How Much Does EB3 Skilled Worker Immigration to the US Cost? A Complete Financial Preparation Guide from A to Z

With significantly lower costs compared to the EB5 investment category, EB3 US immigration through the Skilled Workers track is becoming a top choice for thousands of Vietnamese families. However, for a smooth immigration journey, understanding every cost item and building a solid immigration financial plan is an essential first step. In this article, Newland USA will break down the total budget you need to prepare when joining the EB3 program under the Skilled Workers category — from processing fees and government charges to your living expense reserve fund for the first few months in America.

1. Overview of the EB3 Skilled Workers Program

Before diving into the financial details, let’s first understand the nature of the EB3 program and where the Skilled Workers category fits within the US employment-based visa system. EB3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) is a green card program for foreign workers sponsored by a US employer. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), EB3 includes three main groups: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers.

Among these, the Skilled Workers category is specifically designed for individuals who have at least two years of work experience or vocational training in a relevant field. Common occupations in this group include: technicians, factory workers, professional chefs, automotive technicians, machine operators, mechanics, and many other positions requiring specialized hands-on skills.

The most attractive aspect of EB3 immigration through the Skilled Workers track is this: the primary worker and their entire family — including spouse and unmarried children under 21 — all receive US permanent resident green cards. The accompanying spouse is free to work in any industry without restrictions, and children can access free public education from elementary through high school. After five years of maintaining permanent resident status, the entire family can apply for US citizenship.

Compared to the EB5 investment category, which requires a minimum capital of $800,000, the EB3 US immigration path through skilled work has a much more accessible financial threshold. It also opens up opportunities for people who have real-world vocational skills but don’t yet have a large investment fund.

2. What Costs Are Involved in EB3 Skilled Workers US Immigration?

The total cost of joining the EB3 immigration Skilled Workers track isn’t just a single number — it’s made up of several different cost categories. To build an effective immigration financial plan, you need to clearly understand each of the following items.

2.1. Service and Processing Fees — The Biggest Expense

This is the largest portion of the total EB3 program budget. Service fees cover the entire process: legal consultation, connecting with a US employer, preparing and filing the PERM labor certification, handling the I-140 petition, interview support at the Consulate, and full guidance throughout the journey until you receive your green card.

At Newland USA, the all-inclusive fee for the EB3 Skilled Workers track currently starts at $80,000. This fee already includes US immigration attorney fees, domestic recruitment costs required by the Department of Labor, PERM processing fees, and full professional support from start to finish — until your family officially becomes US permanent residents.

Keep in mind that each consulting firm will have different fee structures depending on their scope of services, the quality of their US attorney partners, and the level of post-visa support offered. When comparing costs between companies, you should request a detailed breakdown of each line item to ensure transparency. An unusually low-priced package may not actually save you money if there are many hidden charges outside the contract. On the other hand, a high price doesn’t automatically guarantee a perfect success rate.

2.2. US Government Fees — Mandatory Charges

In addition to service fees, applicants and their families must pay government fees directly to the US authorities. Below are the main fee items under current USCIS regulations, updated for 2026:

I-140 Immigrant Worker Petition: $715 — this fee is paid by the employer to USCIS to confirm their sponsorship eligibility. In many cases when working through a consulting firm, the I-140 fee is already included in the overall service package.

I-907 Premium Processing (optional): $2,965 — for those who want to speed up the I-140 review time to 15 business days. This is an optional fee and does not affect the outcome of the review.

Visa Processing Fee at the National Visa Center (NVC): $345 per person — applies to cases processed through consular processing from outside the US via the DS-260 form.

I-485 Adjustment of Status: $1,440 per person — applies if the worker is already legally residing in the US and chooses to adjust their status domestically. Starting in 2024, the biometrics fee has been rolled into this amount.

Green Card Issuance Fee (USCIS Immigrant Fee): $235 per person — paid after the visa is approved and before receiving the official green card.

Medical Examination and Vaccinations: approximately $200–$500 per person — depending on individual health conditions and the number of additional vaccinations required. The medical exam must be performed by a designated panel physician.

The estimated total government fees for a family of 3–4 members ranges from $3,500 to $6,500, depending on the number of family members and the processing method (consular processing or domestic adjustment of status). This is a fixed budget item that every applicant must pay, regardless of which consulting firm or attorney they use.

2.3. Personal Miscellaneous Costs

Beyond the two main cost categories above, when joining EB3 US immigration, you should also account for some personal expenses such as:

Document translation and notarization fees (degrees, vocational certificates, civil records): approximately $300–$800 depending on the volume of documents. International credential evaluation fees if degree conversion is needed: approximately $100–$350. One-way plane tickets to the US for the entire family: approximately $700–$1,500 per person depending on timing and airline. Luggage and personal belongings to bring along: varies based on family needs.

While these costs are not huge compared to the total budget, if they’re not planned for in advance, they can create unexpected financial pressure right at the final stretch of the application process.

3. Living Expense Reserve Fund in the US — The Step Many People Forget

A common mistake when planning immigration finances is focusing only on application costs while forgetting about the living budget for the first few months in the US. Financial experts recommend that each family prepare a reserve fund covering at least three to six months of living expenses, while income from a new job hasn’t yet stabilized.

Rent is the biggest expense and varies significantly by area. In major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, a one-bedroom apartment can cost over $3,000 per month. However, in states with moderate living costs like Texas, Ohio, or Midwest suburbs, this drops to $1,000–$1,800 per month. Beyond monthly rent, you’ll also need to prepare a security deposit (usually equal to one to two months’ rent) plus utility setup fees for electricity, water, and internet.

