<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="immigrant-visas" data-vt-code="EB-3"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/immigrant-visas">Immigrate</a><span>›</span><span>EB-3</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Immigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>PERM</span><span>Annual cap</span><span>Form I-140</span></div> <h1><span>EB-3</span> Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers</h1> <p class="vt-lede">Third-preference green card for skilled workers, professionals with a bachelor’s degree, and other workers, sponsored by a U.S. employer after labor certification.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · Department of Labor · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/eb-3">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">After arrival</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">After you arrive</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Result</dt><dd>Permanent residence (green card)</dd></div><div><dt>Annual numbers</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">28.6%</a> of EB limit; other workers max 10,000</dd></div><div><dt>Petition</dt><dd><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form I-140</a> — $715 paper / $665 online</dd></div><div><dt>Labor certification</dt><dd><a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PERM</a> required (Schedule A exempt)</dd></div><div><dt>Final action date (most countries)</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May 15, 2024</a></dd></div><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15 business days</a></dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Rest-of-world retrogression for FY 2027.</strong> The <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">October 2026 Visa Bulletin</a> notes that some employment-based categories for “Rest of World” retrogressed at the start of FY 2027. EB-3 final action dates: most countries May 15, 2024; Philippines Aug 15, 2023; China Jan 8, 2022; India Jan 1, 2014.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">EB-3 is the third employment-based preference. It has three subgroups: skilled workers (jobs requiring at least 2 years of training or experience), professionals (jobs normally requiring a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent), and other workers (jobs requiring less than 2 years of training or experience).</p> <p class="b">All EB-3 cases need a permanent, full-time job offer and, in most cases, an approved <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PERM labor certification</a> showing no qualified U.S. workers are available. Professional nurses and physical therapists in <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/chapter-V/part-656/subpart-A/section-656.5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Schedule A</a> are pre-certified: the employer files an uncertified Form ETA-9089 directly with USCIS.</p> <p class="b">Congress sets the employment-based preference level at at least 140,000 visas a year; EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 each receive 28.6% of it, and EB-4 and EB-5 each receive 7.1% (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin, October 2026</a>). The per-country limit for FY 2027 is 25,620 preference visas. Of the EB-3 numbers, no more than 10,000 go to other workers, reduced by about 150 in FY 2027 under NACARA.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The worker must fit one subgroup</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Skilled worker: the job requires at least 2 years of training or experience, and the worker meets the stated requirements.</li><li>Professional: the job normally requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, and the worker holds one; experience cannot substitute for the degree.</li><li>Other worker: unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of training or experience.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">The employer must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Offer a permanent, full-time job and obtain an approved <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">labor certification</a> (Form ETA-9089), filed through DOL’s FLAG system after a prevailing wage determination and recruitment.</li><li>File Form I-140 within the 180-day validity of the certification.</li><li>Show a continuing ability to pay the offered wage.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Schedule A (no DOL certification step)</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Professional nurses who have a CGFNS certificate, a permanent, full and unrestricted license in the state of intended employment, or have passed the NCLEX-RN (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/chapter-V/part-656/subpart-A/section-656.5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 CFR 656.5</a>).</li><li>Physical therapists who qualify to take the licensing exam in the state of intended practice.</li><li>The employer files Form I-140 with an uncertified ETA-9089 directly with USCIS.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Green card</th><td>10-year card, renewable</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Conditional period</th><td>None for EB-3</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Labor certification validity</th><td>180 days (<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOL</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Naturalization</th><td>Generally after 5 years as a permanent resident (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Government fees for an EB-3 case, as published on October 1, 2026:</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Form I-140 filing fee</td><td class="amt">$715 paper / $665 online</td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Per <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS Fee Schedule G-1055</a> (edition 10/01/26).</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee (with Form I-140)</td><td class="amt">$600 / $300 / $0</td><td>Petitioner</td><td>$600 regular petitioner; $300 small employer or self-petitioner; $0 nonprofit. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (Form I-907) for Form I-140</td><td class="amt">$2,965</td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Optional; in effect since March 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-485 (adjustment of status, age 14+)</td><td class="amt">$1,440 paper / $1,390 online</td><td>Each applicant</td><td>Applicants under 14 filing with a parent: $950 paper / $900 online. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765 (work permit while I-485 is pending)</td><td class="amt">$260</td><td>Applicant</td><td>Reduced fee applies if Form I-485 was filed with a fee on or after April 1, 2024 and is still pending. