EB-3 Visa, Explained (2025 Guide by TRW Law Firm)
Understand the cost, requirements, processing time, and application steps for the EB-3 visa — your path to U.S. permanent residency as a skilled, professional, or unskilled worker.
🌐 What Is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa under the third preference category. It grants foreign workers lawful permanent residence (green card) status to live and work in the United States.
It is open to three subcategories:
- EB-3(A) Skilled Workers: Jobs requiring at least two years of experience or training.
- EB-3(B) Professionals: Jobs requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
- EB-3(C) Other Workers: Jobs requiring less than two years of experience (unskilled labor).
All EB-3 visa applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and undergo the PERM labor certification process.
💸 EB-3 Visa Costs
For Applicants Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):
- Form I-140 (Petition): $715 (paid by employer)
- Form I-485 (Green Card): $1440
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235
For Applicants Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing):
- Form I-140: $715
- DS-260 (Visa Application): $345
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235
Note: There is no fee for PERM labor certification itself, but employers may incur attorney fees and recruitment expenses.
🕒 EB-3 Visa Processing Time (2025)
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| PERM Labor Certification | ~12 months |
| I-140 Processing | ~7.6 months |
| Premium Processing (optional) | 15 calendar days |
| I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | 7 – 32.5 months |
| Consular Interview Processing | Depends on embassy |
Processing timelines may vary by country and workload.
👥 EB-3 Visa Eligibility
EB-3(A): Skilled Workers
- At least 2 years of relevant training or work experience
- Permanent full-time job offer from a U.S. employer
- No available qualified U.S. workers for the position
EB-3(B): Professionals
- A U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent
- The job must require a bachelor’s degree
- Cannot substitute work experience for education
EB-3(C): Other Workers (Unskilled Labor)
- Capable of performing unskilled work (<2 years of experience or training)
- Full-time permanent job offer
- Employer must prove no qualified U.S. workers are available
📝 How to Apply for the EB-3 Visa
Step 1: PERM Labor Certification
Employer must:
- Prove job offer is permanent and full-time
- Meet the prevailing wage requirements
- Conduct mandatory recruitment efforts:
- Job order with State Workforce Agency
- Two Sunday print ads
- Internal notice to current employees
File ETA Form 9089 with the Department of Labor (DOL).
Step 2: File Form I-140 with USCIS
Once PERM is approved, employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker):
- Demonstrate the employer’s ability to pay wages
- Prove applicant’s qualifications
Premium processing is available for $2,805 (optional).
Step 3: Apply for Green Card
If inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):
- File Form I-485 once visa becomes available
- Submit:
- Birth certificate
- Medical exam (Form I-693)
- Financial support documents
- Identity and status records (I-94, etc.)
If outside the U.S. (Consular Processing):
- File Form DS-260 through National Visa Center (NVC)
- Attend medical exam and interview at U.S. Embassy/Consulate
- Bring:
- Passport
- Police certificates
- Civil documents
✅ EB-3 Visa Benefits
- Lawful permanent residency in the U.S.
- Bring spouse and unmarried children under 21 as dependents
- Dependents may apply for work permits and green cards
- Pathway to U.S. citizenship after 5 years
- Flexibility to change employers in specific conditions (AC21 portability)
🔍 Visa Bulletin & Priority Dates
- The Visa Bulletin, updated monthly by the State Department, dictates visa availability.
- Your priority date (I-140 filing date) determines when you can proceed with Form I-485 or DS-260.
- Retrogression may occur if demand exceeds supply.
Monitor: travel.state.gov/visa-bulletin
📊 Changing Jobs on EB-3 (AC21 Portability)
Under the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21):
- You may change jobs after your I-485 has been pending 180+ days
- New job must be similar to the original job description
📅 Important Considerations
- Visa Cap: Around 40,000 EB-3 visas are available annually.
- Country of Origin: Applicants from high-demand countries (e.g., India, China) may face longer waits.
- Dependents: Spouses and children may receive EAD work authorization after filing I-485.
- Travel Restrictions: Leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole may abandon your green card application.
💳 EB-3 Visa Document Checklist
- Valid passport
- PERM certification (ETA-9089)
- Academic credentials / training certifications
- Proof of job offer
- Employer’s financial evidence
- Work experience letters (if required)
- Birth/marriage certificates for dependents
- Police & court certificates (if applicable)
- Medical exam from authorized physician
❓ EB-3 Visa FAQs
Q: Can I apply for EB-3 without a job offer? No. A valid job offer from a U.S. employer is mandatory.
Q: Can my family join me? Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can be included in the application.
Q: What is the prevailing wage? The minimum salary the employer must offer, based on occupation and location. Determined by DOL.
Q: Can I switch jobs on EB-3? Yes, under AC21. I-485 must be pending for 180 days, and new job must be similar.
Q: What if my EB-3 visa is pending but I travel abroad? You may abandon your application unless you obtain Advance Parole first.
Q: Is premium processing available for EB-3? Yes, but only for Form I-140, not I-485 or consular interviews.
Q: Can I apply for EB-3 while on another visa? Yes. Many applicants adjust status while on H-1B, F-1, L-1, or other nonimmigrant visas.
Q: Is there a visa cap for EB-3? Yes. Each year, roughly 40,000 EB-3 green cards are allocated.
✨ Why Choose TRW Law Firm for EB-3 Visa Services?
- ✅ Full-scope legal support from PERM to green card issuance
- ✅ Extensive experience with EB-3(A), EB-3(B), and EB-3(C)
- ✅ In-house immigration experts & employment attorneys
- ✅ Representation at consulates and USCIS interviews
- ✅ Strategy for job portability, I-140 portability, and dependent visas
🌟 Let TRW Guide Your EB-3 Journey
Secure your future in the U.S. through strategic and lawful immigration planning.
🔗 Book a Consultation: https://booking.tahmidurrahman.com
🌐 Website: www.tahmidurrahman.com
📧 Email: info@tahmidur.com | info@trwbd.com
📞 Phone: +8801708000660 | +8801847220062 | +8801708080817
TRW Law Firm – Helping Foreign Workers Turn American Dreams Into Reality.