In today’s blog, we will be breaking down the processing time for each step of an EB-3 green card.
What is The Processing Time for PERM Labor Certification?
After the ETA – 9089 application is submitted, the PERM Labor Certification process will take about 6 to 9 months. This period is exclusive of the 30 days of recruitment required and the 30 days that must pass before the application and the end of recruitment.
The further breakdown of the process is as follows:
- The DOL, on average, gives the current wage determination in 1 to 3 months.
- The job advertisement and recruitment step generally take a minimum of 2 months.
- Following the submission of the labor certification application, the DOL usually takes 4 to 6 months to give its decision.
The processing time can extend to a year and a half if your employer is audited.
What is The Processing Time for I-140?
The processing time for an I-140 application under normal conditions is around 6 months without premium processing. But if the USCIS notices that your priority date will not be current for a while, they will push back your petition to a date that is closer to your priority date. Your I-140 will be processed in under 15 days if your employer uses a premium processing service.
What is The Priority Date Wait Time?
The priority date wait time varies depending on the country of your origin. But for a few countries, the wait time is a few months. The waiting period also varies depending on if you are going to adjust your status in the U.S. or go for consular processing outside the U.S. as both routes have their own requirements.
The consular option may be faster in some situations but there is also a chance of being faced with administrative processing which may cause the overall wait time to increase. The adjustment of status, on the other hand, also has the possibility of getting delayed. Therefore, the best option is to work with an immigration attorney who can help you in selecting the best route for your case.
What is The Processing Time for I-485 Petition for Status Adjustment?
The I-485 may also take 4 to 6 months to be processed and there is no option to expedite this process. Oftentimes, the period can extend from 6 months depending on the service center handling your case.
In short, applicants from countries excluding India, China, and the Philippines can expect the processing time for their EB-3 visa to be around a year and a half to two years. However, for the residents of these three countries, it may take much longer. But in any case, don’t hesitate to contact your immigration attorney to know if there is a shorter route for you.
This is the end of today’s blog update. We hope you found this blog useful. Please don’t forget to support us by subscribing to our newsletter and sharing this blog with your friends and family on Facebook, Whatsapp, and Twitter.
