The EB-3 Visa Tutorial Series 2025: How to Get a U.S. Green Card by Yourself and Save Thousands
Congratulations! You’ve now reached one of the most critical milestones in your EB-3 Green Card journey — the stage where your approved petition moves into immigration processing for permanent residence.
If you haven’t reviewed the earlier guides, start here for complete context:
- Step 1 – Understand the EB-3 Visa and Who Can Qualify
- Step 2 – Find a Genuine EB-3 Sponsor and Avoid Scams
- Step 3 – Navigate the PERM Labor Certification Process
- Step 4 – File Form I-140 Your Petition for the EB-3 Green Card
After your Form I-140 is approved and your priority date becomes current on the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin, you can begin the residency stage of your EB-3 application.
Depending on your location and visa status, you will follow one of two legally recognized paths:
- Adjustment of Status (AOS) – for applicants lawfully present in the United States.
- Consular Processing (CP) – for applicants applying from outside the U.S. through Form DS-260.
Both routes are authorized under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and corresponding regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 245 and 22 C.F.R. Part 42.
Apply for permanent residency inside the U.S. through Adjustment of Status.
Option 1: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
Eligibility
You must be physically in the United States with lawful non-immigrant status (for example, F-1, H-1B, L-1) and your priority date must be current.
Purpose
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) lets you apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country.
Key Documents
- Form I-485 (primary application)
- I-140 approval notice
- Form I-693 (medical exam by civil surgeon)
- Proof of lawful entry (I-94 record or visa stamp)
- Passport photos and identification
- Birth certificate and police clearance (if required)
- Employment verification letter from your sponsoring employer
You may also file concurrently:
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and
- Form I-131 (Application for Advance Parole) to work and travel legally while your I-485 is pending.
Filing Fees (2025 Estimate)
| Applicant | USCIS Fee (USD) |
| Adult (14 +) | 1,440 |
| Child (< 14) | 950 |
Processing Timeline
Average processing takes 8 to 14 months, depending on the USCIS field office. Biometrics and an in-person interview may be scheduled before final approval.
The DS-260 form is your final step before the EB-3 Green Card interview.
Option 2: Consular Processing (Form DS-260)
Who Should Choose This Route
Applicants residing outside the United States or those not eligible to adjust status domestically.
Process Overview
- National Visa Center (NVC) Case Creation – Once USCIS approves your I-140, your case is sent to the NVC, which assigns a case number and invoice ID.
- Pay Fees and Submit Documents – Pay the immigrant visa and Affidavit of Support fees, then upload civil and financial documents through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
- Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) – Required under 22 C.F.R. § 42.63, the DS-260 collects personal, security, and travel information. Submit it online and print the confirmation page for your embassy appointment.
- Medical Examination – Undergo a medical exam with a panel physician approved by the U.S. Embassy.
- Document Review and Interview Scheduling – The NVC verifies completeness and forwards your case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an interview (covered in Step 6 of this series).
Required Documents
- Passport (valid at least six months beyond entry)
- I-140 approval notice and official job offer letter
- Birth and marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Police certificates from all countries of residence
- Medical exam results (sealed envelope)
- DS-260 confirmation page
Fees and Processing Time
Approx. $345 per applicant. Typical timeline ranges from 6 to 12 months after I-140 approval, depending on embassy workload and case complexity.
After Pre-Approval and Next Steps
- Book your interview at the U.S Embassy. Adjustment applicants receive a biometrics notice and an eventual interview date.
- Consular applicants await their embassy interview notice from the NVC.
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be included as derivative beneficiaries.
Once the interview is completed and approved (covered in Step 6), you will receive either a Green Card or an immigrant visa for entry into the United States.
Common Issues to Watch For
- Expired medical exams
- Missing translations or incorrect documents
- Change of employer before final review (may require Supplement J)
- Administrative processing delays
Meticulous preparation and accurate documentation are the strongest safeguards against these setbacks.
Expert Perspective
“The Adjustment or Consular stage is not a lottery but a compliance review,” explains a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). “Applicants who provide complete records and follow official instructions almost always succeed.”
Conclusion
Step 5 marks the transition from petition approval to Green Card processing. It is your opportunity to compile final evidence and ensure that your case meets all statutory requirements before the interview stage.
Whether you proceed through Form I-485 or Form DS-260, success depends on thorough preparation, legal accuracy, and consistent communication with your sponsor and the relevant U.S. agency.
In Step 6, The Immigration Magazine will guide you through the Green Card Interview Process: what to expect, how to prepare, and how to secure final approval.
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