The EB-3 Visa Bulletin for August 2026 provides important updates for employment-based immigrants, especially those applying under the EB-3 Other Workers category. While processing times have improved in some areas, visa availability remains the biggest factor affecting how long applicants wait for permanent residency.
Understanding the latest EB-3 Visa Bulletin can help you estimate your timeline, determine whether your priority date is current, and know what steps come next in the immigration process.
Understanding the EB-3 Process
The EB-3 employment-based green card process generally consists of three major stages:
- PERM Labor Certification
- Form I-140 Immigrant Petition
- Visa availability through the Visa Bulletin
Each stage has its own timeline, and the overall waiting period depends largely on when your priority date becomes current.
Step 1: PERM Labor Certification Processing
The PERM Labor Certification is the first step for most EB-3 applicants.
As of mid-July 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor was processing PERM applications filed in July 2025. Employers were also beginning to receive approvals for cases filed in August 2025 shortly afterward.
Your priority date is established on the day your PERM application is officially filed. This date becomes one of the most important factors throughout the entire EB-3 immigration process because it determines your place in line for a green card.
Step 2: I-140 Processing Times
Once the PERM Labor Certification is approved, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.
For the EB-3 Other Workers category:
- Approximately 80% of petitions are processed within about six months.
- Processing has become significantly faster compared to previous periods when applicants often waited more than one year.
Although USCIS processing has improved, the I-140 stage is only one part of the overall timeline.
EB-3 Visa Bulletin – August 2026
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, determines when immigrant visas become available.
For August 2026, employment-based applicants should use the Final Action Dates chart.
Final Action Date for EB-3 Other Workers
The Final Action Date for the Other Workers category is:
April 1, 2022
This means applicants whose PERM priority date is earlier than April 1, 2022, are eligible to move to the final stage of the immigration process.
Applicants with later priority dates must continue waiting until the cutoff advances in future Visa Bulletins.
What Happens When Your Priority Date Is Current?
Once your priority date becomes current, the next step depends on where you are located.
If You Are Inside the United States
Applicants maintaining lawful immigration status may generally file for Adjustment of Status to become permanent residents without leaving the country.
If You Are Outside the United States
Applicants complete immigrant visa processing through a U.S. consulate abroad. After completing the required documentation and immigrant visa application, they wait for their interview to be scheduled once their priority date is current.
Estimated Overall EB-3 Processing Time
Based on the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, applicants in the EB-3 Other Workers category are experiencing an overall timeline of approximately:
- About 4.5 years
- Roughly 52 to 54 months from PERM filing until visa availability
While PERM and I-140 processing have become faster, the Visa Bulletin backlog remains the primary reason for the lengthy wait.
How to Read the EB-3 Visa Bulletin
Reading the Visa Bulletin can seem confusing at first, but the process becomes easier once you understand the key sections.
- Open the monthly Visa Bulletin.
- Locate the Employment-Based Preferences section.
- Check whether USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart or the Dates for Filing chart for that month.
- Find the “Other Workers” row if you are applying under the EB-3 Other Workers category.
- Compare your PERM priority date with the published cutoff date.
If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, your case is considered current.
How to Estimate Your EB-3 Timeline
You can get a general estimate by following these steps:
- Identify your PERM filing date.
- Check current PERM processing times.
- Estimate I-140 processing (typically around six months).
- Compare your priority date with the current EB-3 Visa Bulletin.
- Monitor each monthly Visa Bulletin to see when your priority date becomes current.
Although every case is unique, this approach provides a realistic picture of your expected wait.
Could Future Immigration Reform Reduce Waiting Times?
One proposal that has received attention is the Dignity Act of 2025.
Among many immigration reforms, the proposal includes changes affecting the EB-3 Other Workers category.
Currently, approximately 10,000 immigrant visas are allocated annually for EB-3 Other Workers, and spouses and children count against that annual limit.
One proposed change would count only the principal worker toward the numerical cap instead of counting each accompanying family member separately. Supporters argue that this could significantly reduce visa backlogs and allow priority dates to advance more quickly.
It is important to note that this proposal has not become law, and applicants should continue planning based on current immigration regulations.
Tips for EB-3 Applicants
- Keep copies of all immigration filings and approvals.
- Track your priority date carefully.
- Review the Visa Bulletin every month.
- Respond quickly to any government requests for evidence.
- Maintain valid immigration status if applying from within the United States.
- Stay informed about legislative developments that could affect employment-based immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the priority date for an EB-3 visa?
The priority date is generally the date your employer files the PERM Labor Certification on your behalf. It determines your place in line for an immigrant visa.
What is the EB-3 Other Workers Final Action Date for August 2026?
The Final Action Date is April 1, 2022.
How long does PERM processing take?
As of July 2026, the Department of Labor was processing PERM applications filed approximately one year earlier, though processing times can vary.
How long does the I-140 take?
Most EB-3 Other Workers I-140 petitions are completed within about six months.
What happens after my priority date becomes current?
If you are in the United States, you may be eligible to file for Adjustment of Status. If you are outside the country, you proceed with immigrant visa processing through a U.S. consulate.
How long does the entire EB-3 process take?
Based on the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, many applicants in the EB-3 Other Workers category can expect an overall timeline of approximately 4.5 years, although individual cases may vary depending on processing times and visa availability.
Final Thoughts
The EB-3 Visa Bulletin for August 2026 shows encouraging improvements in PERM and I-140 processing, but visa availability continues to be the longest part of the journey. With the Final Action Date set at April 1, 2022, applicants whose priority dates fall before that cutoff are approaching the final stages of obtaining permanent residence.
For everyone else, regularly monitoring the Visa Bulletin and understanding how priority dates work remain essential for planning the next steps in the EB-3 immigration process.
Also Read: EB-3 Visa Bulletin Processing Time Updates July 2026
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