The EB-3 visa remains one of the most popular pathways for foreign workers seeking permanent employment opportunities in the United States. However, lengthy backlogs and visa quotas have caused many applicants and employers to face years of waiting before reaching the final stage of the process.
Recent developments have brought encouraging news. Processing speeds have improved, support for immigration reform continues to grow, and new legislation could significantly reduce waiting times. This update covers the latest changes surrounding the EB-3 visa, the proposed Dignity Act, and the current PERM processing time trends.
Understanding the Current EB-3 Visa Timeline
The EB-3 visa category allows employers in the United States to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence. The process generally involves several stages:
- PERM labor certification
- Form I-140 Immigrant Petition
- Visa Bulletin waiting period
- Adjustment of Status or consular processing
At present, total EB-3 processing often exceeds four years. The longest delays are typically caused by visa backlogs and priority date waiting periods rather than individual case processing.
While some parts of the process have become faster, the visa bulletin remains one of the biggest obstacles.
Why the Dignity Act Matters
One of the most discussed immigration reform proposals is the Dignity Act. If enacted, the legislation could dramatically improve EB-3 visa processing times.
Currently, every family member accompanying the principal applicant uses a visa number from the annual quota for the EB-3 Other Workers category. This means a spouse and children each count separately against the available visas.
Under the proposed Dignity Act:
- Entire families would count as one visa unit.
- More visas would effectively become available.
- Backlogs could be reduced substantially.
- Overall waiting periods could potentially fall from four years to around two years.
This change alone could significantly transform the EB-3 system and provide faster access to permanent residence.
Growing Support for the Dignity Act
Support for the legislation has expanded across industries and organizations.
Advocates have encouraged applicants and employers to contact:
- Members of Congress
- Senators
- Representatives
- The White House
Several major organizations have also voiced support, including:
National Restaurant Association
The National Restaurant Association has endorsed the Dignity Act. Since the hospitality industry relies heavily on immigrant workers, its backing adds substantial influence in Washington.
Scientific Community Support
The Grow Coalition, representing many leading scientists and researchers, has also expressed support for the legislation.
The growing bipartisan and industry-wide support increases the visibility of the bill and raises hopes for future immigration reforms.
PERM Processing Time Continues to Improve
One of the most encouraging developments is the improvement in PERM processing time.
Just a few months ago, many applicants faced waits of 16 to 17 months before receiving PERM approvals. More recently, approvals have accelerated considerably.
Current estimates indicate that the average PERM processing time is now approximately 11 months.
This marks a significant improvement and suggests that the Department of Labor has made progress in reducing delays.
Recent PERM Approvals Show Positive Trends
Recent approvals demonstrate that the system is moving faster.
Cases filed in April 2025 have been receiving approvals, and some petitions filed in May 2025 have already started getting processed.
These developments indicate that the current PERM processing time has shortened considerably compared to earlier periods.
Although individual cases may vary, the trend points in the right direction.
USCIS I-140 Processing Times Are Also Improving
The second stage of the EB-3 process involves filing Form I-140 with USCIS.
Current processing times for I-140 petitions range between:
- 7 months
- 12 months
Not long ago, many I-140 cases required approximately 13 months to complete, so recent improvements are encouraging.
Applicants who need faster decisions can also take advantage of premium processing, which provides expedited adjudication for an additional fee.
These improvements complement the shorter PERM processing time seen during the past several months.
The Visa Bulletin Remains the Biggest Challenge
Despite improvements in PERM and I-140 processing, the Visa Bulletin continues to create long waits.
The Visa Bulletin uses the applicant’s priority date, which corresponds to the date the PERM application was filed.
Applicants whose priority dates fall before the current cutoff date can move to the final stage, which includes:
- Adjustment of Status within the United States
- Consular interviews at U.S. embassies abroad
At present, many applicants with priority dates before February 1, 2022, are actively entering the final stage.
Because of these backlogs, total EB-3 timelines still often exceed 48 months.
Additional delays may occur during:
- Embassy processing
- Adjustment of Status applications
- Background checks
- Administrative reviews
How the Dignity Act Could Reduce Waiting Times
The Dignity Act directly addresses visa availability, which is one of the largest contributors to lengthy processing periods.
