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5) Green Card Pathways (Permanent Residency)

EB-3 (Skilled / Professional Workers)

The EB-3 is the primary choice if you are just starting your career after college.

If you have a U.S. Bachelor’s degree (or the foreign equivalent) and your job requires that degree.
If you have at least 2 years of experience or training in a specific trade (this can include post-secondary vocational training).
As of the January 2026 Visa Bulletin, there is a rare "downgrade" opportunity for India EB-2 applicants with priority dates between Dec 2013 and Aug 2014, as the EB-3 line is currently moving slightly faster for that specific window.

While easier to qualify for, the high volume of applicants typically means longer wait times.
You cannot skip employer sponsorship. Unlike the EB-2 NIW, the EB-3 requires a permanent job offer and a labor market test (PERM).
For the Professional category, you must possess the actual degree. You cannot substitute years of experience to equal a degree as you sometimes can in other categories.

The EB-3 process is a multi-year commitment. You must plan your life in phases:

Phase 1: PERM Labor Certification (18–24 Months): This includes the Prevailing Wage Determination (~6–7 months), recruitment (~2 months), and DOL review (~15 months).
Phase 2: I-140 Petition (15 Days to 8 Months): * Standard: ~8 months.
- Premium Processing: $2,965 (Fee increase effective March 1, 2026). This guarantees a response in 15 business days.
Phase 3: The "Priority Date" Wait (As of January 2026):
- Rest of World/Mexico/Philippines: ~2.5 to 3 years (Cutoff: July 2023).
- China: ~4 years (Cutoff: January 2022).
- India: ~11+ years (Cutoff: August 2014)

Free Resource: Latest Department of State Visa Bulletin

While your employer is your lifeline, the law provides a safety net known as AC21 Portability.

The employer must pay all costs for the PERM phase (legal fees and ads). You cannot reimburse them for this.
In 2026, most employers must pay an additional $300–$600 fee per I-140 petition to fund the U.S. asylum system.
You are not permanently handcuffed. If your I-485 (Green Card application) has been pending for 180 days or more, you can switch to a same or similar job at a new company without restarting the process.
USCIS requires the employer to prove ability to pay your wage from the date the PERM was filed until you receive your Green Card.

Free Resource: AC21 Portability: Changing Jobs After I-140 Approval