“The healthcare workforce shortage in the United States is the most pressing challenge we face in ensuring access to care for all Americans.”
— Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, 2024
The U.S. healthcare system continues to face an acute shortage of frontline workers. By 2025, the demand for medical assistants, nursing assistants, and healthcare support workers will reach unprecedented levels, driven by demographic trends, pandemic aftershocks, and a rapidly aging population. The EB-3 immigrant visa remains a critical pathway for international healthcare professionals and support staff seeking employment and permanent residence in the United States.
This article examines the 2025 landscape for medical assistants and allied health professionals through the EB-3 process, including demand, PERM requirements, processing times, statistical outlook, and future prospects.
Understanding the EB-3 Visa: A Gateway to Healthcare Support
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based green card category for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (including unskilled positions requiring less than two years of education or experience). For healthcare, this includes
- Medical Assistants
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
- Orderlies
- Healthcare Aides
- Patient Care Technicians
- Phlebotomists
- Other Support Personnel
Unlike the EB-2 or NIW, the EB-3 does not require an advanced degree-making it accessible to a wide range of healthcare professionals.
U.S. Healthcare Industry in 2025: The Shortage Deepens
“By 2025, the U.S. will need an estimated 500,000 additional medical and nursing assistants to maintain patient care standards.”
— U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook 2024
Key Demand Drivers
- Aging Baby Boomer Population: By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be 65+, creating an unprecedented need for long-term care and daily assistance.
- Increased Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: 60% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease requiring ongoing support (CDC, 2024).
- Expansion of Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient centers are expanding their workforce needs post-pandemic.
Recent Data (2024-2025):
- Medical Assistant Employment: More than 800,000 employed in 2024; projected growth rate of 14% from 2024-2032.
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): More than 1.3 million jobs; job openings up 12% since 2022.
- Healthcare Support Job Openings (2024):Over 450,000 job openings nationwide.
EB-3 Requirements for Medical Assistants & Support Personnel
Employer Sponsorship and PERM
All EB-3 applicants must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer. The employer is responsible for
- Submitting a PERM Labor Certification (certifying that no qualified U.S. workers are available)
- Demonstrate ability to pay prevailing wage
- Initiation of the I-140 Immigrant Petition upon PERM approval
Position Eligibility
Most medical assistant and related support positions qualify under the “Other Workers” subcategory (unskilled workers, less than 2 years of education required).
Typical EB-3 Eligible Titles in Healthcare:
| Job Title | Education Required | Median Salary (2024) | Projected Growth (2024–32) |
| Medical Assistant | Certificate/Associate | $38,270 | +14% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | High School/Certificate | $36,220 | +12% |
| Patient Care Technician | Certificate/Associate | $37,100 | +13% |
| Phlebotomist | Certificate | $39,170 | +8% |
| Home Health Aide | High School/None | $31,180 | +22% |
Step by Step: The EB-3 Medical Support Process
- Employer Recruitment & PERM Filing
- Employer recruits according to DOL guidelines.
- PERM (ETA Form 9089) is filed with the DOL.
- I-140 Immigrant Petition
- After PERM approval, employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
- Proof of ability to pay and applicant’s qualifications required.
- Immigrant Visa Processing/Adjustment of Status
- If abroad: DS-260 at a U.S. Consulate.
- If in the U.S: I-485 adjustment of status if priority date is current.
- Arrival and Onboarding
- Medical support staff may begin work upon green card issuance.
“The EB-3 process for healthcare workers is complex but achievable with a qualified sponsor and proper documentation.”
— American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment, 2025
Processing Times & Challenges in 2025
- PERM Labor Certification: 8-11 months (median in 2024-25)
- I-140 adjudication: 6-9 months standard, premium processing available (~15 days)
- Visa Bulletin Wait: Variable; for most countries, EB-3 “Other Workers” is current or <1 year wait (except for India/China, which has retrogression)
- Overall Typical Timeline: 14-24 months for most applicants
Key Challenges:
- Backlogs: Sudden surges in applications can extend timelines, especially for “other workers.”
- State Licensing: Some states require additional certification or background checks.
- English proficiency: Minimum English proficiency is usually required for workplace integration, although it is not federally mandated.
Statistical Outlook: The Growing Role of Foreign Medical Support Staff
Figure: Estimated number of foreign-born medical assistants, CNAs, and allied health support workers in the United States, 2019-2025.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, 2024; DHS, 2025 estimates.
Future outlook and policy trends
Policy Developments in 2024-2025
- State-Level Recruitment Initiatives: Several states (NY, FL, CA, TX) have enacted expedited credentialing for foreign healthcare workers.
- Visa Modernization: Bipartisan proposals in Congress seek to expand visa caps for healthcare professionals and streamline credential recognition.
- Retention Programs: Employers are offering relocation bonuses, housing, and career paths for international hires.
“Recruitment of international medical assistants is now essential to sustain patient care in many U.S. regions.”
— National Association of Healthcare Recruitment, Policy Report 2025
Long-term outlook
- Dependence on foreign health workers will continue to grow through 2030.
- Demand will remain highest in elderly care, rehabilitation, and ambulatory care.
Conclusion
In 2025, the EB-3 program represents a unique opportunity for medical assistants, CNAs, and other allied health professionals to immigrate to the U.S., fill critical labor shortages, and build rewarding careers. For both applicants and U.S. employers, understanding the requirements, process, and market trends is key to successful migration and workforce integration.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook for Healthcare Support Occupations
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
Comprehensive data on job growth, wages, and projections for all healthcare support roles. - U.S. Department of Labor — PERM Program (Foreign Labor Certification)
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent
Official guide to PERM process, requirements, and employer obligations. - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3
EB-3 eligibility, filing steps, and up-to-date policy information. - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services — Health Workforce Projections
https://bhw.hrsa.gov/data-research/projecting-health-workforce-supply-demand
Workforce supply and demand projections for medical assistants, CNAs, and allied staff. - U.S. Department of State — Visa Bulletin and Immigrant Visa Processing
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
Monthly updates on green card wait times, cutoff dates, and process guidance.
