EB-3 Visa Process: Step-by-Step Guide (Including Fees)
The EB-3 Visa is
an employment-based green card for professionals, skilled workers, and other
workers (unskilled labor in some cases). Below is a detailed breakdown of the process
and associated fees.
EB-3 Visa Eligibility Categories
1. Professionals – Bachelor’s degree or foreign
equivalent required.
2. Skilled Workers – 2+ years
of job experience or
training.
3.
Other Workers
(Unskilled) – Less than 2 years of experience (limited
availability).
Step-by-Step EB-3 Visa Process
Step 1: Labor Certification (PERM Process)
·
Purpose: Prove
no qualified U.S. workers
are available for the job.
·
Process:
o
Employer conducts recruitment (job postings, ads, interviews).
o
Files ETA Form 9089 with the Department
of Labor (DOL).
·
Timeline: 6–12
months.
·
Fees:
o
No DOL filing
fee, but recruitment costs
(~$2,000–$5,000).
Step 2: I-140 Immigrant Petition
·
Purpose: Employer petitions for the foreign worker.
·
Process:
o
Employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
o
Requires approved PERM,
job offer, and proof of qualifications.
·
Timeline: 6–12
months (premium processing available).
·
Fees:
o
I-140 Filing
Fee: $715
o
Premium Processing (Optional, 15-day decision): $2,805
Step 3: Wait for Priority Date (Visa Bulletin)
·
EB-3
is subject to annual quotas,
so applicants must wait for their
priority date (date I-140
was filed) to become current.
·
Check monthly updates
on the Visa Bulletin
(DOS website).
Step 4: Adjustment of Status (I-485)
or Consular Processing
·
If in the U.S.:
File Form I-485
to adjust to permanent resident status.
o
Fees:
§
I-485 Fee: $1,440 (includes biometrics for ages
14–78).
§ USCIS Immigrant Fee (after approval): $220
·
If outside
the U.S.: Attend consular interview at U.S. Embassy.
o
Fees:
§
DS-260 Immigrant
Visa Fee: $325
§ Medical Exam: ~$200–$500
Step 5: Receive
Green Card
·
If approved, the applicant becomes
a U.S. permanent resident.
·
Green Card Validity: 10 years (renewable).
Total Estimated EB-3 Visa
Costs
Fee
Type |
Cost (USD) |
PERM Recruitment Costs |
$2,000–$5,000 |
I-140 Filing Fee |
$715 |
Premium Processing (Optional) |
$2,805 |
Fee
Type |
Cost (USD) |
I-485 Adjustment of Status |
$1,440 |
USCIS Immigrant Fee |
$220 |
Consular Processing (if abroad) |
$325 |
Medical Exam |
$200–$500 |
Total (Approx.) |
$4,700–$10,000+ |
Processing Time for EB-3 Visa
·
PERM Labor Certification: 6–12
months
·
I-140 Petition:
6–12 months (or 15 days with
premium processing)
·
Visa Bulletin
Wait Time: Varies (could be years for some countries)
·
I-485/Consular Processing: 6–18 months
Key Notes
✔ Employer Sponsorship Required
– Must have a U.S. job offer.
✔ Backlogs Possible – EB-3 has annual limits;
check Visa Bulletin.
✔ Dependents Included – Spouse & children (<21) can get green cards.
Presented by:
Executant
Centre for Bangladesh Digital Services (BDS)
Center in-charge, BDS Sylhet TGN Center
58, A Block, Main Road, Shahjalal Upashahar, Sylhet, Bangladesh
[info@bds.vision](mailto:inf

·
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