- Form I-140 is the central immigrant petition for classifying EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 employment-based green card categories.
- The EB-1 category moves fastest because it skips the PERM process and allows for certain self-petitions.
- EB-2 and EB-3 pathways usually require labor certification (PERM), proving no qualified U.S. workers are available.
Form I-140 sits at the center of the employment-based green card process. It tells USCIS that a foreign worker fits the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 system, and it sets the priority date that later controls visa availability. For many workers, it is also the filing that keeps an H-1B path alive beyond six years under AC21.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the fastest route is usually EB-1, because it skips PERM and can allow self-petitioning in extraordinary ability cases. EB-2 and EB-3 usually need PERM, the labor certification process that proves no qualified U.S. worker is available for the offered job. For many families, that difference decides whether the case moves in months or stretches for years.
The first filing that turns a job offer into a green card case
The employment-based green card journey usually starts with either the employer or, in select EB-1 and EB-2 National Interest Waiver cases, the worker filing Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. USCIS uses it to classify the case under the proper preference category.
Once USCIS approves the petition and issues Form I-797, the worker can move to the next stage. If the priority date is current and the person is inside the United States, the next step is Form I-485, the application to adjust status. If the person is abroad, the case moves through consular processing with Form DS-260 and an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The official USCIS page for employment-based green card processing is here.
EB-1 moves fastest because PERM is not required
EB-1 is built for top-tier workers. It includes three tracks: extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives or managers.
| India | China | ROW | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Oct 15, 2022 ▼61d | Jun 01, 2023 ▲61d | Current |
| EB-2 | Unavailable | Sep 01, 2021 | Current |
| EB-3 | Jan 01, 2014 ▲17d | Dec 22, 2021 ▲143d | Aug 01, 2024 ▲61d |
| F-1 | Feb 01, 2018 ▲153d | Feb 01, 2018 ▲153d | Feb 01, 2018 ▲153d |
| F-2A | Jan 01, 2025 | Jan 01, 2025 | Jan 01, 2025 |
Extraordinary ability applicants can self-petition. They do not need a job offer or PERM. USCIS expects evidence such as major awards, published work, judging roles, media coverage, or high salary evidence. Outstanding professors and researchers need a job offer from a university or nonprofit and proof of international recognition. Multinational executives and managers must show qualifying work abroad and a U.S. affiliate relationship.
EB-1 is often the cleanest route for people who already have strong records in science, academia, business, or the arts. It also avoids the recruitment steps that slow down PERM cases.
EB-2 balances advanced education with heavier paperwork
EB-2 covers workers with an advanced degree or exceptional ability. Most EB-2 cases need PERM and a permanent job offer. The employer must show the role fits the category and then complete the labor certification process.
The main exception is the National Interest Waiver, or NIW. That route lets the worker self-petition and skip PERM and the job offer requirement. USCIS applies the Matter of Dhanasar framework, which looks at whether the work has substantial merit and national importance, whether the worker is well placed to advance it, and whether waiving the job offer and labor certification helps the United States.
For many highly trained workers, EB-2 is the middle path. It demands more proof than EB-3, but it gives a path to self-petitioning through NIW.
EB-3 reaches wider, but the wait is often longer
EB-3 is broader. It covers skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. Skilled workers need at least two years of training or experience. Professionals need a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Other workers have less than two years of experience and face the longest waits.
EB-3 always requires PERM. There is no waiver built into the category. Employers often use it for roles that do not reach EB-2 standards but still require a permanent hire.
For many employers, EB-3 is the practical option. For many workers, especially from India and China, it brings the longest queue.
PERM is the longest pre-filing stage for EB-2 and EB-3
PERM begins with a prevailing wage request to the Department of Labor. After that, the employer must recruit for the job. That usually includes a 30-day state job order, two Sunday newspaper ads, and three additional recruitment steps for professional roles.
The employer then documents all recruitment results, explains any rejections, and files Form ETA-9089. The recruitment and filing window must stay within 180 days. PERM often takes 12 to 18 months, and audits can add more time. The audit rate is high enough that weak records regularly cause delays or denials.
That is why careful job descriptions, wage records, and recruitment files matter so much.
What happens after approval
After USCIS approves Form I-140, the priority date is locked in. That date matters because it decides when the worker can file the final green card step. The monthly Visa Bulletin from the Department of State shows whether a date is current.
If the date is current and the person is in the United States, Form I-485 is the next step. If the person is abroad, the National Visa Center takes over and schedules consular processing. People who already filed Form I-485 and have waited 180 days can often change jobs in the same or similar role under portability rules.
Fees, premium processing, and timing
The standard filing fee for Form I-140 is $700. Premium processing is $2,965 effective March 1, 2026. USCIS says premium processing gives action in 15 to 45 business days, depending on the category. The service covers approval, denial, request for evidence, or notice of intent to deny.
Standard processing can take 45 days to more than a year. EB-1 cases often move faster than EB-2 or EB-3 cases. Backlogs remain especially severe for India and China, where EB-2 and EB-3 waits can stretch 7 to 14+ years.
For the official fee and form pages, use USCIS Form I-140 and USCIS Form I-907 for premium processing.
What applicants and employers usually prepare
- Form I-140
- Form ETA-9089 for EB-2 and EB-3 cases that need PERM
- Degrees, transcripts, and evaluation letters
- Experience letters from past employers
- Proof of ability to pay, such as tax returns, W-2s, or annual reports
- EB-1 evidence such as awards, publications, media, or expert letters
- NIW evidence showing national importance and the worker’s plan
Employers should also keep recruitment records, wage files, and job descriptions in order. Small mistakes often trigger RFEs.
VisaVerge.com reports that category choice now matters more than ever, because backlogs, premium processing changes, and labor market scrutiny all shape how long the case takes. For many workers, EB-1 offers speed. EB-2 offers flexibility. EB-3 offers reach.
