India's Green Card wait: July Bulletin advances dates for many, potentially speeding up cases

Time of India

2 days ago

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Understanding the Visa Bulletin
Highlights from the July 2025 Visa Bulletin
First Preference (F1): Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
Second Preference (F2): Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents F2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents
Third Preference (F3): Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens
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FAMILY-SPONSORED GREEN CARDS: FINAL ACTION DATES
Family-Sponsored
INDIA
F1
July 15, 2016 (was June 8, 2016)
F2A
September 1, 2022( was January 1, 2022)
F2B
October 15 (was September 22, 2016)
F3
August 1, 2011 (was June 22, 2011)
F4
July 8, 2006( was June 15, 2006)
FAMILY-SPONSORED GREEN CARDS: DATES FOR FILING
Family- Sponsored
INDIA
F1
September 1, 2017 (unchanged)
F2A
March 1, 2025 (was February 1, 2025)
F2B
January 1, 2017 (unchanged)
F3
July 22, 2012 (unchanged)
F4
December 1, 2006 (was October 1, 2006)
Employment-based preferences
Individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field
Outstanding professors and researchers
Multinational executives or managers
Individuals with advanced degrees
Individuals with exceptional abilities in their respective fields
Skilled workers and professionals
"Other Workers" performing unskilled labor, with a cap of 10,000 visas
Religious workers
Certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts
Individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces
20% for qualified immigrants investing in rural areas
10% for those investing in high unemployment areas
2% for those investing in infrastructure projects
The remaining 68% is unrestricted and available to all other eligible investors
EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS: FINAL ACTION DATES
Employment-based
INDIA
1st
February 15, 2022 (unchanged)
2nd
January 1, 2013 (unchanged)
3rd
April 22, 2013 (was April 15, 2013)
Other Workers
April 22, 2013 (was April 15, 2013) 4th
U
Certain Religious Workers
U 5th Unreserved(including C5, T5, I5, R5)
May 1, 2019 (unchanged)
5th Set Aside:Rural (20%)
Current
5th Set Aside:High Unemployment (10%)
Current
5th Set Aside:Infrastructure (2%)
Current
EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS: DATES FOR FILING
Employment-based
INDIA
1st
April 15, 2022 (unchanged)
2nd
February 1, 2013 (unchanged)
3rd
June 8, 2013 (unchanged)
Other Workers
June 8, 2013 (unchanged)
4th
February 1, 2021 (unchanged)
Certain Religious Workers
February 1, 2021 (unchanged)
5th Unreserved(including C5, T5, I5, R5)
1 April 2022 (unchanged)
5th Set Aside:(Rural - 20%)
Current
5th Set Aside:(High Unemployment - 10%)
Current
5th Set Aside:(Infrastructure - 2%)
Current
The July Visa Bulletin shows significant forward movement for family-sponsored green cards for applicants from India across several categories in the Final Action Dates chart. The F1 category, for Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens, advances by over a month, moving from June 8, 2016, to July 15, 2016. A much more substantial leap is observed in the F2A category, for Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents, which jumps from January 1, 2022, to September 1, 2022, a remarkable eight-month progression.In contrast, the Dates for Filing for family-sponsored green cards for India display a more varied picture. While the F1, F2B, and F3 categories remain unchanged, there are some key advancements. The F2A category shows a significant jump. Additionally, the F4 category makes a noteworthy stride, advancing from October 1, 2006, to December 1, 2006. These movements in both Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing will impact when Indian applicants can expect to have their cases processed or be eligible to submit their adjustment of status applications.For employment-based immigration to the United States, the July Visa Bulletin indicates that all Final Action Dates for India will hold steady, with one exception. The EB-3 category, encompassing Professionals, Skilled Workers, and Other Workers, is set to advance by one week.Breaking down the Final Action Dates for India, the EB-1 (Priority Workers) category will remain at February 15, 2022. Similarly, the EB-2 (Professionals Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability) category for India will also see no change, staying at January 1, 2013.However, a positive shift is noted for EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers from India, whose Final Action Date will move forward by one week to April 22, 2013.For the EB-5 (Immigrant Investors) Unreserved categories, India's date will remain at May 1, 2019, while the EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will continue to be current.Regarding the Dates for Filing, it's important to note that for EB-3 professionals and skilled workers, the dates for India have not advanced in July. Prospective applicants should also be aware that USCIS will soon make an announcement on its Visa Bulletin web page. This announcement will clarify whether the agency will accept adjustment of status applications in July based on the Final Action Dates chart or the Dates for Filing chart.Understanding the Visa Bulletin is crucial for individuals seeking Green Card s, as it provides vital information about the timeline for adjusting immigration status and eligibility based on application submission. The bulletin acts as a guide for the Green Card journey, featuring two essential sections.Dates for Filing: This section specifies the earliest date applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications. It helps applicants determine when they can proceed with their filing based on their visa category and country of origin.Final Action Dates: These dates estimate the wait time for application approval, leading to permanent residency. They function as a queue based on visa category and nationality, indicating when applicants can expect their applications to be processed.However, there's a crucial caveat for employment-based green card (EB) adjustments. To file in August 2025, applicants must have an application date preceding a specific date listed for their category and country in the bulletin, ensuring their eligibility for filing.The significance of final action dates lies in their role in application processing. These dates vary depending on the visa type and nationality, directly impacting the duration of the green card application process and potential wait times. Understanding and monitoring these dates is essential for individuals navigating the Green Card application process.The Visa Bulletin outlines preference categories for family-sponsored immigrants, providing critical information for navigating the Green Card process. The categories are as follows:The bulletin provides detailed insights into the allocation of immigrant visas, primarily based on priority dates and demand received by April 1st of each fiscal year. When demand surpasses the available visas in a particular category or country, that category is classified as oversubscribed. In such cases, the final action date for oversubscribed categories is determined by the priority date of the first applicant who couldn't be accommodated within the numerical limits.For the fiscal year 2024, the limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants is set at 226,000, with specific allocations for each preference category. Additionally, there are per-country limits set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits. Immigrant visas are issued in order of priority based on the filing date of the petition.Spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status and consideration as the principal applicant. In instances where visa issuances surpass the per-country limit, visa prorating provisions come into effect for oversubscribed chargeability areas, including China (mainland born), India, Mexico, and the Philippines. These provisions ensure fair allocation of visas among applicants from different countries.Understanding these intricacies is crucial for individuals navigating the immigrant visa process. The Visa Bulletin serves as a vital tool, providing essential information about visa availability and processing times, helping applicants plan their immigration journey effectively.The allocation of immigrant visas in the employment-based preference categories is structured to ensure a balanced distribution among various types of skilled and unskilled workers, professionals, and investors. Understanding these categories and their allocation percentages is crucial for individuals seeking employment-based immigrant visas.1. Priority Workers: This category receives 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level. It includes:Additionally, any surplus numbers not used for the fourth and fifth preferences may also be allocated here.2. Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Individuals of Exceptional Ability: This category is also allotted 28.6% of the global employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by the first preference. It covers:3. Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: This category receives 28.6% of the worldwide level, along with any numbers not required by the first and second preferences. It includes:4. Certain Special Immigrants: This category is allocated 7.1% of the global level and includes:5. Employment Creation: This category also receives 7.1% of the global level. It is further divided to ensure targeted investment and job creation:These employment-based preference categories are designed to attract a diverse pool of talented individuals to the United States, fostering economic growth and innovation. By understanding these allocation percentages and categories, applicants can better navigate the U.S. immigration system and plan their visa applications accordingly.