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Immigrant visa application processing fee (consular processing)</td><td class="amt">$345</td><td>Each applicant</td><td>For applications based on an approved I-140 or I-526/I-526E petition. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Dept fees</a></td></tr> <tr><td>USCIS Immigrant Fee</td><td class="amt">$235</td><td>Each immigrant visa holder</td><td>Paid after the immigrant visa is issued, to produce the green card. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-1055</a></td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Fees change; confirm on the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS Fee Schedule</a> and the State Department’s <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visa fee page</a> before paying. A biometrics fee is not listed separately for these forms in G-1055.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing (I-140)</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">All EB-3 subgroups (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>)</dd></div><div><dt>Final action — skilled/professional</dt><dd>May 15, 2024</dd><dd class="n">Most countries, October 2026 (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin</a>)</dd></div><div><dt>Final action — other workers</dt><dd>Jan 1, 2022</dd><dd class="n">China: Oct 1, 2019 · India: Jan 1, 2014 (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin</a>)</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">PERM times are published at <a href="https://flag.dol.gov/processingtimes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flag.dol.gov</a>; USCIS times at <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>. For October 2026 USCIS uses the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dates for Filing chart</a> for employment-based I-485 filings (EB-3: most countries August 1, 2024; Philippines January 1, 2024; China April 1, 2024; India January 15, 2015).</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Prevailing wage and recruitment</div><div class="tx">The employer requests a prevailing wage determination from DOL and conducts the required recruitment.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">File the PERM application</div><div class="tx">The employer files <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form ETA-9089</a> through FLAG (skipped for Schedule A jobs).</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">File Form I-140</div><div class="tx">Within 180 days of certification, the employer files Form I-140; premium processing is available.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Wait for the priority date</div><div class="tx">The priority date must be earlier than the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin</a> cutoff USCIS designates for the month.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Adjust status or consular process</div><div class="tx">File Form I-485 in the United States or apply for an immigrant visa abroad.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">Green card</div><div class="tx">After biometrics and any interview, the green card is issued.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the employer</h3><ul><li><span>Approved ETA-9089 (or uncertified ETA-9089 for Schedule A)</span></li><li><span>Job offer and evidence of ability to pay (annual reports, tax returns or audited statements)</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From the worker</h3><ul><li><span>Degree and transcripts (professionals), or experience and training letters (skilled workers)</span></li><li><span>For nurses: CGFNS certificate, state license or NCLEX-RN result</span></li><li><span>Passport and civil documents</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may immigrate as derivatives with the principal’s priority date (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin, para. 3</a>).</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">After you arrive</h2> <p class="b">EB-3 leads directly to permanent residence:</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Receive the green card</div><div class="tx">Consular immigrants pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee after visa issuance.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Naturalize</div><div class="tx">Most permanent residents may apply for citizenship after 5 years (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>).</div></div></div> <p class="b">Since May 21, 2026, <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/PM-602-0199-AdjustmentOfStatusAndDiscretion-20260521.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS policy memo PM-602-0199</a> tells officers to treat adjustment of status as extraordinary, discretionary relief. It recognizes dual-intent nonimmigrant categories (such as H-1B and L-1) as an exception, but states that holding dual-intent status is not by itself enough for a favorable decision. Nationals of countries covered by <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Proclamations 10949 and 10998</a> face a suspension of immigrant visa issuance (with limited exceptions); a separate <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">75-country immigrant visa pause</a> that began January 21, 2026 ended on August 21, 2026 under a court order.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/eb-2"><div class="c">EB-2</div><div class="n">Advanced degree / exceptional ability</div><div class="tx">Higher preference for master’s-level jobs.</div></a><a href="/visa/h-1b"><div class="c">H-1B</div><div class="n">Specialty occupation</div><div class="tx">Common temporary status while an EB-3 case is pending.</div></a><a href="/visa/h-2b"><div class="c">H-2B</div><div class="n">Temporary non-agricultural worker</div><div class="tx">Seasonal work visa; not a green card path itself.</div></a><a href="/visa/tn"><div class="c">TN</div><div class="n">USMCA professional</div><div class="tx">Temporary status for Canadian and Mexican professionals.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Do nurses need PERM?</summary><p>No. Professional nurses who meet <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/chapter-V/part-656/subpart-A/section-656.5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Schedule A</a> (CGFNS certificate, a permanent, full and unrestricted state license or NCLEX-RN pass) are pre-certified; the employer files Form I-140 with an uncertified ETA-9089 directly with USCIS.</p></details><details><summary>What is the difference between skilled and other workers?</summary><p>Skilled jobs require at least 2 years of training or experience; other-worker jobs require less. Other workers share a smaller annual allotment and usually wait longer.</p></details><details><summary>How long is a labor certification valid?