7 steps · EB-3 case

EB-3 Process from A to Z

Last updated: Nov 3, 2026 · Compiled by EB-3 Vietnam · Checked against the US Department of Labor (DOL), US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the US Department of State

An EB-3 Other Workers (unskilled) case goes through 7 steps, and each step is handled by a different party: the employer, US government agencies, and you. This page summarizes each step: who does it, roughly how long it takes, what you need to prepare and where you can check for yourself. Every figure comes from an official source, and no one can promise in advance when you will be able to go.

The 7 steps at a glance

StepMain taskWho does itRoughly how long (data from Oct–Nov 2026)
1Find a job, choose a consulting firm, sign a contractYou + the consulting firmUp to you and the consulting firm
2Prevailing wage (PWD) + PERM (ETA-9089)Employer → DOLPWD: DOL is processing requests filed in June 2026 · PERM: 303 days on average
3I-140Employer → USCISAbout 9 months for 80% of cases (USCIS, Nov 2026 – estimate); premium processing 15 business days
4Wait for the Visa BulletinUS Department of State (no one can speed this up)In November 2026, Priority Dates before Jun 1, 2022 are current (about 4 years 5 months behind)
5NVC: fees, DS-260, civil documentsYou (+ support from the consulting firm)TBD – depends on how fast documents are submitted and on NVC
6Medical exam + interview at the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh CityYou + the ConsulateDepends on the Consulate's schedule – TBD
7Enter the US, receive the green card by mail, SSNYou + USCIS + Social Security AdministrationSocial Security card: usually within 14 days after you receive the green card (if requested in your application)

Tip: Steps 2–3 (paperwork) and Step 4 (the visa queue) run in parallel. See Two parallel tracks.

1Find a job & choose a consulting firm, sign a contract

You choose an EB-3 job (a specific position, in a specific city, with a specific US employer) and a consulting firm (agency) to handle your case. The contract is between you and the consulting firm – you do not sign anything with EB-3 Vietnam. EB-3 Vietnam only provides information and referrals and does not take any money from you.

Who does it

You and the consulting firm (agency) you choose.

Roughly how long

Up to you – there is no standard timeline. Take your time to read the contract carefully; don't rush to sign.

What you need to prepare

  • A valid passport, or at least your Vietnamese ID card (CCCD), for the initial paperwork.
  • A list of family members coming with you: legal spouse, unmarried children under 21.
  • Questions for the consulting firm: employer name, work address, wage, whether PERM has been filed, what the total cost includes, when refunds apply.
  • A written contract listing every payment and the refund terms. Get a receipt for every payment.
  • Note: PERM costs (job advertising, the attorney for the PERM part) are paid by the employer under DOL rules – see What is PERM and What EB-3 fees include.

Where to check yourself

2Prevailing wage + PERM (Labor Certification, ETA-9089)

Prevailing Wage (PWD) is the typical wage for that job in that area, determined by the US Department of Labor (DOL) – the employer must pay at least this amount. PERM (also called Labor Certification, form ETA-9089) is the application the employer files with DOL to confirm that they advertised for US workers as required but could not find enough. The date DOL receives the PERM is usually your Priority Date (your “place in line” in the visa queue).

Who does it

The employer (usually through their attorney) files with DOL via the FLAG system. You don't file anything, but you can track it yourself.

Roughly how long

According to flag.dol.gov – Processing Times, viewed Nov 2, 2026:

  • PWD for PERM: as of Sep 30, 2026, DOL is processing requests filed in June 2026 – about 3–4 months behind (EB-3 Vietnam's own estimate based on DOL's table).
  • Recruitment of US workers: follows DOL rules; timing depends on the employer – TBD.
  • PERM – Analyst Review (standard review): as of Oct 21, 2026, DOL is reviewing cases filed in January 2026.
  • PERM – Audit Review (cases asked for more information): reviewing cases filed in December 2025 – an audit means a longer wait.
  • Average Analyst Review time: 303 days (August 2026 data, updated by DOL on Oct 21, 2026).

What you need to prepare

  • Ask the consulting firm: Has PERM been filed? On what date? What is the full case number?
  • Write down the PERM filing date – this is usually your Priority Date.
  • Keep your passport valid and make sure your personal details match your documents (full name, date of birth).
  • Don't pay for the PERM part if anyone asks – it is the employer's cost.

