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🇺🇸 USA Employment-Based Visa Guide
USA EB-3 Visa 2025
Processing Time, Fee & Application
Complete guide to the USA EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa — eligibility for skilled workers, professionals and unskilled workers, processing times, fees and application process for Pakistani nationals.
What is the USA EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States under the third preference employment-based immigrant visa category.
Foreign nationals can live and work in the United States permanently with the EB-3 Visa — an employment-based immigrant visa. This visa falls under the third preference employment-based visa category and is intended for professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled workers who meet certain requirements and are looking for permanent work in the United States.
The EB-3 Visa is managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requires a U.S. employer to sponsor the applicant. Unlike the EB-2 NIW Visa, the EB-3 requires a specific job offer and labor certification before filing.
3
Sub-Categories
7.6
Avg. Months I-140
$715
I-140 Filing Fee
Green
Card Pathway
The EB-3 Visa is divided into three separate sub-categories, each designed for a different type of worker:
- EB-3(A): Skilled Workers — requiring at least 2 years of training or experience
- EB-3(B): Professionals — requiring a U.S. bachelor's degree or equivalent
- EB-3(C): Other Workers (Unskilled) — for jobs requiring less than 2 years of training
EB-3 Visa Sub-Categories — Who Qualifies?
With an EB-3 Visa, foreign workers can live and work in the United States permanently. There are specific conditions for each sub-category. Here is a full breakdown:
Sub-Category A
EB-3(A) — Skilled Workers
Min. 2 years training or experience
This category is for workers in occupations that require at least two years of job experience or training. The employer must demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role.
- Minimum 2 years experience in similar role
- Full-time, permanent U.S. job offer required
- Labor Certification (PERM) from DOL required
- Employer must prove no qualified U.S. workers
- Leads directly to U.S. Green Card
Sub-Category B
EB-3(B) — Professionals
Bachelor's degree or equivalent required
This category is for professionals who hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or a foreign equivalent and have a job offer that specifically requires that degree.
- U.S. or equivalent bachelor's degree required
- Job offer must require a bachelor's degree
- Full-time, permanent U.S. job offer required
- Labor Certification (PERM) from DOL required
- Employer must prove no qualified U.S. workers
Sub-Category C
EB-3(C) — Other Workers
Unskilled — less than 2 years training
This category covers unskilled workers in occupations that do not require more than two years of training or experience. These positions typically involve manual or entry-level work.
- Occupation requires less than 2 years experience
- Full-time, permanent U.S. job offer required
- Labor Certification (PERM) from DOL required
- Employer must prove no qualified U.S. workers
- Longer wait times due to annual visa limits
Also consider: If you have exceptional ability or an advanced degree, the EB-2 NIW Visa may be a faster alternative — it does not require a job offer or labor certification.
What You Need to Do to Get an EB-3 Visa
The EB-3 visa application process involves multiple steps managed by both the employer and the applicant through USCIS and the U.S. Department of Labor.
📌
Official Source: USCIS — EB-3 Employment-Based Third Preference
Step 1 — Labor Certification (PERM)
The U.S. employer must obtain a Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) before sponsoring an EB-3 applicant. This process requires the employer to demonstrate that there are no qualified and available U.S. workers for the position being offered to the foreign national.
Step 2 — File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
After obtaining labor certification, the employer must file Form I-140 (Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS. This petition establishes the applicant's eligibility for the EB-3 Visa and must include all required supporting documents and evidence. The employer pays the $715 filing fee (or $2,805 for premium processing).
Step 3 — Visa Application / Adjustment of Status
Once USCIS approves Form I-140, the applicant can proceed with the visa application:
- Outside the U.S.: The case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), then forwarded to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate in Pakistan for an immigrant visa interview.
- Inside the U.S.: If already in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa, the applicant can file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence) to adjust status without leaving the country.
