My friend Daniel is an international student wrapping up his master’s in data analytics, is on an F1 visa. With the H1B lottery looking uncertain, he and his spouse are exploring other options. One path is launching a small tech consulting firm under an E2 visa, allowing them more control over their future. But a different advisor proposed something unexpected: apply for an EB3 unskilled green card—perhaps through a warehouse job in a rural state—arguing it might lead to faster sponsorship. Now Daniel’s torn. Would taking a lower-skilled role hurt his long-term career or raise questions during the green card process? *So Is it wise for highly educated immigrants to pursue EB3 unskilled roles just to secure a green card faster, or could that strategy carry long-term risks—legally or professionally?
If you applying for your E2, eventually you still need to proceed to file your green card with either EB1, EB2 or EB3.
If it’s me, I would suggest you to file your Green Card application as soon as possible, and keep enrolling in H-1B. Once your OPT is running out, you can change your status to E2.
Even you work in a warehouse and applying for your Green Card, once your opt is expired, you still need to have a legal status to live in the USA. I dont think it is harmful, once we decided to chase our american dream, we are ready to sacrifice some stuffs.
Just to clarify, your friend has an employer that sponsors H1Bs? Is there any possibility that this employer will sponsor a green card?
It’s possible, but risky. USCIS might question why someone with a Master’s degree is applying through an unskilled role.
It can work if the job is legitimate and the employer follows all rules, but it may raise red flags later — especially during adjustment of status or naturalization.
E2 might be a better fit if he wants to stay in tech and have more control.
Yeah, you can go the EB-3 unskilled route (like warehouse jobs, caregiver roles, etc.) even if you’re highly educated—but it’s definitely a tradeoff. There are pros, but also some legit risks to consider.