EB-2 / EB-3 Employment-Based Permanent Residency
Category: Residency · Processing time: 1–6 years depending on country of birth and category
Apply through official authority
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.
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
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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
- Employer obtains PERM Labor Certification from DOL
- Employer files Form I-140 with USCIS
- Wait for priority date to become current
- File Form I-485 (in U.S.) or DS-260 (abroad)
- Attend biometrics and (if required) interview
- Receive green card on approval
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) →
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 →Browse foreign embassies in United States (MigrantIQ directory) →
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.
Get visa checklist updates
Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3) in United States.
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.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in United States depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admiss
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in United States for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
- Housing Contract and Deposit Rules
Housing · Severity: Medium
Rental contracts in United States may require written terms, legal deposit handling, inventory records, notice periods, and landlord registration. Never rely only on informal chat messages fo
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for United States, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter United States, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track bor
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for United States through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa
Scammers advertise fake apartments in United States, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3). It does not replace official legal assessment.
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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)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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