Good news for Pakistani applicants: The EB-3 visa is accessible to Pakistani nationals through their U.S. employer. Immigration Experts Pakistan can connect you with the right legal professionals and guide you through the entire process. WhatsApp Us: 0092 323 8045555 →
EB-3 Visa Processing Time
The process of getting an EB-3 Visa involves several steps, each taking a specific amount of time. Here is the complete breakdown of EB-3 visa processing times as of 2025:
1
⏱ Avg. 6–12 months
PERM Labor Certification (DOL)
The employer's first step — obtaining Permanent Labor Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This involves advertising the position and proving no qualified U.S. workers are available. This step alone typically takes 6–12 months.
2
⏱ Avg. 7.6 months (Standard) | 15 calendar days (Premium)
Form I-140 Processing (USCIS)
The Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140) takes approximately 7.6 months on average for standard processing. If the employer opts for Premium Processing (fee: $2,805), USCIS will process the petition within 15 calendar days.
3
⏱ Varies by country of birth
Waiting for a Visa Number
Once Form I-140 is approved, applicants must wait for a visa number to become available. The wait time depends on the applicant's country of birth and the volume of EB-3 applicants from that country. Monitor the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin monthly for your priority date to become current.
4
⏱ 6.7 – 32.5 months (inside USA)
Form I-485 — Adjustment of Status (Inside USA)
For applicants already in the U.S., Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence) processing time ranges from 6.7 to 32.5 months depending on the service centre and individual circumstances.
5
⏱ Varies by embassy/consulate
Consular Processing (Outside USA)
For applicants outside the U.S. (including Pakistan), the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The time for the interview and post-interview processing varies based on the consulate workload and the applicant's individual circumstances.
Note: These processing times may be longer or shorter depending on individual circumstances, country of birth, and USCIS service centre workloads. Always check the latest processing times on the USCIS Processing Times website.
EB-3 Visa Fee 2025 — Complete Breakdown
Understanding the EB-3 visa fee structure is essential for both employers and applicants before beginning the application process.
Both employers and applicants need to understand what the EB-3 visa fees are. Here is the complete EB-3 visa fee breakdown as of February 2025:
For Applicants Applying from Within the United States
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Official Source: USCIS Official Fee Schedule
| Form | Description | Fee | Paid By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | $715 | Employer |
| Immigrant Fee | Post-approval USCIS immigrant fee | $235 | Applicant |
For Applicants Applying from Outside the United States (Pakistan)
| Form | Description | Fee | Paid By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | $715 | Employer |
| Form DS-260 | Immigrant Visa Application | $345 | Applicant |
| Form I-864 | Affidavit of Support | $120 | Applicant |
Additional Fee Notes
- Asylum Program Fee: Employers with more than 25 employees must pay an additional $600 for each Form I-140 filed (effective April 2024). Non-profit organisations are exempt from this fee.
- Premium Processing: For a fee of $2,805, employers can opt for premium processing of Form I-140, which speeds up the USCIS review to just 15 calendar days.
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization): Optional — applicable if the applicant wishes to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while Form I-485 is pending.
- Form I-131 (Travel Document): Optional — applicable if the applicant needs to travel internationally while Form I-485 is pending.
- Fees are subject to change. Always verify the current fee schedule on the official USCIS Fee Schedule.
Important Things to Know About the EB-3 Visa
1. The Visa Bulletin
The U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin is published every month and shows the availability of visa numbers for each preference category and country of birth. Because only a limited number of EB-3 visas are issued each year, the Visa Bulletin helps you determine when you can proceed with the final stages of your application. Monitor it closely.
2. Priority Date
A priority date is assigned to you when Form I-140 is filed. This date determines your place in the queue for a visa number. How long you wait depends on your priority date and the demand for EB-3 visas from applicants sharing your country of birth. Pakistani applicants typically experience shorter wait times compared to applicants from India or China due to lower demand.
