37 EB-3 Visa Statistics Every Applicant Should Know in 2026

‍Comprehensive data compiled from USCIS reports, Congressional Research Service analyses, and Department of State visa bulletins

Key Takeaways

• 98% approval rate in FY 2025 - EB-3 petitions achieved a 98% approval rate in Q1 and Q2 of FY 2025, making properly prepared applications highly likely to succeed with expert immigration legal services
• 40,040 visas allocated annually - The EB-3 category receives 28.6% of all employment-based green cards, but demand consistently exhausts this allocation before fiscal year end
• 2-4 year wait for Rest of World applicants - While Indian nationals face decade-plus backlogs, applicants from most countries can expect green card processing within 2-4 years
• Multi-stage process requires extended timelines - From PERM labor certification through I-485 adjustment of status, the EB-3 journey spans multiple processing phases that benefit from experienced legal guidance
• 785,000 approved petitions await visa availability - The massive backlog underscores why strategic timing and accurate applications matter for EB-3 success

Understanding the EB-3 Visa: Your Path to a U.S. Green Card

1. EB-3 visas represent 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based limit. The U.S. Department of State allocates 28.6% of employment-based visas to the third preference category. This statutory allocation ensures consistent availability for skilled workers and professionals each fiscal year.

2. Approximately 40,040 EB-3 visas are allocated annually under statutory limits. According to the Congressional Research Service, the EB-3 category receives roughly 40,040 visas each fiscal year. This fixed allocation creates predictable but limited availability that drives competition among applicants.

3. Up to 10,000 visas are reserved for the "Other Workers" (unskilled) category within EB-3. The Department of State reserves 10,000 visas specifically for the EW (Other Workers) subcategory. This cap creates separate processing timelines for unskilled workers compared to skilled workers and professionals.

EB-3 Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know

4. PERM labor certification processing currently requires extended timeframes. The Department of Labor's current processing times show that labor certification can take significantly longer than historical averages, with some cases requiring 12-18+ months. This step proves no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.

5. PERM audited cases add additional months to processing time. When the DOL selects a PERM application for audit, processing time increases substantially. Working with experienced attorneys helps minimize audit risk through proper documentation from the start.

6. 7% per-country ceiling creates theoretical limits on visa allocation. The Immigration and Nationality Act imposes a 7% per-country limit on employment-based visas. While this cap significantly affects applicants from high-demand countries like India and China, actual per-country EB-3 numbers vary based on unused visa spillover from other categories.

EB-3 Visa Processing Times: Current Trends and Factors Affecting Delays

7. All available EB-3 and EW visas for FY 2024 were exhausted by August 16, 2024. The Department of State announced complete exhaustion of FY 2024 EB-3 allocations six weeks before the fiscal year ended. This early exhaustion signals unprecedented demand.

8. All available EB-3 and EW visas for FY 2025 were exhausted by September 9, 2025. For the second consecutive year, EB-3 visas exhausted before fiscal year end. Early filing with professional guidance becomes essential when annual limits disappear quickly.

9. Average employment-based green card processing takes 13.2 months total. From petition filing to approval, the average employment-based green card takes 13.2 months. This average masks significant variation by category and country of origin.

10. EB-3 Skilled Workers priority date for India is November 15, 2013. Indian applicants face a priority date of November 15, 2013, representing a 12+ year backlog. This extended wait makes early filing and proper documentation critical.

11. EB-3 "Other Workers" dates for filing for India show August 15, 2014. The EW subcategory shows a dates for filing of August 15, 2014 for Indian nationals under the filing dates chart, though applicants should consult both filing dates and final action dates when planning their cases.

12. Rest of World EB-3 priority date advanced to June 1, 2023 as of February 2026. Non-oversubscribed countries benefit from priority dates at June 1, 2023, enabling much faster processing for applicants from most nations.

13. EB-3 processing timelines vary based on multiple factors. When considering visa bulletin cut-offs, PERM processing times, and USCIS processing ranges, applicants from countries without significant backlogs can expect multi-year timelines from start to green card approval.

14. Indians face more than 100 years wait in some employment categories. The backlog severity means some Indian applicants face century-long waits under current allocations. Strategic category selection and proper filing become essential for affected applicants.

Key EB-3 Visa Statistics: Approval Rates and Denials

15. 98.0% approval rate for EB-3 petitions in Q1 and Q2 of FY 2025. Recent USCIS data reveals a 98% approval rate for EB-3 petitions during the first half of fiscal year 2025. This exceptional rate demonstrates the category's reliability when cases are properly prepared.

16. 91% approval rate for employment-based green card applications in FY 2024. Across all employment categories, 91% of applications received approval in fiscal year 2024. Strong approval rates reflect USCIS's recognition of legitimate employer-sponsored petitions.

17. EB-3 approval rates consistently high with proper preparation. The 98% approval rate documented in Q1-Q2 FY 2025 underscores the importance of expert legal preparation and complete documentation.

18. EB-3 backlogs increased to 46,705 cases in Q2 FY 2025 from 41,023 in Q1. The backlog grew 13.8% quarter-over-quarter during the first half of FY 2025. Rising case volumes make timely filing increasingly important.

