Introduction
The confusing processes and costs of the U.S. immigration system can be very burdensome for any person or family. In order for individuals and families to make informed and successful decisions, understanding the cost of processing for the EB-3 visa, and leading to permanent residency in the U.S. for example, is very important. Here is a complete list of costs for the EB-3 visa, as well as the factors that affect the costs of each:
- Application Fees
- Legal Fees
- Medical Examination Costs
- Document Preparation Fees
- Travel Expenses
By learning about the key cost factors, you will be better prepared for all of the costs involved in obtaining the EB-3 visa for your own success.
Define the EB-3 Visa and Its Importance
Work permits for foreign nationals can grant permission for them to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. Many foreign nationals have jobs in the U.S. and have been granted work permits based on employment that currently exists within the U.S. Until the foreign national reaches the age of 65 years old, he or she can continue to reside in the U.S. and work in the U.S. as an employee of a U.S. corporation, for example, in lieu of going through the long waits for other immigrant classifications which are often “fallen down” because of numerical limits and thus would not grant permits to all qualified applicants. Employment based immigrant permits allow foreign nationals with a job in the U.S. to work in the U.S. until the foreign national reaches the age of 65 years old. For holders of employment based immigrant permits, they can apply for and obtain a Green Card and thus become a permanent resident of the U.S. within a few years.
Recent Changes to Work Permits for Foreign Nationals:
Recently there have been significant changes to the laws regarding work permits for foreign nationals to work in U.S. corporations permanently as employees. These changes have been very positive for applicants in the Employment-Based Third Preference Category (for example: the backlogged applicants from India).
Recently a new pilot program was created for faster B-1/B-2 visa interviews in Mexico. This program will cause an upsurge in EB-2 applications. There are also other changes currently that are affecting the environment such as Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status recently being terminated as of July 24, 2026.
There are recent examples of how the EB-3 immigrant permits have created new opportunities for work and residency for employees of U.S. corporations. Recently there were a number of Case Studies that described in some detail how recent changes in the Bulletin had caused U.S. employers to facilitate the Adjustment of Status applications for their foreign national employees in order to ensure that their foreign national employees were able to process their applications for permanent residency in a timely manner and thus hasten their way to achieving their goal of permanent residency in the U.S. by way of the EB-3 immigrant permit process.
Now you have the opportunity to have someone assist you through these changes in hopes of having a brighter future in the U.S.
Break Down EB-3 Visa Costs and Fees
The cost for the EB3 visa can seem to add to your long list of things that you need to consider. These costs will play a big part in the life of you and your future family. We have included all of the typical costs associated with the EB3 visa and the EB3 visa processing.
- Filing Fee for Form I-140: $715 (Paid by Employer as part of the PERM process for labor certification).
- Premium Processing Fee: Optional fee of $2,805. If you wish to have your application processed on an expedited basis, this fee can be paid to enable the processing of your application to be completed in a shorter time frame.
- Form I-485 Adjustment of Status Fee: Approximately $1,140. Foreign nationals with Green Card holding relatives can process their Green Cards through these relatives while residing in the U.S. in immigration status.
- Immigrant Fee: This fee is paid by the visa holder after arrival in the US. The fee is required by the US Government to process the permanent resident (green card) card for the newly arrived immigrant and it currently costs about $235.
- Legal Fees of lawyers: In addition to document preparation services (I-140) for 30-60% less than typical attorney fees and services for I-485 processing, application for EB3 visa may require additional legal services and increased legal fees for some cases (up to $15,000 or more for complex cases). Typically though, these additional legal fees and services would be paid by the applicants’ employers as part of the costs of the applicants’ employment.
- Additional Expenses: Such costs include fees charged for preparing labor certification for labor (PERM process), medical examination fees (ranging from $200 to $500 per applicant) and travel expenses by the applicant and his/her family members for consular processing. These expenses can be in the several thousands of dollars, but are typically the responsibility of the applicant’s employer in the context of the PERM process.
Knowing what you will have to pay for will help to make your transition to your new home as smooth as possible.
Identify Factors Affecting EB-3 Visa Costs
Immigration Costs to Get an EB-3 Visa for Employment-Based, Third Preference of Immigration to United States through EB-3 Visa. Note that costs for EB-3 Immigration will vary depending on factors for employment-based immigration to United States as discussed below.
- Type of Employment: It will depend on the nature of your employment. Typically, the more skilled your employment, the more documentation will be required in support of your application for EB3 visa. As a result, costs for the required documentation (such as medical examinations, translations etc) to apply for EB3 visa and complete the process could increase depending on your job.
