EB-3 Timeline Reality Check in 2025: from PWD to the Green Card
Purpose Give a clear, up-to-date picture of realistic EB-3 timing in 2025, with a scan-friendly glossary and an “expectations vs reality” table.
Timelines depend on DOL PWD/PERM loads, audit risk, USCIS center, the Visa Bulletin, and consular slot supply.
Key terms
- PWD (ETA-9141) — Prevailing Wage Determination for the role/location.
- PERM (ETA-9089) — DOL labor certification based on recruitment evidence.
- Recruitment — mandatory ads and steps prior to PERM filing.
- I-140 — employer petition (Premium Processing available).
- Consular Processing — DS-260/NVC/interview at a consulate.
- AOS (I-485) — Adjustment of Status if eligible in the U.S.
- Priority Date — usually PERM filing date; governs queue.
- NVC DQ — “Documentarily Qualified”, ready for interview slotting.
Expectations vs. Reality (2025)
Stage
Expectation
Reality
PWD
1–3 mo
Often several months; verify FLAG times.
Recruitment
4–8 wks
~60+ days incl. publications and HR/legal review.
PERM
6–8 mo
Longer with volume/audit; keep an audit-ready file.
I-140
2–6 mo
Premium ≈15 business days; regular varies.
NVC → Interview
1–3 mo
Weeks to months by post and DQ queue.
AOS (I-485)
8–12 mo
Field-office dependent; EAD/AP earlier.
EB-3 Personal Time Estimator
Parameters
Conservative estimate:
—
months end-to-end
—
to I-140 filing
—
post I-140 to visa/card
Visa Bulletin: Current.
Stage breakdown
Stage
Months
Share, %
PWD
—
—
Recruitment
—
—
PERM (+Audit)
—
—
I-140
—
—
NVC/CP
—
—
Buffer
—
—
Document Checklist (employer & applicant) and FAQ
Employer documents (pre-PERM)
Document
Comment
Job description
Duties, requirements, worksite, schedule, wage (≥ PWD).
Recruitment file
Ad proofs, resumes, interview logs, lawful rejection reasons; timing observed.
Corporate evidence
FEIN & financials for Ability to Pay (I-140).
Applicant documents (CP → DS-260/NVC)
Common bottlenecks (2025)
- PWD: OEWS updates & NPWC load — check FLAG times.
- PERM audits: keep recruitment audit-ready.
- Visa Bulletin: month-to-month CP/AOS eligibility.
- NVC DQ/interview: varies by post and slot supply.
FAQ
Does I-140 Premium speed up everything?
No — only the I-140 decision (~15 business days). Other queues remain.
When is AOS filing allowed?
When USCIS says which Visa Bulletin chart to use and your PD fits it.
If EB-3 isn’t Current?
CP: DQ can happen, but interview waits for visa numbers. AOS: follows USCIS guidance.
Primary sources (.gov) with brief explanations
- Visa Bulletin — U.S. Department of State
Monthly Final Action/Dates for Filing that govern CP/AOS movement. - USCIS: What Visa Bulletin Chart to Use
USCIS monthly instruction for AOS chart usage. - USCIS Form I-140
Petition overview, categories, instructions, and fees. - USCIS Premium Processing
Official rules/timelines (~15 business days where available). - NVC Timeframes & DQ
Current NVC case review windows and DQ meaning. - DOL OFLC Processing Times / FLAG
Official PWD/PERM timing and OEWS announcements. - 20 CFR Part 656 — PERM regulations
Recruitment, documentation, and filing requirements.
All links point to official .gov resources.
