Filipino applicants · United States of America
EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers for Filipino citizens
Third-preference employment-based green card requiring employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.
- Processing time
- PERM + I-140 + I-485 typically 18–36 months end-to-end, longer for backlogged countries.
- Government fees
- I-140 USD 715; I-485 USD 1,440; PERM filed electronically with DOL (no USCIS fee).
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsor required
- Yes
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- US E-1/E-2 Treaty
Consular processing: Manila
Tourist entry vs. this route
Filipino nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
EB-3 covers three sub-categories: skilled workers (2+ years training/experience), professionals (US bachelor’s or equivalent), and other workers (unskilled). Virtually all EB-3 cases require PERM labor certification demonstrating no qualified US worker is available, followed by an I-140 petition.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Permanent, full-time job offer from a US employer.
- ✓Approved PERM labor certification from DOL (subject to recruitment and prevailing-wage steps).
- ✓Beneficiary meets minimum requirements of the certified role.
Common blockers
- !Unsuccessful PERM audit due to flawed recruitment steps.
- !Retrogression in the visa bulletin causing long waits for backlogged countries (particularly India and China).
Typical evidence
- ·Certified ETA-9089 (PERM).
- ·Evidence of employer ability to pay (tax returns, audited financials).
- ·Education and experience letters matching PERM requirements.
Application pathway
PERM recruitment and labor certification
Employer runs prescribed recruitment and files ETA-9089 with DOL.
File I-140 immigrant petition
Filed by employer with USCIS once PERM is certified.
Wait for priority date
Once visa bulletin is current, proceed to I-485 or consular processing.
Adjust status or consular process
Obtain green card.
Other United States of America routes covered for Filipino applicants
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
E-2 Treaty Investor
Non-immigrant treaty investor visa for nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US.
K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen
Non-immigrant visa allowing the fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the US to marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Filipino citizens eligible for the EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers?+
Eligibility for the EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Filipino applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: US E-1/E-2 Treaty. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Filipino applicants typically file the EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers?+
Manila. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Filipino applicants need a tourist visa for United States of America as well?+
Filipino nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long is the EB-3 green-card wait for Indian nationals?+
Per-country limits create substantial backlogs in EB-3 for India and, to a lesser extent, China. Wait times are published monthly in the Department of State visa bulletin. Many Indian nationals also consider EB-2 and NIW strategies in parallel.