
How long does it take to process an Eb3 greenca?
The EB3 Green Card processing time can most times be from a low of 1 to 3 years to very long wait times of 6 or more years. Since the EB3 visa has an annual visa cap, the EB3 processing time can be quite long. If you are within the yearly limit, then your visa may be processed within a few months.
How long does the EB3 adjustment of status i485?
If your I-485 petition is sponsored by an employer, for instance, some EB-1 green cards, EB-2, or EB-3, you have the option to change employers six months after the adjustment of status has been filed. The only exception is if your EB-2 is filed under a national interest waiver (NIW). Employment-Based Green Card Types and Process
How to get Eb3 green card?
What Goes into Consular Processing
- Complete the DS-261 Application. Once the USCIS has approved the I-140 filed by your employer, your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will assign a ...
- Complete the Immigration Medical Exam. ...
- Prepare Your EB-3 Green Card Supporting Documents. ...
- Attend Your Visa Interview. ...
What is the difference between EB1, EB2 and EB3?
EB3 – Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers. The EB3 green card is intended for workers with the lowest qualification when compared to EB1 and EB2 category.. While eligibility requirements for the third preference classification are less stringent, you should be aware that a long backlog exists for visas in the “other workers” category. ...

Is it hard to get a EB3 visa?
The requirements are less strict than those for many other permanent resident visas. The EB3 visa has less strict requirements than either the EB1 or the EB2 visas. This means that some people who may not qualify for these other visas may be eligible for the EB3 visa.
How long does it take to get I-140 approval in EB-3?
Form I-140 is basically an immigrant visa petition that is filed by the employer on behalf of the foreign worker. USCIS usually takes six months to give a response. However, if a premium processing service is used, then the processing time is reduced to 15 days.
How fast is EB-3 moving?
For example, EB-3 India moves by 3.5 months (7 weeks for EB-2 India) while EB-3 China is forwarding by 5.5 months (EB-2 China advances by six weeks). Under the Dates for Filing category, this is even more noticeable: EB-3 India advances by about five years while EB-2 India advances by two years.
How much does an EB3 visa cost?
EB-3 visas cost $345 and take about six (6) months to get. EB-3 visa holders get automatic legal permanent residence (green card) and may eventually be able to naturalize.
Can EB3 visa be denied?
There are many stories about people getting their US EB-3 Visa or Employment Based Immigrant Visa denied. It is quite common. It can happen to a friend, a mutual friend, a family member or a colleague. Someone received a job offer as a registered nurse from a US employer.
Can I work while waiting for EB3?
If you received work authorization while your green card application is pending, there are no restrictions on your employment, and you can work for any employer. Of course, your employment must comply with both state and federal laws and regulations.
Will USCIS speed up 2022?
USCIS Extends Premium-Processing to Certain Pending Immigrant Petitions. On May 24, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an expansion of premium processing service to two additional categories of Form I-140 immigrant petitions.
Is EB3 slower than EB2?
Assuming, EB3 moves at a faster rate than EB2 India, you downgrade from EB2 to EB3 and file i485 along with 140. Now, in the future EB2 India moves faster than EB3 India and you have approved 140 and EAD from EB3.
Can I bring my family with EB3 visa?
Just like every other employment-based green card, if your EB-3 visa is approved, your immediate relatives (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) can join you in the U.S. If your EB-3 visa was approved under the skilled and professional category, your spouse can apply for the E34 visa, and your children ...
Who qualifies for EB3 visa?
You may be eligible for this immigrant visa preference category if you are a skilled worker, professional, or other worker. “Skilled workers” are persons whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years training or experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature.
How long is EB-3 green card valid?
10 yearsWhen issued, your EB-3 will be valid for 10 years. Keep in mind that this is not like renewing a nonimmigrant visa, where you need to submit a new petition and essentially re-qualify for the visa.
Who can sponsor EB3 visa?
The EB-3 allows employers to hire foreign nationals as professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled workers and sponsor them for a green card. The Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) category is a special classification by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How much does I-140 cost?