Where to check yourself

3I-140 at USCIS

I-140 is the immigrant worker petition the employer files with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after PERM is certified, to show that the position is real and that they can pay the wage. For unskilled workers, USCIS calls this group EW3 (Other Workers).

Who does it

The employer (or their attorney) files with USCIS.

Roughly how long

  • Regular processing: about 9 months for 80% of cases (USCIS processing-times tool, Nov 2026 – estimate, subject to change). See the latest figure at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times (select Form I-140 → “Workers other than skilled workers and professionals” → Service Center Operations). The figure shown is the time it takes USCIS to complete 80% of cases.
  • Premium Processing (form I-907): USCIS commits to taking action within 15 business days for most I-140 categories, including EW3 (per USCIS – How Do I Request Premium Processing). Available if the employer decides to pay the extra fee.
  • Important: premium processing of the I-140 does not speed up the visa queue in Step 4.

What you need to prepare

  • Ask for the I-140 receipt number: 13 characters, 3 letters + 10 digits, printed on the I-797C notice.
  • Documents showing you meet the job's requirements (if the job has any) – ask the consulting firm.
  • Start gathering civil documents for Step 5 now (birth certificate, marriage certificate…) – no need to wait.

Where to check yourself

4Wait for the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin is the US Department of State's monthly bulletin showing which Priority Dates are current this month. Chart A (Final Action Date) decides when a visa can actually be issued; Chart B (Dates for Filing) lets you prepare and submit documents earlier. People born in Vietnam look at the “All Chargeability Areas” column, “Other Workers” row.

Who does it

The US Department of State publishes it. No employer, consulting firm or anyone else can speed up this step.

Roughly how long

Visa Bulletin for November 2026, EB-3 Other Workers, All Chargeability:

  • Chart A – Final Action Date: Jun 1, 2022.
  • Chart B – Dates for Filing: Jul 1, 2022.
  • This means that in November 2026, people with a Priority Date before Jun 1, 2022 are being processed → the queue is about 4 years 5 months behind the Priority Date. This is “today's” figure, not a promise for cases filed later: dates can move forward, stand still or move back (for example, in October 2026 Chart A retrogressed from Apr 1, 2022 to Jan 1, 2022).

What you need to prepare

  • Know your exact Priority Date (the PERM filing date).
  • Each month, compare your Priority Date with Chart A and Chart B.
  • Use the waiting time to prepare Step 5 documents, learn English and save money.
  • Stay in touch with the consulting firm; tell them right away if your address, email, phone number, marital status or children change.

Where to check yourself

5NVC: fees, DS-260, civil documents

The NVC (National Visa Center) receives your case after the I-140 is approved and collects fees and documents before sending the case to the Consulate. The DS-260 is the online immigrant visa application completed in the CEAC system.

Who does it

You (the consulting firm or an attorney can help); NVC reviews the documents.

Roughly how long

TBD – depends on how quickly you submit complete documents and on NVC's speed. The NVC timeframes page has no new figures for October–November 2026. Note: if you do not respond to NVC within 1 year of being notified that a visa is available, your case may be terminated (per travel.state.gov – NVC Timeframes, INA 203(g)).

What you need to prepare

  • The NVC Welcome Letter with your Case Number and Invoice ID – keep it safe; you use it to log in to CEAC.
  • Employment-based immigrant visa processing fee: US$345 per person (per the official fee schedule on travel.state.gov). Other government fees (medical exam, USCIS Immigrant Fee…) follow the official fee schedules – see travel.state.gov – Fees and USCIS Immigrant Fee.
  • A DS-260 for each person in the case.
  • Civil documents (scan and upload to CEAC; bring originals to the interview):
    • A valid passport (at least 60 days beyond the visa expiration date).
    • A birth certificate for each person, and for all children of the principal applicant (including children not coming along).
    • Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (everyone aged 16 and over) and police certificates from other countries where you have lived.
    • Marriage certificate (if married); divorce or death certificate (if previously married).
    • Vietnamese ID card (CCCD), household registration (if any).
    • Court records (if ever convicted), military records (if you served).
    • Documents not in Vietnamese or English need an English translation certified by the translator.
  • Documents in CEAC must match the originals you bring to the interview – a mismatch means the interview will be refused (per the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City's instructions).

Where to check yourself

6Medical exam + interview at the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City

Applicants from Vietnam have their immigrant visa interview at the US Consulate General, 4 Le Duan, Ho Chi Minh City. The medical exam is required for every applicant of every age, and must be done at a facility designated by the Consulate.