Basic living expenses including food, transportation, utilities, and telecommunications are estimated at $1,200 to $2,000 per month per individual. A family of four may need around $3,500–$5,000 per month for essential needs, not including health insurance.

Health insurance is a required expense in the US that many immigrant families don’t fully anticipate. On average, health insurance premiums range from $400 to $700 per month for an individual and $1,000 to $1,800 per month for a family, depending on the plan and state of residence. The good news is that for EB3 immigration Skilled Workers, you’ll have a job waiting for you as soon as you arrive in the US — many employers provide company health insurance plans for employees, which significantly reduces this cost burden.

In total, the ideal reserve fund for a family of four during the first three months in the US should be around $10,000–$20,000, depending on the state you settle in and your desired standard of living. This number may sound large, but remember that skilled workers coming to the US through the EB3 program will start earning a salary right away, and the average income for skilled worker positions in the US currently ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 per year — equivalent to $2,900–$4,500 per month before taxes.

4. Smart Financial Preparation Strategies for EB3 Immigration

Planning your immigration finances isn’t just about gathering enough money — it’s also the art of allocating resources wisely across each stage of the application process. Here are the strategies that immigration experts recommend.

First, start saving early and set clear goals. The entire EB3 immigration process from filing to receiving a green card typically takes two to four years. This is valuable time for you to build up your finances. If you aim to save about $500–$1,000 per month, after two years you could accumulate $12,000–$24,000 — a significant portion of the total budget.

Second, take advantage of installment payment options. Most reputable consulting firms allow you to split service fees into multiple payments corresponding to each milestone in the application process. This reduces immediate financial pressure and allows you to manage your budget more flexibly.

Third, research the state where you’ll be working and living. Living costs in the US vary dramatically between regions. Choosing a state with an appropriate cost of living not only helps save on your initial reserve fund but also affects your long-term quality of life. Notably, some states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada don’t impose a state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your earnings.

Fourth, don’t overlook building your US credit history. As soon as you arrive in the US, open a bank account and start building your credit history. This is the foundation for accessing home loans and car loans with favorable interest rates in the future — an essential part of your long-term plan for settling into life in America.

6. Financial Advantages of Choosing EB3 Skilled Workers Over Other Categories

When comparing EB3 US immigration through the Skilled Workers track against other immigration options, the financial advantages are quite clear.

Compared to the EB-5 investment category, the cost of EB3 Skilled Workers is many times lower. The EB-5 program requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a project located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 for a standard project, along with the obligation to create at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. Meanwhile, the EB3 program for Skilled Workers doesn’t impose any capital investment requirement — workers only need at least two years of skilled work experience and sponsorship from a US employer.

Compared to the Other Workers category (unskilled labor), EB3 Skilled Workers has a significantly shorter visa wait time. The annual visa quota for Other Workers is capped at 10,000 worldwide, while Skilled Workers and Professionals share the remainder of the total EB3 quota. This means the priority date for Skilled Workers typically advances faster, reducing the time from application to arrival in the US.

Additionally, with EB3 immigration through the Skilled Workers track, you’re placed in positions that require specific expertise — which usually comes with a higher starting salary and better advancement opportunities compared to unskilled labor positions. Over the long term, this income difference effectively offsets the initial application costs.

7. Key Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your EB3 Immigration Finances

The EB3 US immigration journey isn’t a sprint — it’s a long-term process that requires thorough preparation. Here are some important points to help you optimize your budget and avoid unnecessary financial risks.

Always check the latest government fee schedule before filing your application. USCIS may adjust fees periodically — the latest version of the G-1055 fee schedule was updated on March 23, 2026. Submitting the wrong fee amount can result in your application being returned, wasting both time and money.

Be clear about which fees the employer is responsible for and which fall on the applicant. By regulation, the US employer must pay for the PERM process and the I-140 petition. However, in practice within the Vietnamese market, most of these costs are already bundled into the overall service package that the worker pays to the consulting firm.

Don’t forget to factor in exchange rate fluctuations. All EB3 program costs are denominated in USD, while your current income may be in VND. The exchange rate can shift significantly over the two-to-four-year processing period. Converting and setting aside an extra 5–10% buffer for exchange rate risk is a smart move.

Finally, choose a consulting firm with a solid reputation and financial transparency. A trustworthy partner will provide a detailed fee breakdown, a clear payment schedule, and a legally binding contract. This not only protects your financial interests but also ensures your immigration financial journey is smooth and worry-free.

8. Conclusion

EB3 US immigration through the Skilled Workers track is one of the most reasonably priced immigration pathways available for Vietnamese families who want to build a stable future in America. Compared to the hundreds of thousands to over one million USD required by the EB5 program, this is an investment well within reach for many families.

The most important thing is to start planning your immigration finances as early as possible, allocate your budget across each stage, and partner with a transparent, professional consulting firm. The EB3 immigration journey may take a few years, but with proper preparation, every step is a solid stride toward the American dream.

Learn more:

• Retrogression: What It Is and How It Affects Your EB3 Case
• Why is the EB3 Visa waiting time for skilled workers faster than for other workers?
• ROI Analysis When Settling in the US Through EB3 Skilled Workers
• Does the EB3 Skilled Worker Immigration to the U.S. Really Cost Billions of VND?
• Premium Processing EB3: Is It Worth Paying the Extra Fee?