To obtain an EB-3 green card, there are three main steps in the process:

Step 1. Obtain an approved Labor Certification (LC )from the Department of Labor. LC processing time is subject to change. You can check the DOL processing times here.

Step 2. Once your LC is approved, obtain an I-140 approval from USCIS. Most I-140 petitions are filed with premium processing, and you should receive the I-140 approval within 15 days of filing unless the government issues a Request For Evidence.

Step 3. Once your priority date is current, file and obtain the I-485 approval (if you are adjusting your status from inside the U.S.) or the immigrant visa (if you are Consular processing from outside the U.S.)

If you are adjusting your status from inside the U.S: USCIS’s processing time for the I-485 can vary. For the latest estimate, please see https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. On average, we are seeing USCIS take approximately 20+ months to process I-485 applications if your priority date remains current for green card issuance. Processing time can take longer if your priority date retrogresses (meaning that the line moves backward).

If you are Consular processing: Consular interview timeframe varies based on the availability at specific consulates. Currently, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most consular posts are operating at a limited capacity. Check out the Department of State’s website for general information on the immigrant visa appointment. Please contact your attorney if you have further questions on the timeline.