EB-3 Unskilled Visa: Requirements and Process
A guide to the U.S. Other Workers immigration category, with preparation and case coordination support from GVS in Seoul and Dhaka.
Employment-based preparation, with a clear next step.
Discuss your work background, organize your case documents and understand the questions to raise about your proposed employment.
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What is the EB-3 Unskilled visa?
EB-3 Unskilled, also called Other Workers, is a U.S. employment-based immigration category for permanent, full-time jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience. The job cannot be temporary or seasonal. A qualifying U.S. employer sponsors the case, and approval depends on both the job and the applicant meeting the requirements.
The EB-3 process for applicants outside the United States
- 01
Employer and PERM labor certification
Confirm the employer, duties, worksite, wage and written terms. The employer normally completes the required recruitment and applies to the U.S. Department of Labor for PERM labor certification.
- 02
I-140 petition
After labor certification, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS. Petition approval is an important milestone, but it is not an immigrant visa or permission to enter the United States.
- 03
Priority Date and NVC documents
Follow NVC instructions for fees, DS-260 and civil documents. Separately, check your Priority Date against the Other Workers row and the applicable country column in the monthly Visa Bulletin.
- 04
Interview and travel preparation
NVC scheduling depends on visa availability, document completion and appointment capacity. Once an interview is scheduled, follow the embassy’s medical and document instructions. Plan travel after visa issuance.
How much does EB-3 Unskilled cost?
For a GVS-coordinated case, the program cost depends on the employer program and your family size, and it is paid in stages as the case moves forward rather than all at once. This covers the recruiting agency’s processing, legal support for the immigrant visa stages and the GVS service fee. The amount can change with family size and the specific employer program, so we confirm the figure, the payment schedule and refund terms in writing before you sign.
Not included: U.S. government fees for each family member, medical examinations, police certificates and civil documents, translations and travel. Under U.S. Department of Labor rules, the employer pays the costs of PERM labor certification.
How long does EB-3 Unskilled take?
Based on official processing data as of October 2026, a new case filed today can realistically take about 5 years from the start of PERM to the visa interview. Times change every month, so check the official sources below.
- 01
Prevailing wage: about 4 months
The Department of Labor’s wage determination comes first. In October 2026, PERM wage requests were being processed for June 2026 filings.
- 02
Recruitment and PERM: about 1–1.5 years
The employer completes about 2 months of required recruitment, then files PERM. Analyst review was averaging about 11 months (336 days) in October 2026.
- 03
I-140: weeks to months
With premium processing, USCIS decides the I-140 within weeks. Without it, it can take several months.
- 04
Visa Bulletin wait, NVC and interview: 2+ years
In the November 2026 Visa Bulletin, the Other Workers final action date for All Chargeability (which includes Bangladesh) was 1 June 2022. Your interview can be scheduled only after your Priority Date becomes current.
Bangladeshi applicants living in Korea
Interview location: Since November 2025, immigrant visa applicants are generally interviewed in their country of residence or nationality. If you live in Korea, your interview is usually at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, and NVC may ask for proof of residence such as your Korean residence card. You can also choose Dhaka as your country of nationality.
Police certificates: You need a police clearance from Bangladesh. If you have lived in Korea for 12 months or more since age 16, you also need a Korean criminal record certificate. Documents not in English need certified translations.
Your status in Korea: An EB-3 case does not give you any status in Korea. Keep your E-9 or other visa valid while you wait, and plan contract renewals around your expected interview date.
EB-3 Unskilled questions to discuss before you apply
Who can apply for EB-3 Unskilled?
You need a qualifying employer-sponsored job and must meet its requirements and the immigration eligibility rules. “Unskilled” describes the job’s training or experience requirement; it does not mean that everyone qualifies automatically.
How long does EB-3 Unskilled take?
Based on official processing data as of October 2026, plan for about 5 years from the start of PERM to the visa interview. PERM itself averages about a year, and the Visa Bulletin wait for Other Workers is currently more than two years. A current Priority Date does not by itself guarantee an immediate interview.
Can my spouse and children join me?
An eligible spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply as derivatives. Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) rules can affect a child’s immigration age. Review children’s dates early because protection is case-specific.
What will my case cost?
The program cost depends on the employer program and family size, and is paid in stages. A consultant explains the exact amount for your case. U.S. government fees, medical examinations, police certificates, translations and travel are separate. We confirm the amount, payment milestones and refund terms in writing before you sign.
EB-3 support from Seoul and Dhaka
GVS helps you organize background information and documents, understand case milestones and prepare questions about the proposed employment. Consultations are available in English, Korean and Bangla. Share your country of residence, work history, family details and any existing receipt numbers so we can discuss the service scope and your next step.
Discuss your EB-3 plansOfficial EB-3 information
Check the relevant government instructions for your case. General information on this page does not determine eligibility or guarantee approval.
Useful next steps
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