$700What Is the Filing Fee? The filing fee for Form I-140 is $700. NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this petition.
How many EB3 visas are issued each year?
The underlying issue here is that only a limited number of EB-3 visas are issued each year; a mere 28.6% of the total 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas made available annually, plus any unused Employment First and Second Preference visas. Of these, only 10,000 are allotted to unskilled workers.
How much does an EB2 green card cost?
See this chart to see how much your EB2 green card cost will be. On the whole, this cost ranges from $750-$1,140. DS-260 filing fee: $230. This is only necessary if you are currently outside the U.S. You will also need to pay the $88 Affidavit of Support fee.
What is EB3 unskilled visa?
The EB-3 green card for “unskilled” or “other” workers is a permanent immigrant visa for individuals who will carry out unskilled labor and who have less than two years of job training or experience. A document from the Department of Labor known as a Labor Certification is required.
What is an EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 is an employment-based immigrant visa that is on the third preference level. Because of this, the requirements are not as stringent as they are for the second and first preference levels. There is no need to get a master’s degree, prove exceptional abilities or achievements, or become an executive in a company.
What is the Overall EB-3 Processing Time?
So the real question is: how long will it take to get my EB-3 green card?
What Goes Into the EB-3 Process?
In order to get this green card, you must go through the usual employment-based green card process.
How do Green Card Priority Dates Work?
Your priority date is the day that the USCIS receives your I-140 petition. You will need to keep this date in mind when checking the monthly visa bulletin released by the Department of State. Each year, there is a limit on how many immigrant visas are granted in each category. When the limit goes over, a backlog is created that can cause some people to wait several years.
How to change status on a US visa?
When your priority date is current, an immigrant visa number will be available and you can apply to change your status by filing an I-485 adjustment of status form. If you are outside the U.S., you will be able to complete your DS-260 Online Immigrant Visa Application and go through the consular processing interview.
What happens when the green card limit goes over?
When the limit goes over, a backlog is created that can cause some people to wait several years. The visa bulletin will provide the final action dates for each green card category according to the applicant’s country of origin. Keep an eye on the date in your category. Here is an example:
How long does it take to get prevailing wage?
On average, the DOL provides the prevailing wage determination within one to three months.
What is an EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa, which leads to U.S. permanent residence or a green card. It is also referred to as the employment third preference visa category. It's available to three categories of people: skilled workers, unskilled workers, and professionals. Obtaining one can be a years-long process, however.
How long does it take to get a green card after a priority date?
consulate. With adjustment of status, you'll need to take the initiative and submit your own application, several months after which you'll be called in for your green card interview.
How long does it take to get a labor certification?
Employer advertising and recruitment in preparation for the labor certification request will normally take at least two months and possibly several months. After your employer files the request for labor certification, DOL will ordinarily take four to six months to issue a decision.
What is the form I-140?
Your employer submits a visa petition on your behalf ( using Form I-140) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Can an unskilled worker get an EB-3?
Unskilled workers can apply for an EB-3 visa if the position offered to them requires less than two years training or experience. Professionals must have a U.S. bachelor's or foreign equivalent degree. See EB-3 Visa for Professional, Skilled, or Unskilled Workers for more detailed eligibility rules.
How long does the EB-3 take?
The first is the PERM Labor Certification. As we’ve mentioned, the PERM requires a recruitment process that takes a minimum of 60 days. The Department of Labor can take an average of six to nine months to process the form afterward. Also, if your employer is audited or subjected to supervised recruitment, it could add another nine months to a year and a half to the process.
What is the difference between an EB-3 visa and an EB-3 green card?
Getting the terms visa and green card confused is a common occurrence as many people think that they are different things. In reality, a green card is a visa.
What is the EB-3 application fee?
There are several costs that might go into getting an EB-3. The first one, which is mandatory, is the I-140 filing fee of $700. This fee is required every time the I-140 is filed (including for green card “porting”) and must be covered by your employer. The beneficiary is not permitted to pay this fee.
