Question 1

What types of workers qualify for EB-3 PERM?

Accepted Answer

The EB-3 PERM category is for three groups of workers: skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (sometimes called "unskilled workers"). Skilled workers must have at least two years of job experience or training. Professionals must hold at least a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent. Other workers are individuals performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience.

Question 2

How long does the EB-3 PERM process take?

Accepted Answer

The EB-3 PERM process often takes 18–36 months, depending on government processing times and visa backlogs. The PERM labor certification stage can take around 8–12 months, which includes obtaining a prevailing wage determination and completing recruitment steps. After certification, the I-140 immigrant petition may take 6–12 months to process (or about 45 days with premium processing). The final adjustment of status step (Form I-485) depends on visa availability under the applicant's country quota and may add another year or more if there are significant backlogs.

Question 3

Can EB-3 PERM applicants change jobs during the process?

Accepted Answer

Changing jobs during the EB-3 PERM process is risky because the labor certification and I-140 petition are tied to the specific employer and job role. If the applicant leaves the sponsoring employer before obtaining a green card, the process usually cannot continue, and the new employer would need to start a new PERM application. However, once the I-140 is approved and the I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for at least 180 days, applicants may be able to change to a "same or similar" job with a different employer under the portability provisions of U.S. immigration law.

Question 4

What is the difference between EB-2 and EB-3 PERM?

Accepted Answer

Both EB-2 and EB-3 PERM require a permanent job offer and labor certification, but they differ in eligibility standards and processing timelines. The EB-2 category is for professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability, generally requiring a higher level of education or expertise. The EB-3 category covers a broader range of workers, including professionals with bachelor's degrees, skilled workers with at least two years of experience, and unskilled workers with less than two years of experience.

Question 5

What documents are required for EB-3 PERM?

Accepted Answer

An EB-3 PERM application requires evidence from both the employee and the employer. Applicants will provide proof of their education (such as diplomas and transcripts), work experience letters from past employers, and, if applicable, certifications or licenses required for the job. Employers must submit a prevailing wage determination, detailed job description, evidence of recruitment efforts showing no qualified U.S. workers are available, and proof of ability to pay the offered wage.

EB-3 PERM
Green Card

What is the EB-3 PERM Green Card?

EB-3 PERM Eligibility

EB-3 PERM Pricing

Time to File

eb3perm Timeline

Why choose Ellis?

EB-3 PERM Green Card FAQ

Testimonials

Testimonials

Ready to modernize your immigration program?

Ready to modernize your immigration program?