EB-2 / EB-3 Employment-Based Permanent Residency
Category: Residency · Processing time: 1-6 years depending on country of birth and category
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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
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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 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
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
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
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…
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…
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…
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.
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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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