Introduction
The EB-3 visa is a path to permanent residency in the United States for foreign workers in entry-level, non-skilled jobs. These are often roles in industries like restaurants, hotels, caregiving, manufacturing, and warehousing.
But how long does the EB-3 process actually take?
That depends in part on your country of birth. U.S. immigration law sets per-country limits, which can create longer wait times for some applicants. However, as of August 2025, most countries share the same cutoff date, and the average wait time is now easier to predict.
What Determines the EB3 Visa Wait Time?
The EB-3 wait time is based on two key factors:
- Your priority date
- Whether your country is current in the Visa Bulletin
Your priority date is the day your employer files the PERM Labor Certification on your behalf. This is the official start of your EB-3 green card process.
Every month, the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, which lists cutoff dates for green card categories. If your priority date is earlier than the listed cutoff, you are considered “current” and can move forward with the final stage of the green card process.
EB3 Wait Time by Country (As of August 2025)
As of the August 2025 Visa Bulletin, the priority date cutoff for EB-3 Other Workers is July 8, 2021 for all countries except a few that are backlogged.
This means that if your PERM was filed on or before July 8, 2021, your case is now eligible to proceed to the green card stage.
If your PERM is filed after that date, you must wait for your priority date to become current, which is estimated to take about three to four years from filing.
Countries that share this priority date cutoff:
- Philippines
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Ukraine
- Any other country not listed separately in the Visa Bulletin
All of these countries fall under the “All Chargeability Areas Except” category and have the same cutoff date.
Total Estimated Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Even if your country is not backlogged, the full EB-3 process still takes time due to multi-step processing.
Here’s the average timeline based on current U.S. government data:
| Step | Time Estimate |
| PERM Labor Certification | 16 months |
| I-140 Petition (after PERM) | 13 months |
| NVC/Consular Interview | 4 – 6 months |
| Total Time (if current) | ~4 years |
Important: The timeline begins when the PERM is filed, not when it’s approved.
If your priority date is not current yet (filed after July 8, 2021), you must also factor in Visa Bulletin wait time, which currently averages about 3–4 years.
How to Check Your Case Progress (Step-by-Step)
Staying informed is critical. Here’s how to check each step in your process:
How to Check PERM Processing Times
Website: https://flag.dol.gov
- Hover over “Processing Times” on the top menu.
- Select “PERM Processing Times”.
- Find the “Analyst Review” and “Audit Review” times.
- Look for the receipt date currently being processed.
As of mid-2025, PERM applications are taking around 16 months from filing.
How to Check I-140 Processing Times
USCIS Website: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
- Select “Form I-140” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose “Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker.”
- Select your service center (e.g., Nebraska, Texas).
- Click “Get Processing Time.”
Current processing for most I-140s is around 13 months, though it may vary slightly by center.
How to Check the Visa Bulletin
Website: https://travel.state.gov/
- Go to “Visa Bulletin” under the “US Visa Law” section or use this link.
- Open the most recent bulletin (e.g., August 2025).
- Scroll to the “Employment-Based Preferences” section.
- Look for EB-3 Other Workers in the chart labeled “Final Action Dates.”
- Find the row titled “All Chargeability Areas Except…”, this applies to most countries.
Compare your priority date to the posted cutoff to see if you are current.
EB-3 Timeline by Country (as of August 2025)
| Country of Birth | Current Priority Date | Total Estimated Time from Start |
| Philippines | July 8, 2021 | ~4 years |
| Mexico | July 8, 2021 | ~4 years |
| Brazil | July 8, 2021 | ~4 years |
| Nigeria | July 8, 2021 | ~4 years |
| South Africa | July 8, 2021 | ~4 years |
| Kenya | July 8, 2021 | ~4 years |
| Ukraine | July 8, 2021 | ~4 years |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing country of birth with citizenship: The Visa Bulletin applies based on where you were born, not your current passport.
- Not tracking your priority date: You must know your PERM filing date and compare it monthly to the Visa Bulletin.
- Assuming “current” means instant approval: Even if your date is current, there are still several months of final processing.
- Missing communication from NVC or USCIS: Always keep your contact information updated with the agencies involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is my priority date?
It’s the date your employer filed your PERM Labor Certification. You can find it on your I-140 receipt notice.
Does my country of citizenship matter for the EB-3 visa wait time?
No. The U.S. government uses your country of birth to determine visa availability.
Can I apply for a different visa category if I don’t want to wait?
Some applicants may qualify for EB-2 or family-based categories. Speak with an immigration lawyer to explore options.
Can I speed up the EB-3 process?
There’s no way to speed up PERM, but premium processing is available for the I-140 stage (15 calendar days).
How often does the Visa Bulletin change?
It’s updated monthly by the U.S. Department of State, usually during the second week of each month.
Do I need to be outside the U.S. to apply for EB-3?
No. If you’re already in the U.S. legally, you may be able to adjust status without leaving the country.
Final Thoughts
The EB-3 “Other Workers” visa is one of the most reliable paths to a U.S. green card for applicants in entry-level jobs. While the process is not fast, it’s moving steadily.
As of August 2025, most countries, including the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, and Nigeria, share the same priority date cutoff of July 8, 2021. That means new applicants should expect the entire journey to take about four years from the time their PERM is filed.
Understanding your priority date, checking the Visa Bulletin monthly, and staying on top of your processing steps will help you stay informed, and one step closer to U.S. permanent residency.
