The EB-3 unskilled visa timeline varies based on several factors, including the applicant’s country of origin and the processing times at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State. Generally, the timeline can be broken down into several stages:
- Labor Certification (PERM): This process typically takes about 6 to 12 months. Employers must prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position offered.
- I-140 Immigrant Petition: After obtaining the labor certification, the employer files the I-140 petition with USCIS. This process can take about 6 to 12 months, but premium processing is available for an additional fee, which can expedite the decision to 15 calendar days.
- Priority Date: After the I-140 is approved, applicants must wait for their priority date to become current. The wait time varies significantly by country and can take anywhere from a few months to several years, especially for applicants from countries with high demand like India and China.
- Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: Once the priority date is current, applicants can apply for consular processing or adjust their status if they are already in the U.S. This step can take an additional 3 to 6 months.
Overall, the entire process can range from a little over a year to several years, depending on the specific circumstances. It is advisable to regularly check the Visa Bulletin for updates on priority dates.
