EB-3 Processing Times Tracker
Current processing times for every stage of the EB-3 Other Workers sponsorship process, sourced from official DOL and USCIS government data and updated as agencies publish new information.
Current Processing Times (Approximate)
- Prevailing Wage Determination (DOL) — 4–6 months (no premium processing available)
- PERM Labor Certification (DOL) — 16–18 months including recruitment period; 3–6 additional months if audited
- I-140 Immigrant Petition (USCIS) — 6–12 months standard; 15 business days with premium processing ($2,965)
- NVC Processing — 1–3 months for document review and interview scheduling
- Consular Interview — 1–2 months after NVC approval
- Adjustment of Status I-485 (USCIS) — 8–14 months
Total Timeline
From employer decision to U.S. arrival, the typical EB-3 Other Workers timeline is 4–5 years for workers from most countries. Nationals of India and China face additional wait times due to per-country visa caps and demand exceeding annual supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my PERM taking so long?
PERM processing times are driven by DOL staffing and submission volume. Cases selected for audit take an additional 3–6 months. There is no premium processing option for PERM.
Can I speed up I-140 processing?
Yes. USCIS offers premium processing for I-140 petitions for a fee of $2,965 (as of 2024). This reduces the adjudication to 15 business days.