How Much Does the EB-3 Visa Cost?

The EB-3 visa provides a pathway to permanent U.S. residency, making it one of the most popular ways of immigrating to the country.

But how much does the EB-3 visa cost? Understanding the full range of costs involved is crucial before you apply.

This article is part of our complete guide to the EB-3 visa. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about EB-3 visa costs. We will also look at the payment structure and additional fees so you can plan ahead.

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An Overview of the EB-3 Visa

The EB-3 is a popular employment-based visa. The third-preference immigrant visa allows qualifying workers to secure a U.S. Green Card.

The three types of workers who qualify for the EB-3 are:

  1. Skilled workers
  2. Professionals
  3. Unskilled workers

As a Green Card holder, you will become a permanent resident and have the right to live and work in the United States.

What Are the EB-3 Visa Requirements?

The requirements for the EB-3 are less strict than other U.S. visa types. However, there are some key criteria to be aware of before you apply.

An employer must sponsor your EB-3 visa application, so a job offer is crucial. You must also meet some additional requirements and provide certain documents to qualify.

Related article: what are the EB-3 visa requirements?

How Much Does the EB-3 Visa Cost?

Unlike the EB5-visa, which requires an investment of at least $800,000, the cost of the EB-3 visa is more affordable. Like the EB-5, both visa types allow you to live and work in the U.S. permanently.

The total cost for the primary applicant for the EB-3(C) unskilled worker visa is $45,000. This covers everything, including EB-3 visa processing costs, filing fees and immigration attorney fees.

You can also include family members such as a spouse and children under 21 on your application. An extra fee of $3,000 applies for each dependent you add. For instance, including a spouse and two unmarried children would bring the total amount to $54,000.

Be aware that the cost of an EB-3 visa varies depending on your circumstances.

EB-3 Visa Cost Breakdown

The total cost of the EB-3 visa consists of multiple fees. Some of these include:

EB-3 Visa Application Fees

Application fees are one of the first costs you will encounter in the process. These are costs associated with filing forms with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These are sometimes called government fees and can include:

  1. Form I-140 Immigrant Petition
  2. Form I-485 Adjustment of Status (if applying from within the U.S.)
  3. Form DS-260
  4. Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
  5. Medical Exam

Immigration Attorney Fees

While hiring an attorney isn’t mandatory, it is strongly advised. Legal guidance can reduce the risk of errors and delays. Fees can vary, and the role of an immigration attorney often include

  1. Filing essential documents
  2. Proving expert legal advice throughout the process
  3. Work with your employer to ensure they comply with USCIS standards and rules

Agency Costs

An EB-3 visa agency will often oversee the entire process and provide crucial support and advice. Their role includes:

  1. Preparing documents and paperwork
  2. Providing expert support and guidance throughout the process
  3. Connecting you with an employer to sponsor your application

Working with an EB-3 consultant gives you a higher chance of approval. You will also have access to vital resources.

Related article: to find an EB-3 consultant.

Additional EB-3 Costs

In addition to the main cost of the EB-3, there are additional expenses to consider.

Below is an overview of additional costs when applying for an EB-3 Green Card:

Premium processing

The processing time for the EB-3 Visa varies depending on the country of residence and other factors. In general, the average processing time is about 24 months to 36 months. However, there is a possibility of becoming a U.S. Green Card holder much sooner.

EB-3 premium processing is an additional service provided by USCIS. A premium processing fee of $4,500 per application can speed up the process.

Related article: EB-3 visa process explained.

Housing

If your EB-3 application is successful, you will be moving to the United States, meaning you must find somewhere to live.

Housing costs will depend on several factors, such as if you choose to rent or buy. Location is another factor that can have an impact on price.

According todata collected by Forbes, the median monthly cost of rent in New York City is $3,573. Meanwhile, the median monthly rental costs in Omaha, Nebraska, are $1,384.

Remember, the above costs will depend on your circumstances and are subject to change. Speak to one of our EB-3 experts for tailored information on costs.

Related article: to find an EB-3 visa consultant.

Travel costs

You and any dependents must travel to the U.S. for your Green Card.

You will need to pay for your transportation costs. The total amount will vary depending on where you live, when and where you fly and the number of applicants.

EB-3 Visa Costs for Different Applicant Types

The three job subcategories for the EB-3 visa are:

  1. EB-3A: for skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience
  2. EB-3B: professionals with a bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent
  3. EB-3C: unskilled workers undertaking jobs that require less than two years of training or experience

The core costs are similar across all subcategories. However, specific EB-3 visa jobs may require additional documents or paperwork, adding to the overall cost.

Related article: the EB-3 visa job categories.

EB-3 Green Card Payment Options

You can spread the cost of an EB-3 visa and pay in three instalments over 1-2 years. The three deposits are made at the time of application, around 5-7 months in and then after 12-14 months.

Below is a breakdown of the instalments for the EB-3 Visa:

  1. You make the first instalment of $20,000. You make this payment at the start of the visa application process to cover expenses related to professional fees.
  2. You pay the second instalment of $15,000 5-7 months into the process. This covers the costs of filing the Green Card petition and government fees. This instalment will increase if you include dependents or premium processing in your application.
  3. You pay a third and final instalment of $10,000 around the 12th month of the process. The final payment covers the preparation cost for a consular interview and final visa fees.

Summary

Understanding the total cost of the EB-3 is essential before applying. Doing so can help you plan and budget with confidence

Summary of key points:

  1. The cost of the EB-3 visa is $45,000 for a single applican
  2. You pay an additional $3,000 per family member included in your application
  3. Premium processing is available for an additional fee of $4,500

To learn more about the EB-3 visa fees and costs, speak to one of our specialists.

Holborn Pass is a leader in investor visas. We work with a global client base, providing expert guidance and a bespoke, end-to-end service

As a Holborn client, you will benefit from personalised support when needed. Our international presence means you have 24/7 access to our award-winning support team.

Start your EB-3 journey today with Holborn. Speak to one of our experts to learn how we can help you.

Frequently asked questions

You can divide the cost of the EB-3 visa into three instalments over 1-2 years. You make your first payment of $20,000 when you start your application. You pay the second instalment of $15,000 5-7 months into the process and the final instalment of $10,000 around month 12.

The total cost of the EB-3 visa can vary depending on how many people you include on your application. The cost for the main applicant is $45,000 plus $3,000 for each dependent. This amount covers the EB-3 application fees, government fees and legal costs.

Beyond the base fee, applicants should account for additional costs. For example, you can pay a premium processing fee of $4,500 to speed up the application process. Other costs may include housing in the U.S. and travel costs for the Green Card interview.

You can include family members in your application, such as a spouse and dependent children under 21. The cost for each additional dependent is $3,000.

Holborn offers a refund policy that guarantees a full refund minus administrative or legal fees. We guarantee that you receive at least 50% of your total payment back, regardless of your stage in the process. Additionally, we offer the option to refile where relevant, which is included in the cost.

The employer is responsible for paying fees to secure a PERM labor certification. However, as the applicant, you are responsible for most of the costs. These include form filing fees and legal costs.

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