What are the pros and cons of an EB-3?
almost without restrictions (except for federal jobs that require security clearance). With the exception of the EB-5 and marriage-based green cards, each green card is valid for ten years, after which time the holder will need to renew their green card. Renewal does not require the holder to re-qualify, only to pay the renewal fee and demonstrate that he or she has not committed any crimes or stayed outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time.
Can I get an EB-3 with a master’s degree?
Yes you can. You would qualify under the bachelor’s degree qualification for the EB-3. However, having an advanced degree (master’s or higher) is one of the qualifications for an EB-2, so you may consider applying for one or both.
Can I get an EB-3 without an H-1B visa?
Yes. The H-1B is a common way to get an EB-3, but it is far from the only path. There are other nonimmigrant visas that are considered “dual intent” such as the O-1, L-1, and E visas. However, if you qualify for any of these, you might be better suited for an EB-1 or EB-2 green card, but that does not necessarily preclude you from the EB-3.
Can I file for an EB-2 and an EB-3 at the same time?
Yes. There is nothing restricting you from filing for several different green cards simultaneously. You can also file for the same green card through different employers. This way, if one petition is denied, the other may still be open to you. If both are approved, you can simply choose.
What is skilled worker visa?
“Skilled workers” are persons whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years training or experience, not of a temporary or seasonal nature.
What is the third preference form?
Third preference petitions must generally be accompanied by an approved, individual labor certification from the Department of Labor on Form ETA-9089. In some cases, the petition may be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) with an uncertified ETA-9089 for consideration as Schedule A, Group I. For more information on Schedule A, Group I, read our policy in Volume 6, Part E, Chapter 7, of the USCIS Policy Manual.
How long is an EB3 visa valid?
You can submit an EB3 visa application at any time. The EB3 visa, like most green cards, is valid for 10 years. You can renew the visa if needed at that point.
What is the first step in the EB3 visa process?
Labor Certification. The first step in the EB3 visa application process is done by the US employer. The US employer must get a labor certification from the Department of Labor after applying for a prevailing wage determination. The Labor Certification is done to prove there are no US workers for the job.
What is an I-140 form?
Form I-140 is the Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. This form serves as your petition for your EB3 visa. USCIS will use the information provided in this form to determine if you meet the conditions for an EB3 visa. The form contains information about the petitioner, the beneficiary, and the job. For more information about Form I-140, click here.
What happens if my EB3 is not approved?
USCIS will make a decision on the petition. If your petition is not approved, the beneficiary will not receive an EB3 visa. If the petition is approved, a notice will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) if the beneficiary is abroad and not applying for an adjustment of status.
What information is included in an EB3 petition?
The employer should also include financial information to demonstrate their ability to pay the beneficiary.
How many EB3 visas are there?
You may be eligible for an EB3 visa if you a skilled workers, unskilled worker, or professional. Approximately 40,000 EB3 visas are available each year.
What is an EB3 visa?
The EB3 visa gives qualified individuals permanent resident status in the United States. There are many benefits to being a permanent resident. Some of these include having the ability to change employers and to travel more freely.
How Long is the EB3 Green Card Processing Time?
The EB3 Green Card processing time can most times be from a low of 1 to 3 years to very long wait times of 6 or more years. Since the EB3 visa has an annual visa cap, the EB3 processing time can be quite long. If you are within the yearly limit, then your visa may be processed within a few months.
How to Apply for the EB3 Visa?
Applications for the EB3 visas have multiple steps which involve both the employer and the foreign employee. The application process for an EB3 visa has two parts:
What is EB3 Visa?
EB3 visa is a Third Priority Worker visa that allows three types of workers to go to the U.S permanently and work there. These groups of workers are:
What are the Benefits of the EB3 Visa?
With an EB3 visa, the foreign workers can go to the U.S, live there permanently and work without having to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). After a few years at the same job, they can also switch employers and job positions. They get the Green Card and are required to pay all taxes applicable to them. They are also allowed to travel within and outside the U.S, as well as live in a different state in the U.S than the one they first moved to.
Who is Eligible for the EB3 visa?
In order to qualify for the EB3 visa, a foreign worker must prove the following:
How to get approval to hire a foreign employee?
