When people look into EB-3, the first question is usually “how much does it cost?”. Before comparing numbers, know which items make up the total cost, who they are paid to, and who has to pay. This article does not list amounts because government fees change over time and service fees differ from provider to provider – check the current fees on the official websites (links at the end) and ask for a quote in writing.
The main cost items
| Item | Paid to | Who pays / notes |
|---|---|---|
| PERM costs (advertising to recruit US workers, the employer's attorney for the PERM part) | The party preparing the case for the employer | The employer – under US Department of Labor rules (20 CFR 656.12), the worker may not pay this on the employer's behalf or reimburse it. |
| I-140 premium processing fee (optional) | USCIS | Only speeds up the I-140 review; it does not speed up the visa queue. |
| Immigrant visa application fee (once the case reaches NVC) | US Department of State | The applicant – one fee per person, non-refundable. |
| Medical exam and required vaccinations | Clinic designated by the Consulate | The applicant – per person. |
| Personal documents: passport, police certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate, translation | Issuing authorities, translation services | The applicant – per person. |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee (to produce the green card) | USCIS | Paid online after receiving the visa; USCIS recommends paying before you travel – per person. |
| Airfare, initial settling-in costs (housing deposit, transportation, first month's living expenses) | — | Self-paid. See rent for each city in the City guide. |
| Service fees of your support provider / attorney | Per contract | Ask carefully which items above the fee includes and does not include. |
Going with family
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply together. Per-person items (visa fees, medical exams, documents, Immigrant Fee, airfare) multiply by the number of people – costs for dependents are significant, so plan ahead.
7 questions to ask when you receive a quote
- What is the total service fee, how many installments, and at which step is each one due?
- Which items in the table above does the fee include? Which does it not include?
- How are fees for dependents calculated?
- In which cases do you get a refund, how much, and within how long? (stated in the contract)
- Is any money you pay used for the employer's PERM costs? (under the rules, it may not be)
- Who is the attorney responsible for the case? Whom does the attorney represent?
- Who do you pay, by what method, and do you get an invoice/receipt?
Read more: 7 signs of a trustworthy EB-3 provider.
Sources: 20 CFR 656.12 · USCIS – I-140 · travel.state.gov – Fees for Visa Services · USCIS – Immigrant Fee · travel.state.gov – Medical Examination.
📌 General information, not legal advice for any specific case. Independent information & referral page.