EB-3 is a big decision that lasts many years and costs money for the whole family. Before signing a contract or transferring money to any provider, check them against the 7 signs below. The more signs a provider meets, the more reason you have to trust them.
Clearly states the employer, position, work location and wage
Gives the sponsor (employer) name, job title, city, hourly wage and hrs/week – in writing. Not just “a restaurant job in the US”.
Gives you case numbers to check yourself
Willing to provide the PERM case number and the I-140 receipt number once filed, so you can check them yourself on official websites: check PERM on flag.dol.gov · check I-140 on USCIS.
Never guarantees a green card or a timeline
No one controls the Visa Bulletin schedule or the decisions of US agencies. USCIS warns: anyone who “guarantees” a faster visa or green card if you pay extra is showing a sign of a scam – only USCIS decides on expedited processing. Read more: Two parallel tracks.
A clear contract on fees and refunds
States clearly which costs are included and which are not, how many installments, and when refunds apply and how much. Under US Department of Labor rules (20 CFR 656.12), PERM costs are paid by the employer – money you pay may not be used for that. See What do EB-3 fees include?
Has a real attorney you can verify
You know the name of the responsible attorney and the state where they are licensed – check on that state's Bar Association (State Bar) website. In the US, according to USCIS, only an attorney or an accredited representative recognized by the US Department of Justice may give legal advice on immigration.
Transparent payments with receipts
Payments go by bank transfer to an account in the exact name of the provider in the contract, with an invoice or receipt. Note: USCIS does not collect fees by phone or email, and does not accept Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, Venmo or gift cards.
Does not keep original documents or pressure you
Does not hold your passport or original documents, does not ask you to sign blank papers or give false information, and does not pressure you with lines like “spots are running out, you must transfer money today”.
🚩 Warning signs
- “Guaranteed approval”, “green card guaranteed after X months”.
- Cannot name the employer, or dodges when you ask for case numbers.
- Collects money without a contract, or the contract has no refund clause.
- Asks you to transfer money to an unknown personal account or pay with gift cards.
- Contacts you by email/phone claiming to be USCIS and demanding money – US government emails always end in .gov.
More checks you can do yourself
- Is the employer on the US Department of Labor's list of employers debarred from the program?
- Has the employer had PERM applications decided before? See the quarterly published PERM data.
Sources: USCIS – Common Scams · USCIS – Legal Services · 20 CFR 656.12 · DOL – Program Debarments.
📌 General information, not legal advice for any specific case. Independent information & referral page.