In order to get final approval to hire the foreign employee, the U.S employer must petition to the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. This is done by filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker to the USCIS. USCIS will require the employer to attach supporting financial documents such as statements, audits, tax returns and others to evaluate whether they are able to pay the foreign worker and afford additional employees.
Can an employer sponsor a foreign worker on an EB3 visa?
On the other hand, the U.S employer must also prove the following to quali fy for sponsoring a foreign worker for an EB3 visa: That the employer could not find an available, qualified, or willing U.S worker for the job position. That the employer is financially stable to pay the foreign worker and can afford to sponsor the worker.
How long does it take to get an EB3?
To get the EB3 application, you will have to go through various steps first. Because of that, it may take between 1 and 3 years for the application to be processed.
What Is an EB3 Visa?
An EB3 visa is a green card for workers, more specifically for professional, skilled, or other workers. It is an employment-based green card, and it is the third preference for such visas. Just like the other two categories (EB1 and EB2), this one allows an immigrant to live in the United States, but also to work in a specific field.
What is priority date for EB3?
The priority date of the petitioner should be current in order to have the EB3 visa application changed from non-immigrant (temporary). The start of the Labor Certification Process will be the one setting the petitioner’s priority date.
How much does it cost to get a visa in 2019?
The visa petition fee was $700 back in 2019. If you want to opt for premium processing as well, the fee for it will be as much as $1,410. A visa application fee may also be required if you come from overseas, and this will cost $345.
How much does it cost to get an I-485?
If you are already in the U.S. legally and can adjust your status already, the application fee for Form I-485 may be around $1,225.
How many years of experience is needed to become a skilled worker?
Skilled Worker – For this category, the worker must have at least 2 years of relevant employment training or experience. The Labor Certification Process will also be necessary in order to show that there are no eligible workers in the U.S. already who may be able to fill the position themselves.
Who should record EB3?
Everything that happens during the EB3 visa process should be recorded by the employer . Having an experienced immigration attorney during the process is also recommended for the employer , as he/she may offer the right guidance to make the process go right.

Eligibility
- The first requirement for applying for an EB-3 visa is that you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer. The job must be full time. Skilled workers must have at least two years of training or experience. Unskilled workers can apply for an EB-3 visa if the position offered to them requires less than two years training or experience. Professionals...
Steps in The Process
- Before you attempt to analyze how long it will take to get a green card in category EB-3, you must understand the many steps in the process. These include: 1. You find an employer interested in hiring you and willing to petition for you. This itself can be a challenge. As you'll see from the steps below, the employer may have to wait several years for you to start work (unless you're already t…
How Long These Steps Will Most Likely Take
- Some of the steps above are your responsibility or those of your employer or lawyer. You'll need to do your best to collect the needed documents and otherwise move the process along, and ask your employer and lawyer about their probable timeline. As for the rest, here's what you can expect (though this changes depending on how backed up with applications the various agencie…
See A Lawyer
- The processing time for an EB-3 visa can vary based on many factors, not all of them within your control. However, making sure to do a careful job at filling out the various applications and submitting the required documents and fees can help the process along. Consult with an experienced U.S. immigration attorney for more detailed information about EB-3 visa processin…
Meaning of EB3 Visa
How to Apply For The EB3 Visa
- Applications for the EB3 visas have series of steps which involve both the employer and the foreign employee. The application process for an EB3 visa has two parts: 1. The US employer obtains labor certification and files the necessary petitions. 2. If approved, the foreign employee then applies for the EW-3 visa at a US Embassy in their home count...
Other Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Types
- The types of employment-based immigrant visas are the following: 1. EB-1 Visa or First Priority Workers Visa is for outstanding professors, researchers, people with extraordinary abilities in arts, science, business, athletics, or education, as well as executive managers who have worked at a foreign branch of a US company for the past 3 years. 2. EB-2 Visa or Second Priority Workers V…
Conclusion
- Get your EB3 Visa now by following our guide diligently. We have also covered other US visas like F2 Visa, H1B Visa, E-2 Visa, K3 Visa, etc on our website. Reach out for more information.