Who does it

You (and each family member coming with you); a consular officer interviews you and decides.

Roughly how long

Depends on the Consulate's schedule – TBD. If your case is placed in “administrative processing”, the Consulate asks you to wait at least 60 days after the interview before asking about its status.

What you need to prepare

Per the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City's instructions on travel.state.gov, updated Dec 22, 2025:

  • Medical exam as soon as you have an interview date, at one of the designated facilities: Cho Ray Hospital – Exit Examination Department (201B Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City); IOM Ho Chi Minh City (1B Pham Ngoc Thach); IOM Hanoi. Exams done elsewhere are not accepted.
  • Bring to the exam: interview letter, DS-260 confirmation page, original passport, exam fee (paid directly to the facility), copy of your vaccination record (if any).
  • The exam includes: medical history, physical exam, chest X-ray, blood and urine tests (age 15 and up), tuberculosis test (age 2 and up).
  • Vaccinations required for immigrant visas; if any are missing, you can get them at the Ho Chi Minh City CDC (957 Ba Thang Hai).
  • If you receive results in a sealed envelope – do not open it.
  • Register your passport delivery address online before the interview and bring the confirmation page.
  • Bring to the interview: Cover Sheet, interview letter + DS-260 confirmation, 2 color photos meeting the requirements (taken within 6 months), passport, CCCD, birth certificate, Judicial Record Certificate No. 2, marriage certificate (if any), the medical exam Information Sheet, and a letter from the US employer dated within 1 month.
  • Do not bring electronic devices, large bags, food or drinks into the Consulate.
  • The Consulate advises: do not sell your house, quit your job or buy plane tickets before you have the visa in hand – no one can guarantee a visa will be issued.

If you are lawfully in the US: instead of interviewing in Vietnam, you may be able to file an I-485 (adjustment of status) with USCIS when the Visa Bulletin allows. This situation needs an attorney to review your specific case.

Where to check yourself

7Enter the US, receive the green card by mail, SSN

Once the visa is placed in your passport, you fly to the US and become a permanent resident when you are admitted. The green card (Permanent Resident Card, form I-551) is mailed to the US address you gave in your application. The SSN (Social Security Number) is the number you need to work, get paid and file taxes.

Who does it

You enter the US; USCIS produces and mails the green card; the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues the SSN card.

Roughly how long

  • You must enter the US before the expiration date on the visa – usually about 6 months from the date the visa is printed; the visa cannot be extended (per the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City).
  • Your medical exam results must be less than 6 months old when you enter the US.
  • Green card delivery time: TBD.
  • SSN: if requested in your application, the card is usually mailed within about 14 days after you receive your green card (per SSA; if it hasn't arrived after 14 days, contact an SSA office).

What you need to prepare

  • Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee (green card production fee) online before you fly – see the amount on uscis.gov.
  • Carry with you (do not check in): passport with visa, the sealed immigrant packet (if any – do not open it), X-ray films, vaccination record.
  • The principal applicant must enter the US before or together with accompanying family members.
  • An accurate US address to receive the green card and SSN card.
  • Bring your children's vaccination records for school enrollment.
  • After getting your green card, do not stay outside the US for more than 1 year – otherwise you may lose permanent resident status.

Where to check yourself

Estimated total time

To be honest: no one can guarantee when you will go. The longest part is waiting for the Visa Bulletin (Step 4) – in November 2026 the EB-3 Other Workers queue is about 4 years 5 months behind the Priority Date, and it can move forward, stand still or move back in any month. The paperwork (PWD, PERM, I-140) runs in parallel with this queue; PERM alone currently takes about 303 days on average at DOL. Once your Priority Date is current, there are still NVC, the medical exam and the interview – depending on the Consulate's schedule. Treat every figure above as “the situation today”, and check again every month on the .gov websites.

⚠️ Warning – signs of an untrustworthy offer

  • Promising a departure date or “green card in X months” – the visa schedule is set by the US Department of State; no one can promise it.
  • “We have connections, you'll go faster”, “buy a priority slot” – no one can buy a place in the visa queue.
  • Taking money without a contract, without receipts, or via transfer to a personal account.
  • Refusing to tell you the employer's name, the PERM case number or the I-140 receipt number so you can check yourself.

Full list: Signs of a trustworthy EB-3 provider

📌 General information, not legal advice for any specific case. Processing times and visa dates may change. EB-3 Vietnam is an independent information & referral site.

Last updated: Nov 3, 2026

Sources

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