EB-3 Application Volume and Market Trends

21. 196,760 employment-based immigrants granted LPR status in FY 2023. The Congressional Research Service reports nearly 197,000 employment-based immigrants received lawful permanent resident status in fiscal year 2023.

22. 129,814 employment-based applications filed in FY 2024. USCIS received over 129,000 employment-based applications during fiscal year 2024, demonstrating sustained demand for work-based green cards.

23. 785,000 approved employment petitions await visa availability. A massive backlog of 785,000 approved petitions currently waits for visa numbers to become available. This queue drives the extended wait times for oversubscribed countries.

24. 758,250 approved employment-based petitions pending as of June 2024. Congressional analysis documents 758,250 approved cases in the employment-based queue as of mid-2024. The growing backlog emphasizes why early, accurate filing matters.

25. More than 4 million people wait on the State Department's immigrant visa list. Beyond employment-based categories, over 4 million individuals wait for immigrant visas across all preference categories.

26. Over 1 million green cards were issued in fiscal year 2023. Despite backlogs, the system processed over 1 million green cards in FY 2023, demonstrating continued visa availability for qualified applicants.

27. Employment-based immigration peaked at 270,280 in FY 2022. The Congressional Research Service notes that employment-based immigration hit its highest point in FY 2022, benefiting from COVID-era unused visa recapture.

28. Employment-based immigration reached a low of 81,727 in FY 2003. Historical data shows only 81,727 approvals in FY 2003, demonstrating significant year-to-year variation in processing capacity.

29. 6.3 million green card slots have gone unused since 1921. Remarkably, 6.3 million allocated visas have never been issued since the quota system began, representing lost opportunities for potential immigrants.

Country-Specific Data and Demographics

30. Indian nationals comprise 14.5% of all EB immigrants in FY 2023. Congressional analysis shows that Indian nationals represent the largest single country of origin for employment-based green cards despite per-country limitations.

31. Chinese nationals comprise 13.4% of all EB immigrants in FY 2023. China-born applicants account for 13.4% of employment-based green cards, making it the second-largest source country.

32. 28,570 Indian nationals received employment-based green cards in FY 2023. Despite massive backlogs, 28,570 Indian nationals successfully obtained employment-based permanent residency in fiscal year 2023.

33. 26,270 Chinese nationals received employment-based green cards in FY 2023. China-born applicants secured 26,270 employment-based cards during the same period, benefiting from category spillover.

34. Indian and Chinese EB immigrants work largely in computer-related occupations. Research indicates 60% of EB recipients from India and China work in technology fields. For STEM professionals, EB-3 provides a reliable pathway when EB-2 or EB-1 don't apply.

35. Filipino nationals concentrated overwhelmingly in healthcare occupations, primarily nursing. The Congressional Research Service notes that Filipino EB immigrants predominantly work in healthcare, driving significant EB-3 demand in the nursing sector.

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

36. 75% of all employment-based LPRs adjusted status from within the U.S. in FY 2023. Three-quarters of employment-based green card recipients adjusted status domestically, avoiding the need for consular interviews abroad.

37. Majority of new permanent residents across all categories adjust status domestically. According to DHS Immigration Statistics, a substantial percentage of green card recipients across all categories complete their process within the United States rather than through consulates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the EB-3 skilled worker and professional categories?

The primary distinction is educational requirement. Skilled workers need 2 years of training or work experience, while professionals must hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent. Both subcategories share the same priority date movement and annual allocation, but job requirements differ based on position classification.

How does a backlogged priority date affect my EB-3 application?

A backlogged priority date means visa numbers aren't currently available for your filing date. You can still file your I-140 petition and receive approval, but you cannot file for adjustment of status or complete consular processing until a visa number becomes available. For Indian nationals, priority dates currently extend to November 2013, creating multi-year waits.

Can I change employers while my EB-3 petition is pending?

Changing employers during the EB-3 process adds complexity. Before I-140 approval, a job change typically requires restarting with new PERM and I-140 filings. After I-140 approval and 180+ days pending on I-485, portability provisions may allow changing employers without losing your priority date. Alma's attorneys help clients understand their options when employment situations change.

What happens if my employer withdraws the I-140 petition for my EB-3 visa?

If withdrawal occurs before I-140 approval, you lose the application and must restart with a new employer. If withdrawal happens after I-140 approval and your I-485 has been pending 180+ days, your priority date may be retained for a new petition. Early filing and maintaining employer relationships help protect against unexpected withdrawals.

How long does it typically take to get an EB-3 Green Card?

Total processing time depends heavily on country of birth. For Rest of World applicants, the full process including PERM, I-140, and I-485 combined with visa bulletin timelines takes several years. For Indian and Chinese nationals, wait times extend significantly longer due to per-country limits. Working with experienced attorneys ensures efficient processing at each stage.

Are there any English language requirements for the EB-3 visa?

The EB-3 visa has no specific English language testing requirement. However, job requirements set by the employer may include English proficiency if necessary for the position. Certain occupations, particularly in healthcare, may require separate licensing exams that include English components.