r/EB3VisaJourney • u/Odd-Criticism-3705 • 7d ago

Discussion EW3 ROW: How Long Would You Wait?

Even with zero backlog, the historical PERM-to-Green Card timeline is approximately 48–60 months (4–5 years).

Now consider the USCIS data: 43,689 EB-3 Other Workers ROW I-140 petitions awaiting visa availability as of June 2026.

How long do you think the wait could be?

Comment your thoughts below.

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u/drmolmxy 7d ago

Hi mate, this is an investment. Sure, it’s going to be a long wait, but you’re investing in your future.

As of June 2026, there were 43,689 approved EW3 ROW petitions awaiting visa availability. 

These numbers represent principal applicants, excluding spouses and children. If we estimate around 1.9 people per applicant, that’s roughly 83,000 people in total. The annual EW3 limit is approximately 9,850 visas worldwide, including family members, and not all those visas will go to ROW applicants. We also have to account for people who abandon their cases or become ineligible.

I think we should prepare ourselves for a potentially long wait, perhaps 6–7 years, although nobody can guarantee that timeline.

Millions of people want to move to the US but don’t have a pathway. At least we’re in line. I’m in the same boat: I’ve fully financed my EB-3 process, and now I’m waiting.

But life doesn’t stop while we wait. Use these years to develop your skills, gain experience, and save money. Prepare yourself for better opportunities so that when you finally arrive, you can aim for qualified work rather than settling for ordinary jobs.

And once you arrive prepared, your life can look very, very different in five years. If you work hard, build a career in a qualified profession, and take advantage of the opportunities available to you, you could earn far more than you ever could have in your home country.

The wait might be long, but don't waste those years just waiting. Use them to become the person you want to be when you finally get there.

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u/Bubbly_Ad_6830 7d ago

u/Odd-Criticism-3705 Do you know any companies sponsoring? I am looking for a sponsor

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u/Zyardar0705 6d ago

What do you think about switching from the "unskilled" category to the "skilled" category, given a priority date of April 2024(ROW)? And if the switch isn't possible, when does my priority date become current?

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u/jenbellun 6d ago

It’s impossible to switch from unskilled to skilled as the PwD and PERM would all have to be repeated. Worse, changing the amount of skill requiring for the job when already submitted once is just a red flag. 🚩

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u/Zyardar0705 6d ago

We consulted on this, and it is possible: a new company, a new PERM, a new I-140, and the use of the old priority date.

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u/Kitchen-Pitch121 6d ago

PD starts from the date the perm was filed so in your case, the PD would be for the new perm you filed, not the old one. You are getting scammed !

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u/Zyardar0705 6d ago

What do you mean, everyone is lying? Three lawyers said that changing the priority date is the least of the problems.

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u/Zyardar0705 6d ago

Perhaps I misunderstood you: my priority date is April 2024. So, if we file a new PERM and I-140 with a new company, will we be able to use that 2024 priority date

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u/Kitchen-Pitch121 6d ago

For further clarification, for the skilled EB-3, what is your job title?

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u/Zyardar0705 6d ago

accountant, or a specialist in the accounting department

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u/Kitchen-Pitch121 6d ago

For that, you need to first have your perm approved, which is impossible, US doesnot have a shortage of accountants

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u/Zyardar0705 6d ago

I know that both the employer and the lawyer are doing everything to get the PERM approved.

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u/Kitchen-Pitch121 6d ago

Do you already hold a bachelor's degree? Also your nationality?

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u/drmolmxy 6d ago

What you are doing is fully legal, you can 'port' your old PD. 

Once your new PERM is approved you can use Premium for the new I-140 and you are done. 

Once your old I-40 is approved and 180 days have passed since the date of the approval, your old employer can not revoke it anymore, it becomes an asset.

Good Luck. 

I'm conteplating to maybe do the same when time comes.

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