EB-3 Visa Cost Calculator 2025
EB-3 visa costs in 2025: mandatory USCIS fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a EB-3 visa in 2025? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — USCIS filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory USCIS fees for the EB-3
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a EB-3 application in 2025.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | $715 | — | Official ↗ |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 | $300 for employers with ≤25 full-time employees; $0 for nonprofits. Paid by the petitioning employer. | Official ↗ |
| PERM Labor Certification | $0 | No DOL filing fee; employer pays recruitment and attorney costs. | Official ↗ |
| Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260) | $325 | Consular processing only. | Official ↗ |
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
$2,000 – $5,000 in Average (US). Typical cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
Premium processing
Premium Processing (Form I-907): $2,965
Medical exam
$200 – $500 — Civil surgeon exam (I-693) varies by physician and city.
Translation services
$50 – $250 — Certified translations of birth/marriage certificates.
How to apply for the EB-3
- 1
PERM: wage determination and recruitment
Same DOL process as EB-2 (wage determination ~4–8 months; recruitment 2–3 months).
- 2
File ETA-9089
DOL adjudication of the labor certification currently runs roughly 16–17 months.
- 3
File Form I-140
Filed once PERM is certified; standard USCIS processing is about 6 months.
- 4
Adjustment of status or consular processing
Filed once a visa number is current under the EB-3 category/country cutoff.
Typical processing time: Full PERM-to-green-card timeline is roughly 2–4 years for most countries in 2026; India-born applicants face substantially longer waits due to per-country caps.
Documents you'll need
- Approved PERM labor certification specifying skilled worker/professional/other worker category
- Prevailing wage determination
- Evidence the job requires 2+ years training/experience, or a U.S. bachelor's degree equivalent
- Employer ability-to-pay evidence
- Beneficiary's education/experience credentials
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ability-to-pay documentation gaps, especially for smaller employers
- Beneficiary's credentials not matching PERM-certified minimum requirements
- Recruitment or PERM process errors that trigger a DOL audit
- I-140 job duties inconsistent with the certified ETA-9089
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $1,640 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $3,640 – $6,640 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $6,905 – $10,405 |
How to save money on your EB-3
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $2,000–$5,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the USCIS website so you never overpay a third party.
EB-3 cost FAQ (2025)
How much does a EB-3 visa cost in 2025?
The total estimated cost of a EB-3 visa in 2025 ranges from about $3,640 to $10,405, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the EB-3 application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. USCIS publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a EB-3 visa?
Attorney fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a EB-3 visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a EB-3 visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the USCIS website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with USCIS before paying.
How often do USCIS fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a EB-3 visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.