If enacted, the bill could potentially:
- Move priority dates forward faster.
- Reduce visa bulletin backlogs.
- Shorten total processing times.
- Allow more recent applicants to proceed sooner.
Some observers believe that priority dates could advance significantly, potentially reaching cases filed in 2024 or beyond.
Although nothing is guaranteed until legislation becomes law, the proposal represents one of the most substantial reforms under discussion.
Current Estimated EB-3 Timeline
Here is a rough estimate of current processing:
PERM Labor Certification
Approximately 11 months.
I-140 Petition
Around 7 to 12 months.
Visa Bulletin Waiting Period
Often the longest stage, depending on country of chargeability and category.
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Usually 6 to 12 months.
Overall, many applicants still experience total timelines of four years or longer.
However, the improving PERM processing time and faster I-140 approvals suggest positive momentum.
New PERM Premium Processing Bill Expected
Another proposal generating excitement is the PERM Backlog Reduction Act.
Congressman Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin is expected to introduce legislation that would establish premium processing for PERM applications.
The concept mirrors USCIS premium processing programs that have already proven successful.
Under the proposal:
- Employers could pay an additional fee.
- PERM applications could potentially receive decisions within 30 days.
- Expedited cases would leave the regular queue.
- Standard cases could become faster as overall workloads decrease.
This approach may benefit both employers seeking urgent labor certifications and applicants waiting in the traditional line.
If approved, it could dramatically improve future PERM processing time estimates.
What Applicants Should Watch Going Forward
Several trends are worth monitoring:
- Progress of the Dignity Act in Congress.
- Introduction of the PERM Backlog Reduction Act.
- Monthly Department of Labor updates.
- USCIS processing speed improvements.
- Visa Bulletin movement.
Current indicators suggest that immigration agencies are making progress, and legislative proposals could bring even larger improvements in the future.
Conclusion
While total EB-3 visa timelines remain lengthy, recent developments provide reasons for optimism. The average PERM processing time has improved significantly, USCIS I-140 approvals are moving faster, and support for immigration reform continues to grow.
The Dignity Act could potentially cut overall waiting periods in half by changing how family members are counted toward visa quotas. Meanwhile, the proposed PERM Backlog Reduction Act could introduce premium processing and further reduce delays.
Although backlogs remain a challenge, current trends indicate that the system is moving in a positive direction.
How To Check Your EB-3 Visa Processing Progress
Follow these steps to estimate where your case stands:
Step 1: Find Your PERM Filing Date
Your priority date is usually the date your PERM application was filed.
Step 2: Check Current PERM Processing Time
Review Department of Labor updates to see which filing months are currently being processed.
Step 3: Track Your I-140 Petition
After PERM approval, monitor USCIS processing times for Form I-140.
Step 4: Review the Visa Bulletin
Compare your priority date with the current cutoff dates to determine when you may proceed.
Step 5: Prepare for the Final Stage
Once your priority date becomes current, you can begin Adjustment of Status or consular processing.
FAQ
What is the current PERM processing time?
Recent trends indicate the average PERM processing time is approximately 11 months, down from 16 to 17 months seen earlier.
What is the Dignity Act?
The Dignity Act is proposed legislation designed to reduce immigration backlogs and speed up EB-3 visa processing by counting entire families as one visa unit.
How long does the full EB-3 process take?
Many applicants currently experience total processing times exceeding four years, depending on visa bulletin backlogs and individual circumstances.
Can I speed up my I-140 petition?
Yes. USCIS offers premium processing for Form I-140 for an additional fee.
What is the PERM Backlog Reduction Act?
It is a proposed bill that would introduce premium processing for PERM labor certifications, potentially allowing approvals within 30 days.
Why is the Visa Bulletin so important?
The Visa Bulletin determines when applicants can move to the final stage of the EB-3 process based on their priority date.
Could processing times improve in the future?
Yes. Faster agency processing and proposed legislation such as the Dignity Act and the PERM Backlog Reduction Act could significantly reduce overall waiting periods.
Also Read: EB-3 Applicant Interview – Tu from Vietnam
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