent” asks you to pay thousands of dollars for a “guaranteed” job and visa, it is almost certainly a scam. In a legitimate sponsorship, the employer pays the majority of the legal and filing fees.

• Poorly prepared resume: If your resume doesn’t meet U.S. standards, it will be filtered out by automated systems before a human ever sees it.

• Ignoring visa requirements: Ensure you actually meet the criteria. If you apply for an H-1B but don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you are wasting your time and the employer’s.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a US job without experience?

Yes, specifically through the EB-3 “Unskilled” category. These roles are designed for people who are willing to work hard in essential jobs that don’t require prior training. For H-1B roles, however, you generally need a degree and often some level of internship or work experience.

Do visa sponsorship jobs guarantee a Green Card?

An EB-3 visa is a Green Card path. An H-1B is temporary, but most H-1B employers eventually sponsor their employees for a Green Card if the employee performs well. There are no “guarantees” in immigration, as the final decision rests with the government, but a legitimate job offer is the strongest foundation you can have.

How much does visa sponsorship cost the applicant?

By law, the employer must pay the H-1B filing fees and the costs associated with the Labor Certification (PERM). The applicant might be responsible for their own embassy fees and travel costs, but you should never be “buying” a job offer.

Is EB-3 better than H-1B?

It depends on your goal. EB-3 is “better” for permanent security. H-1B is often “better” for higher salaries and getting to the U.S. faster (if you win the lottery). Many people start on an H-1B and then transition to an EB-3 or EB-2 while they are already working in the U.S.

Can I bring my family to the USA?

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can come on “dependent” visas (H-4 for H-1B families, and E-34/E-35 for EB-3 families).

Conclusion:

The journey to securing visa sponsorship in the USA is a significant undertaking, but it is one of the most rewarding paths you can choose. The U.S. continues to be a land where hard work is recognized and where talent from every corner of the globe is woven into the national fabric.

As you move forward, remember that the most successful applicants are those who are proactive and well-informed. If you need a degree, start studying. If you need experience, start working in your home country. If you need to improve your English, start practicing today.

Your first actionable step is to research five companies in your industry that have a history of sponsorship. Look at their current job openings, study their requirements, and start tailoring your resume. The road might be long, and there will likely be hurdles along the way, but for those who stay the course, the opportunity to live and work in the United States is well within reach. Stay focused, stay honest, and keep pushing toward your goal. The future you’ve imagined is waiting.