--- title: Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3) — United States (2026) description: Free complete guide to the Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3) visa for United States. Eligibility, costs, documents, process, and FAQ. Updated 2026. image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content United States flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fus.png&w=3840&q=75]EB-2 / EB-3 EMPLOYMENT-BASED PERMANENT RESIDENCY Category: Residency · Processing time: 1-6 years depending on country of birth and category Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-05-17Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗ [https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants] Review due soon 3 min readCommunity feedback: open Save visa to plan Visa decisions require official verification MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI [/about/ai/] · Editorial standards [/about/editorial-standards/] Apply through official authority U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07. Apply on official site → [https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants] Visa type Residency Processing time 1-6 years depending on country of birth and category Fees I140Fee: USD 715 Validity Confirm on official source Stay duration Confirm on official source Entry type Confirm single/multiple entry rules Insurance Confirm if required Bookmark Save this visa to My Plan OVERVIEW Permanent residency through employer sponsorship for advanced-degree professionals (EB-2) or skilled workers and professionals with bachelor's degrees (EB-3). * Leads to permanent residency: Yes * Requires job offer: Yes * Language required: No * Minimum education: EB-2: Master's or equivalent; EB-3: Bachelor's or skilled worker ESTIMATED COSTS * - I140Fee: USD 715 * - PermLabor: USD 0 government filing (employer pays attorney) * - AdjustmentOfStatus: USD 1,440 + biometrics REQUIRED DOCUMENTS * - PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) * - Form I-140 Immigrant Petition * - Educational credentials evaluation * - Proof of qualifying experience * - Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or consular processing (DS-260) APPLICATION STEPS 1. Employer obtains PERM Labor Certification from DOL 2. Employer files Form I-140 with USCIS 3. Wait for priority date to become current 4. File Form I-485 (in U.S.) or DS-260 (abroad) 5. Attend biometrics and (if required) interview 6. Receive green card on approval Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) → [https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants] TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT * Mandatory: Confirm with official source * Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules * Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions * Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority EMBASSY, CONSULATE & APPOINTMENTS Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees. Open appointment or official portal → [https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants] Browse foreign embassies in United States (MigrantIQ directory) → [/embassies/in/united-states/] Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal. Application checklist TRACK YOUR EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARD (EB-2 / EB-3) PREPARATION Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan. 0 / 15 complete * Confirm Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3) requirements on the official United States immigration source.U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) * Review the eligibility rules and note anything that needs evidence.This pathway lists a job offer requirement. * Secure a qualifying job offer and employer documents.Ask the employer for official offer letters, registration details, and any sponsorship forms. * Prepare document: PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089)Check whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Form I-140 Immigrant PetitionCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Educational credentials evaluationCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Proof of qualifying experienceCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Prepare document: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or consular processing (DS-260)Check whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required. * Complete step: Employer obtains PERM Labor Certification from DOL * Complete step: Employer files Form I-140 with USCIS * Complete step: Wait for priority date to become current * Complete step: File Form I-485 (in U.S.) or DS-260 (abroad) * Complete step: Attend biometrics and (if required) interview * Pay only through official channels and save receipts.Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts or agents promising guaranteed approval. * Save a full copy of forms, uploads, payment receipts, and appointment confirmations. Clear checklistSync checklist in My Plan → [/plan/] GET VISA CHECKLIST UPDATES Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3) in United States. Get reminders BENEFITS & WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS * - Permanent right to live and work in the U.S. * - No employer-tied restrictions after Adjustment of Status * - Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years Trust & safety BEFORE YOU PAY OR SUBMIT DOCUMENTS Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract. Official portal → [https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants] RELEVANT LAWS * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/united-states/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/] Immigration · Severity: Critical Your right to remain in the United States is contingent upon your specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free status. Overstaying your authorized period can have serious consequences. Individuals must… * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/united-states/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/] Tax · Severity: High Tax residency in the United States is determined by the amount of time you spend in the