Program looks to help fill open jobs, including in the hospitality industry. Here's how to apply:

SAN ANTONIO — It's a process that could change the way the workforce is filled at bars and restaurants while opening the doors for immigrants with EB3 visas to quickly fill open jobs across the nation.

The past three years have been a rollercoaster for bars and restaurants.

If there's been one consistent thing it’s been an employment trend.

“Everybody seems to be looking for, for, you know, help and workers,” San Antonio Chef and Restaurateur James Moore said.

The former President of our local Texas Restaurant Association chapter said jobs are being filled but there's still openings.

“I was just speaking to another operator today, who is is still looking for, for people,” Moore said.

The TRA said more than 1,300,000 people work in the restaurant industry.

An industry that was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I'm all for, you know, any concerted effort and helping us achieve the goal of being fully staffed and opening for full hours,’ Moore said.

That's exactly what EB-3 work looks to do.

EB-3 stands for Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference.

It would help connect EB-3 green card holders with full-time and permanent jobs, which includes the hospitality industry.

An EB-3 visa is a work visa.

“This program is really for employers that have exhausted every possibility of hiring. Many of our clients need 30, 40 50% more workers just to be normally staffed,” ECO of EB3.work John Dorer said.

Dorer said they have workers ready to go and have already helped fill hundreds of jobs.

He does ask for patience if you need several workers as the visa can take some time.

“It's about a two-year process right now,” Dorer said.

Right now, Congress has two bills aimed at helping strengthen work visa programs to help fill open jobs.

CLICK HERE to read about H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act

CLICK HERE to read about the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act

Until then Stephen Paprocki, who is heavily involved in the local culinary community, said he hopes this can help provide a solution.

“I think that we should be inclusive to the right people that want to work, they want to bring something to the table here in America,” Paprocki said.

The program is open to businesses nationwide. CLICK HERE if you'd like more information on how to apply.