Navigating the EB3 visa process is crucial for professionals, skilled professionals, and unskilled hands seeking US permanent residency. The EB3 visa, sponsored by a US-based company, opens avenues for a green card based on full-time job offers. One essential aspect of this journey is understanding the EB3 visa processing time. This article sheds light on the EB3 processing time in detail.
What is the EB-3 visa?
The EB-3 visa is designed for professionals, skilled and unskilled workers. This visa allows a US company to sponsor a foreign worker for a green card through a full-time job offer. As much as 28.6% of total green cards for foreign workers are allocated to the EB3 visa.
How much does the EB-3 visa cost?
The costs associated with the EB-3 visa can vary based on individual circumstances and the specific processes involved. Below is a breakdown of potential expenses:
- Form I-140 filing fee: The Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers (Form I-140) requires a filing fee of $715, typically paid by the sponsoring employer.
- Form I-485 filing fee: For applicants adjusting status within the U.S., the application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) has a filing fee of $1,440 per person.
- Consular processing fees: Applicants processing their visa from outside the U.S. will incur fees such as the Form DS-260 filing fee of $345 and the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) fee of $120.
- Attorney's fees: Legal representation fees can vary. For instance, some firms charge $4,000 for the principal beneficiary and $1,500 for each family member during consular processing.
- Additional costs: Other potential expenses include medical examination fees, translation services, and travel costs.
What is the EB-3 visa processing time?
On average, the EB3 visa process can take one to three years. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including your country of origin, the specific category you are applying under, and your current USCIS workload.
- PERM labour certification
It is the first step in the EB3 visa process and typically takes six to nine months. It involves obtaining a certificate from the US Department of Labor (DOL) stating that no qualified US citizens are available for the position you are being offered.
Once the PERM labour certification is approved, your employer will file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, on your behalf. The processing time for this form can vary, but it currently averages around four months. You can expedite the processing of this form by using premium processing, which costs USD 2,500 and guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days.
Once your I-140 petition is approved, you can apply for your EB3 visa. The processing time for this will depend on your country of origin and the current visa availability for your category. For some countries with a high demand for EB3 visas, the wait time can be several years.
Conclusion
Understanding the EB3 green card processing time is crucial for applicants, with each step contributing to an estimated processing period. On average, most applications' EB3 processing time ranges between one and three years, though variations exist based on nationality. Visa applicants must prioritise getting a travel insurance online as it contributes to a comprehensive approach to obtaining a green card.
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