Overview
Indian professionals face some of the longest wait times for U.S. Green Cards due to per-country limits and high application volumes. Many wait more than a decade for approval. Financial Express
Understanding the Backlog
• The U.S. caps the number of employment-based Green Cards each country can receive annually.
• Indians often face waiting times of 10–20+ years in EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Financial Express
Legal Options to Speed Up the Process
1. Apply for EB-1 If Eligible
• EB-1 (Priority Workers) has a much shorter backlog.
• Qualifications include extraordinary ability, outstanding research, or managerial roles.
If you qualify, this can dramatically reduce wait time.
2. National Interest Waiver (NIW)
• For those whose work benefits the U.S. economy, environment, culture, etc.
• Removes the need for employer sponsorship.
NIW applications may bypass long EB-2 backlog tiers.
3. Consular Processing in Some Situations
If Green Card adjustment of status is extremely delayed in the U.S., some applicants choose consular processing abroad — but this comes with travel and reentry considerations.
(Speak with an immigration attorney before choosing this path.)
Tips for Applicants
✔ Keep all records and priority dates up to date.
✔ Monitor monthly Visa Bulletin releases.
✔ Consult an immigration lawyer about EB-1 and NIW options early in your career.