country. If you live in the U.S. for a significant portion of the year, you may be considered a tax resident, which means you are… * Housing Contract and Deposit Rules [/laws/united-states/housing-contract-and-deposit-rules/] Housing · Severity: Medium In the United States, housing contracts are essential for establishing the terms of a rental agreement. A rental contract typically includes written terms that outline the responsibilities of both the landlord and the… ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/united-states/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]Medium In the United States, newcomers, including visa applicants, families, students, and workers, may encounter a scam involving inflated charges for document translation, notarization, or apostille services. Scammers often… * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/united-states/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]Medium Scammers in the United States often impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents to exploit newcomers. These fraudsters claim that you must pay a special fee to enter the country, avoid… * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/united-states/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]Medium In the United States, a prevalent scam targets students, parents, and scholarship applicants through fake university or scholarship letters. These fraudsters pose as unofficial agents, claiming to offer admission to… * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/united-states/rental-deposit-before-viewing/]Medium In the United States, a common housing scam targets newcomers, students, families, and remote workers. Scammers often post fake apartment listings online, presenting attractive deals that draw in potential renters.… QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK Use this self-check for Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3). It does not replace official legal assessment. I have a qualifying job offerI have required language test evidence Education LevelHigh schoolDiplomaBachelor or higher Result: Requirements appear incomplete HELPFUL PARTNER LINKS MigrantIQ is free. Some links are affiliate partners — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. * relocation United States: US planning checklist → [/api/affiliate/united-states-relocation/?source=%2Fvisas%2Funited-states%2Fgreen-card-employment-based%2F] Build your US move checklist before paying for services. Sponsored or partner placement when a matching partner is active. COMMON REJECTION REASONS * - Incomplete or inconsistent documents * - Insufficient financial evidence * - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country * - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms APPLICATION TIPS * - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party. * - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent. * - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation. * - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts. SOURCES & REFERENCES Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ. * U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) [https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants] Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements. * MigrantIQ visa record Summary record maintained for planning and source verification. Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo PLAN YOUR NEXT STEPS * All visas · United StatesIndex [/visas/united-states/] * United StatesCountry [/countries/united-states/] * Arrival checklistChecklist [/checklist/united-states/] * Eligibility quizTool [/tools/eligibility/] * Pick a corridor calculatorCalculator [/calculator/] * Immigration Q&AQ&A [/qa/] * People storiesStories [/stories/?corridor=united-states] * Save to My PlanPlan [/plan/] Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW DO I APPLY FOR USA GREEN CARD Typical steps include: Determine eligibility under EB-2 or EB-3 categories., Obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer., Employer files a Labor Certification (if required)., File Form I-140 (Im BRAZILIANS SEEKING US RESIDENCY | CALL LAWYERS BRIDGER LAW GROUP Brazilians seeking US residency through Employment-Based Green Cards (EB-2/EB-3) must meet specific eligibility criteria, including job offers and qualifications. Rules can change, so it's es U.S. IMMIGRATION OPTIONS FOR MEXICANS: VISAS AND GREEN CARDS options: Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3): For skilled workers or professionals with job offers., Family-Sponsored Visas: For relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents. and D MEXICO TOURIST CARD (FMM) FOR US CITIZENS: YOUR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDE US citizens traveling to Mexico need a Tourist Card (FMM), which can be obtained online or at the border. It allows stays up to 180 days. Rules may change, so check official sources or consul MEXICO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS IN 2026 | TOURIST CARD MX In 2026, US citizens traveling to Mexico will need a valid passport and may require a tourist card (FMM) for stays over 72 hours. Entry requirements can change, so check official sources or c LANGUAGE TESTS * No mandatory language tests listed. CONTINUE PLANNING * All visas for United States [/visas/united-states/] * United States laws hub [/laws/united-states/] * United States scam alerts [/scam-alerts/united-states/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Visas","item":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"United States","item":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/united-states/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3)","item":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/united-states/green-card-employment-based/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/visas/united-states/green-card-employment-based/#article","headline":"EB-2 / EB-3 Employment-Based Permanent Residency in United States: Complete Guide","description":"EB-2 and EB-3 are the primary employer-sponsored paths to a U.S. green card. 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