</summary><p>180 days from certification; USCIS must receive the I-140 within that window (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>).</p></details><details><summary>Is EB-3 backlogged in October 2026?</summary><p>Yes. Final action dates are May 15, 2024 for most countries, August 15, 2023 for the Philippines, January 8, 2022 for China and January 1, 2014 for India (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visa Bulletin</a>).</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/permanent" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of Labor</strong> · Permanent Labor Certification (PERM)</span><span>dol.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/chapter-V/part-656/subpart-A/section-656.5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 20 CFR 656.5 — Schedule A</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-140" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/01/26)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · How Do I Request Premium Processing?</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2027/visa-bulletin-for-october-2026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Department of State</strong> · Visa Bulletin for October 2026</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>New Form I-485 edition required.</strong> USCIS rejects the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-485 if postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18, 2026; only the 09/18/26 edition is accepted, with no grace period. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-publish-new-edition-of-form-i-485-older-editions-will-be-rejected-starting-sept-18" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>2022 public charge rule rescinded.</strong> A DHS final rule (91 FR 45324) rescinding the 2022 public charge regulations took effect September 18, 2026. It applies to applications for admission made, and adjustment applications postmarked or electronically submitted, on or after that date; USCIS lists employment-based categories among those subject to the public charge ground. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/20/2026-14539/public-charge-ground-of-inadmissibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 24, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Court enjoins USCIS adjudication holds for nationals of 39 countries.</strong> In Red Eagle Law, L.C. v. Edlow (N.D. Cal.), the court enjoined PM-602-0192 and PM-602-0194 for a certified class of citizens or natives of the countries listed in Proclamations 10949 or 10998 (or the Palestinian Authority) and ordered USCIS to adjudicate their applications in the normal course. USCIS says it will follow the order pending further judicial review. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/recent-court-order-on-hold-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 21, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Immigrant visa pause for 75 nationalities ends.</strong> Under the court’s order in CLINIC et al. v. Rubio et al., the January 2026 pause of immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries is no longer in effect as of August 21, 2026. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 5, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Court vacates USCIS benefit-hold memos agency-wide.</strong> In Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS (D.R.I.), the court vacated PM-602-0192, PM-602-0194 and PA 2025-26, which had put on hold benefit requests (including adjustment of status) from nationals of the countries listed in Proclamations 10949 and 10998. Final judgment was entered June 11, 2026, and USCIS says the vacatur applies agency-wide. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/court-order-on-hold-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">May 21, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>PM-602-0199: adjustment of status treated as “extraordinary” discretionary relief.</strong> USCIS policy memo directs officers to weigh that adjustment of status is an act of administrative grace not meant to replace consular processing. It acknowledges exceptions for dual-intent nonimmigrant categories, but says dual-intent status alone does not warrant a favorable exercise of discretion. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/memos/PM-602-0199-AdjustmentOfStatusAndDiscretion-20260521.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Mar 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fee for Form I-140 rises to $2,965.</strong> Final rule published January 12, 2026 (91 FR 1059) adjusted premium processing fees for inflation; the Form I-140 fee rose from $2,805 to $2,965 for requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 21, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Immigrant visa issuance paused for nationals of 75 countries.</strong> The Department of State paused immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries while reviewing public-charge screening. The pause ended August 21, 2026 under a court order. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/immigrant-visa-processing-updates-for-nationalities-at-high-risk-of-public-benefits-usage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 entry restrictions take effect.</strong> Proclamation 10998 (signed December 16, 2025) took effect January 1, 2026, fully suspending visas, including all immigrant visas, for nationals of 19 countries plus Palestinian Authority travel documents, and suspending all immigrant visas for nationals of 20 more countries (for 19 of them, also B, F, M and J visas), subject to listed exceptions. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from listed countries.</strong> Presidential Proclamation 10949 suspended visa issuance, including immigrant visas, for nationals of designated countries; it was later expanded by Proclamation 10998. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/eb-3">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Immigrate", "item": "https://visatypes.com/immigrant-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "EB-3", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/eb-3"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Do nurses need PERM?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. Professional nurses who meet Schedule A (CGFNS certificate, a permanent, full and unrestricted state license or NCLEX-RN pass) are pre-certified; the employer files Form I-140 with an uncertified ETA-9089 directly with USCIS."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between skilled and other workers?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Skilled jobs require at least 2 years of training or experience; other-worker jobs require less. 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