3. Job Portability Rule (AC21)
Under the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21), you may be able to change jobs without restarting the EB-3 process, provided:
- Your Form I-140 petition has been approved, AND
- Your Form I-485 application has been pending for at least 180 days
- The new job must be in the same or a similar occupational field
Compare with EB-2 NIW: If you have exceptional ability, an advanced degree, or can demonstrate your work is in the U.S. national interest, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Visa eliminates the need for a job offer and labor certification — potentially faster and simpler. Read our complete EB-2 NIW guide for Pakistani applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions — EB-3 Visa
1
Can I switch jobs once I have my EB-3 visa?Yes, under certain conditions. The American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21) allows EB-3 visa holders to change employers if their I-140 is approved and their I-485 has been pending for at least 180 days. The new job must be in the same or a substantially similar occupational field as the original petition.
2
Do I need a job offer to get an EB-3 visa?Yes. The EB-3 Visa requires a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from a U.S. employer. The employer must also obtain a Permanent Labor Certification from the Department of Labor and prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position. This is different from the EB-2 NIW, which does not require a job offer.
3
Is there a cap on how many EB-3 visas are issued each year?Yes. The U.S. government limits the number of EB-3 visas issued each year. The availability of visa numbers depends on the total demand and the applicant's country of birth. Monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin to track when your priority date becomes current.
4
Can my spouse and children come with me on an EB-3 visa?Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible to accompany you to the U.S. as derivative beneficiaries. They may be eligible to live, work, or study in the U.S. by obtaining derivative immigrant visas (or I-485 approval if adjusting status inside the U.S.).
5
Can I sponsor family members for a Green Card after getting an EB-3 visa?Yes. Once you become a U.S. Permanent Resident through the EB-3 visa (Green Card holder), you can petition for eligible family members. You would file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) for qualifying family members such as your spouse, children, and in some cases parents and siblings.
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Can I include my family in my initial EB-3 application?Yes. You can include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 as derivative beneficiaries in your initial EB-3 immigrant visa application. They will be processed together with your case and will receive derivative immigrant visas if your application is approved.
7
How much must my employer pay me for the EB-3 visa?There is no fixed minimum wage, but the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the occupation in the geographic area where the job is located. The prevailing wage is determined by the U.S. Department of Labor and must be certified as part of the PERM labor certification process.
8
Is it possible to get the EB-3 visa faster?You can use Premium Processing ($2,805) to speed up Form I-140 processing to 15 calendar days. However, premium processing is not available for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or consular processing at the U.S. Embassy. The PERM labor certification and visa number wait times also cannot be expedited.
9
I'm already in the U.S. on a different visa. Can I apply for EB-3?Yes. If you are in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, etc.) and your employer files an EB-3 petition on your behalf, you may be able to adjust status by filing Form I-485 without leaving the U.S. — provided you meet all eligibility requirements and a visa number is available for your category.
Related USA Immigration Resources
Explore these related pages for more information on U.S. immigration options from Pakistan:
- EB-2 NIW Visa from Pakistan — Complete Guide, Process, Requirements & FAQ
- USA L-1 Visa Guide 2026 — Intracompany Transfer Visa for Pakistani Nationals
- USA Visit Visa (B-1/B-2) — Application Guide for Pakistani Nationals
- Canadian Immigration — Express Entry & PR Pathways
- Australian Immigration 2025–2026 — Skilled Visa Guide
- USCIS Official — EB-3 Employment-Based Third Preference
- U.S. Department of State — Monthly Visa Bulletin
Get Expert Help with Your EB-3 Visa Application
Immigration Experts Pakistan is your trusted partner for U.S. employment-based visa applications including EB-3 and EB-2 NIW. Our consultants in Islamabad, Lahore and Faisalabad will assess your eligibility and guide you through every step of the process.
Also read our complete EB-2 NIW Visa Guide — a faster pathway for professionals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees.
Contact us at Wecare@immigrationexperts.pk or WhatsApp: 0092 323 8045555