EB-3 Other Workers Cost Breakdown 2025
Understanding who pays what in the EB-3 process eliminates surprises. U.S. immigration law prohibits employers from passing certain costs (PERM and I-140 filing fees) on to the worker. Here is the complete picture.
Employer-Paid Costs (Cannot be charged to the worker)
- PERM Labor Certification recruitment costs — $500–$3,000
- I-140 Immigrant Petition filing fee — $700 (standard) or $2,965 + $700 (premium processing)
- Immigration attorney fees for PERM and I-140 preparation — varies
Applicant-Paid Costs (Typical)
- Consular Processing (DS-260 + IV fee) — $325 per applicant
- Medical Examination (Panel Physician) — $200–$400 per person
- Police Clearance Certificates — varies by country ($20–$150)
- Document Translation & Apostilles — $100–$300
- Travel to Embassy Interview — varies by location
- Service Provider / Program Fee — $10,000–$25,000 (varies by company)
- USCIS Immigrant Fee — $220 after visa issuance
Adjustment of Status (If Applying from Inside the U.S.)
- I-485 filing fee — $1,440 per adult (includes biometrics)
- I-131 Advance Parole — included in I-485 combo
- I-765 EAD — included in I-485 combo
Total Estimated Applicant Cost
Typical total for applicant-side costs: $12,000–$27,000 depending on service provider, country of origin, number of family members, and processing path (consular vs AOS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer charge me back for the I-140 filing fee?
No. Under U.S. immigration regulations, the employer cannot charge the worker for the PERM recruitment costs or I-140 filing fee. Doing so can invalidate the petition.
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
Reputable service providers disclose all fees upfront in a written service agreement. Request a complete fee schedule before signing anything. Watch for add-on charges for document translation, notarization, or "expedited" internal processing.