- Employer Sponsorship: How you process your EB-3 Visa can affect your application and processing of your Employment-Based Third Preference, EB-3 Visa if your Employer is sponsoring your application. First of all, if your Employer is sponsoring your EB-3 Visa, then there are some expenses that you will incur as part of the Employment-Based Third Preference Visa application process. Usually, however, these expenses are borne by your Employer in anticipation of your hiring for your job. Either way, these costs are incurred on your behalf in preparation for the processing of your EB-3 Application. Conversely, however, if you are funding your application, in other words you are paying for the processing of your application, then this can be a costly venture because the costs can be quite high to process each EB-3 Visa Application. This means, as part of your financial planning, that before you embark on this application process that you factor in all the above expenses as they can add up fast and the last thing that you will want to happen, especially after you have submitted your application for Employment-Based Third Preference, EB-3 Visa, is for it to be denied due to financial reasons as a result of high cost of the required documentation, i.e., for medical examinations, for required translations, for application supporting documentation etc, that you have not considered carefully as part of your financial planning to ensure your ability to cover.
- Legal Representation: A very expensive component of preparing and submitting an application for EB3 immigration to the United States. The fees charged by attorneys for immigration services vary based on several factors including how much experience an attorney has with issues related to your case and the amount of time an attorney believes your case will require. At Urizar Law we offer all of our immigration services on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that we do not charge any fees until we successfully complete your application for EB3 immigration and you receive approval for your EB3 visa. For this reason, all of the many different immigration services that we provide, including assistance with the cost of EB3 visa are affordable for immigration applicants with limited financial resources. Additionally, we provide flexible payment plans for all of the immigration services that we provide, including assistance with the cost of EB3 visa. We believe that the payment plans provided by Urizar Law immigration law offices are sufficient to enable all immigration applicants, regardless of the amount of financial resources available to them, to pursue their goals of immigration to the United States while paying for legal services for EB3 immigration in manageable installments.
- Processing Method: Consular processing or adjustment of status: Although same cost of EB3 visa, different expenses: For example, travel expenses for consular processing appointments at U.S. consulates in applicants’ home countries, etc.
- Location: Typically, an applicant will be applying for the EB3 visa through the consular processing route in their home country or through adjustment of status in the U.S. Some U.S. consulates charge more for application fees than others. In addition, processing time can vary. As a result, it is wise to factor in costs for required documentation, including for example, a medical examination, translation of required documents, etc. For example, in order to qualify for the EB3 visa, foreign nationals must have completed required education and have specialized knowledge in a particular field. Depending on the country, the required documents may need to be certified. The process for obtaining certification can vary from country to country and can often be time-consuming and costly. It’s also important to note that the above costs for required documentation, for example for medical examinations, required translations, etc for approval of EB3 visa, can increase with the above elements.
By understanding the various costs and factors involved in obtaining your EB-3 Visa for immigration to the United States, you can better prepare yourself for the process ahead. Immigration lawyer Ana Gabriela Urizar hopes that you will find the above information useful and focus on the positive aspects of immigration via the EB-3 Visa. Hundreds of thousands of approved employment-based, third preference petitions for Green Cards are currently waiting for numbers, which are being processed by the State Department. However, the great majority of these approved petitions are currently in the approved-and-waiting-for-numbers status, and therefore are not being issued at this time.
Provide Tips for Reducing EB-3 Visa Costs
We explain the different ways in which you can pay for your EB3 visa application. Yes, it is very expensive but you can pay for it step by step.
- Shop Around for Legal Services: While legal services can be rather expensive, remember that you’re hiring an attorney. You need to find the right attorney for the work that you will need done and that can cost a great deal of money.
Premium processing: This will cost even more for the EB3 visa. It is important to find out whether you actually need it for the EB3 visa and whether it is worth it for you to pay for the expedited processing fee for the premium processing for the EB3 visa.
Be sure to negotiate with your employer to cover some of the costs related to your EB3 visa for permanent residency to live and work in the US such as processing of EB3 visa for permanent residency. - Make sure all necessary documents are in check: So that you can be certain to avoid any potential roadblocks during your process.
- Free Resources to Help Plan EB-3 Visa Application: Additional free events sponsored by immigration organizations that can help plan an EB-3 Visa application for permanent residency in the US without obligation or charges.
Note also that the cost of the required medical exam for EB3 applicants as well as travel costs to and from the required site(s) for the EB3 visa for permanent residency need to be included in your overall costs and paid for in advance.
You can afford EB3 Visa for permanent residency in US by paying for it step by step using the strategies outlined above. You will be able to save for it and then focus on moving to the US to live there for good.
Conclusion
Lost in the EB-3 Visa Process? We at Vasquez Law Firm help families around the world through the complex EB-3 process to obtain job-based residency in the US. Our goal is to explain costs of process as well as the process itself.
In order to determine the cost of an EB-3 visa to the US, there are several factors that can affect the filing fees and legal costs of obtaining a job-based residency in the U.S. including the costs that are charged by lawyers in order to assist with an EB-3 application and how much it will cost in order to secure the necessary sponsorship from an employer. In this article, Vasquez Law Firm provides information on the factors that can determine the cost of an EB-3 visa to the US, and also gives you information and advice in order to keep costs down and avoid mistakes when applying for an EB-3 visa.
