EB-3 Visa Process: Step-by-Step Guide

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:

Minhaz Samad Chowdhur

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:info@bds.vision) | 

 [www.bds.vision](http://www.bds.vision) |

  WhatsApp: +8801742030896

 

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