EB-3 Unskilled Visa Timeline: From PERM to U.S. Entry

The EB-3 Unskilled Visa offers a permanent resident pathway for workers in positions requiring less than two years of training or experience. While the process can span years, understanding each milestone will help you plan effectively. Below is a detailed breakdown of the typical timeline, including average processing times, key actions, and internal links to support pages.

Overview of the EB-3 Unskilled Process

In broad strokes, the EB-3 Unskilled process consists of:

• PERM Labor Certification
• Form I-140 Petition
• Visa Bulletin Waiting Period
• DS-260 Visa Application
• Medical & Interview
• Visa Issuance & U.S. Entry

Each phase has its own processing window. Below, we detail each step.

1. PERM Labor Certification (6–9 Months)

The Department of Labor (DOL) PERM process is the foundation of your EB-3 case. Your U.S. employer must test the labor market to ensure no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. During this time:

• Recruitment Advertisements: Employer runs job ads in newspapers, job boards, and company website (60-day window).
• Audit Risk: Random audits can add 3–6 months if selected.
• Approval: Once certified, the DOL issues the ETA Form 9089.

Average timeline: 6–9 months. Audit cases may extend to 12–15 months.

2. Form I-140 Petition (4–8 Months)

With an approved PERM Labor Certification, your employer files the Form I-140 with USCIS:

• Standard Processing: 4–8 months depending on service center workload.
• Premium Processing: 15 calendar days for an additional fee (~$2,500), if selected.

Once USCIS approves the I-140, your priority date becomes “current” when the Visa Bulletin allows.

3. Visa Bulletin Waiting Period (Varies by Country)

The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin determines when you can move forward:

• Priority Date: The date USCIS received your I-140 petition.
• Current Movement: EB-3 Unskilled worldwide often sees minimal retrogression. But nationals of India, China may face 6–12 month backlogs.

Check the latest Visa Bulletin monthly: Visa Bulletin.

4. DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application (2–4 Months)

Once your priority date is current, you submit the DS-260 form online via the National Visa Center (NVC):

• Document Collection: Civil documents (birth, police certificates) submission takes 4–6 weeks for review.
• DS-260 Processing: 4–8 weeks after document approval.

You will receive an interview appointment letter once DS-260 is cleared.

5. Medical Examination & Embassy Interview (1–2 Months)

Prepare for your medical exam and consular interview:

• Medical Exam: Completed by an approved physician; report valid for up to one year.
• Interview Scheduling: Usually 4–8 weeks after DS-260 approval.
• Interview Outcome: Most applicants receive a visa within two weeks barring additional administrative processing.

6. Visa Issuance & U.S. Entry (1–2 Months)

Upon visa approval:

• Passport Stamp: You receive an immigrant visa valid for six months from issuance date.
• U.S. Port of Entry: Present your visa and sealed packet at the U.S. port of entry.
• Green Card Delivery: Your physical Green Card arrives by mail within 60–90 days.

Timeline Summary

For the full step-by-step process, see our complete EB-3 Unskilled Visa guide.

Note: Processing times are estimates and may vary based on DOL, USCIS, and embassy workloads.