While securing an EB-3 visa can be expensive, it is definitely worth it for families seeking a fresh start. We at Vasquez Law Firm will be happy to assist you throughout the process of applying for a job-based residency in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 Visa is an employment-based immigrant permit that allows foreign nationals with a job in the U.S. to live and work in the country indefinitely. It enables holders to apply for a Green Card and become permanent residents.
Why is the EB-3 Visa important?
The EB-3 Visa is important because it provides a pathway for foreign nationals to work in the U.S. without the long waits associated with other immigrant classifications. It allows them to remain in the U.S. until they reach the age of 65 and facilitates their transition to permanent residency.
What recent changes have occurred regarding work permits for foreign nationals?
Recent changes have positively impacted applicants in the Employment-Based Third Preference Category, including a new pilot program for faster B-1/B-2 visa interviews in Mexico, which is expected to increase EB-2 applications. Additionally, changes in the Bulletin have encouraged U.S. employers to expedite Adjustment of Status applications for their foreign national employees.
How have recent changes affected the EB-3 immigrant permits?
Recent changes have created new opportunities for work and residency for employees of U.S. corporations. U.S. employers are now more actively facilitating the Adjustment of Status applications for their foreign national employees, helping them achieve permanent residency more quickly.
What assistance is available for those navigating the EB-3 Visa process?
Individuals seeking assistance with the EB-3 Visa process can find support to help them navigate the recent changes and work towards a brighter future in the U.S.
List of Sources
- Define the EB-3 Visa and Its Importance
- United States | August 2026 Visa Bulletin: China EB-3 advances, India EB-2 remains unavailable (https://bal.com/immigration-news/united-states-august-2026-visa-bulletin-china-eb-3-advances-india-eb-2-remains-unavailable)
- BIG RELIEF FOR INDIANS: EB-2 AND EB-3 DATES MOVE FORWARD SIGNIFICANTLY IN APRIL 2026 VISA BULLETIN - Reddy Neumann Brown PC (https://rnlawgroup.com/big-relief-for-indians-eb-2-and-eb-3-dates-move-forward-significantly-in-april-2026-visa-bulletin)
- April-June 2026 Visa Bulletin Shifts Impact Employers Update (https://clarkhill.com/news-events/news/april-june-2026-visa-bulletin-eb2-eb3-uscis-update)
- Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3 | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3)
- EB-3 Visa | U.S. Green Card For (Un)Skilled Workers (https://visum-usa.com/en/us-green-card/eb-3-green-card.html)
- Break Down EB-3 Visa Costs and Fees
- USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increases Effective March 1, 2026: What Employers, Employees, Students, and Immigration Practitioners Need to Know (https://myattorneyusa.com/immigration-news/uscis-premium-processing-fee-increases-effective-march-1-2026-what-employers-employees-students-and-immigration-practitioners-need-to-know)
- EB-3 Visa USA 2026: Process, Costs & Wait Times Explained (https://nnuimmigration.com/eb-3-visa-usa-2026-process-costs-wait-times-explained)
- Green card update: changes happening to applications in August (https://newsweek.com/green-card-update-changes-applications-august-12252999)
- EB-3 Visa Cost in 2026: Complete Breakdown for Applicants - EB-3 Visa Green Card Jobs (https://eb3.work/eb3-visa-cost-breakdown)
- EB-3 Costs 2026: Complete Breakdown for Worker & Employer · MBO Immigration (https://thegreencardprep.com/en/resources/eb3-costs-2026-complete-breakdown)
- Identify Factors Affecting EB-3 Visa Costs
- February 2026 Visa Bulletin: A Valentine To EB-3 | News & Events | Clark Hill PLC (https://clarkhill.com/news-events/news/february-2026-visa-bulletin-a-valentine-to-eb-3)
- EB-3 Green Card Statistics in 2026: Caps and Backlogs (https://manifestlaw.com/blog/eb3-visa-statistics)
- USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increases Effective March 1, 2026: What Employers, Employees, Students, and Immigration Practitioners Need to Know (https://myattorneyusa.com/immigration-news/uscis-premium-processing-fee-increases-effective-march-1-2026-what-employers-employees-students-and-immigration-practitioners-need-to-know)
- Provide Tips for Reducing EB-3 Visa Costs
- USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increases Effective March 1, 2026: What Employers, Employees, Students, and Immigration Practitioners Need to Know (https://myattorneyusa.com/immigration-news/uscis-premium-processing-fee-increases-effective-march-1-2026-what-employers-employees-students-and-immigration-practitioners-need-to-know)
- EB-3 Green Card Statistics in 2026: Caps and Backlogs (https://manifestlaw.com/blog/eb3-visa-statistics)
- EB-3 Visa: Requirements, Process, Costs & Timelines (https://manifestlaw.com/blog/eb3-visa)
