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Fast Company
4 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Incorporate green card pathways into international recruiting
[chones / Adobe Stock] The Fast Company Executive Board is a private, fee-based network of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 6:21 The road to permanent residency in the United States is a major step for international entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to build lasting success in the American market. As the U.S. working-age population is projected to shrink over the next two decades without continued skilled immigration, attracting top-tier foreign professionals will be critical to the country's long-term prosperity. This is why understanding available green card pathways should be a key part of recruitment efforts. THE IMPACT THAT INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONALS HAVE ON THE U.S. MARKET Retaining international talent directly translates into substantial economic growth and job creation in America. According to a 2022 National Foundation for American Policy report, 64% of the U.S.'s billion-dollar companies were founded or co-founded by immigrants or their children, and these companies create an average of 859 jobs each. Immigrants with advanced degrees may also be key to leveraging the critical and emerging technologies that can secure an innovative future. Of the full-time graduate students studying AI -related fields in American universities, 71% are international students. So it's clear that having a strong immigrant recruitment strategy will be vital for U.S. companies. However, the race for this talent pool is becoming fiercer. Countries like Canada, Germany, and Japan are actively implementing new initiatives to attract skilled workers, with Canada even creating specific programs to welcome U.S. H-1B visa holders and their families. To compete, companies that provide immigrant workers with pathways to green cards will have advantages in leading the research, production, and transformation of the future. Subscribe to the Daily Company's trending stories delivered to you every day SIGN UP EDUCATE INTERNATIONAL HIRES ON GREEN CARD PATHWAYS Permanent residency options have diversified to accommodate the increasing needs of foreign talent as well as the shifting financial dynamics of the world. Among these permanent residency options, certain ones stand out for their particular relevance to entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals because they do not require employer sponsorship: the EB-1 visa for individuals of extraordinary ability and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. These options allow self-petitioning for the application. Bypassing the traditional requirement of employer sponsorship in this way provides entrepreneurs with a seamless application process. This flexibility simplifies various immigration procedures for startup founders who need to maintain control over their business operations while pursuing permanent residency. EB-1: THE PATH FOR EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY The EB-1 immigrant visa category is the premier option for professionals who have risen to the top of their fields. Entrepreneurs and professionals with a proven track record of extraordinary ability in business, sciences, arts, education, or athletics can apply for the EB-1. Recent policy changes have expanded the interpretation of evidence requirements, making this category more accessible to innovators in critical and emerging fields, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced computing, and space technologies. Employers often suggest the EB-1 route to candidates who have significant international recognition, particularly when hiring for leadership or highly specialized roles where retaining extraordinary talent is a strategic priority. Success in this category hinges on demonstrating sustained national or international acclaim with evidence like major awards, published material about the applicant's work, significant contributions to the field, and high remuneration. While sponsorship isn't necessary, employers can still play an important role in supporting candidates through this process by offering detailed letters attesting to the individual's extraordinary achievements, facilitating access to records of prior accomplishments, and assisting with evidence compilation to strengthen the petition. EB-2 NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVER: INNOVATION FOR AMERICA'S BENEFIT The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a highly sought-after opportunity for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals whose proposed work or endeavor can advance U.S. national interests. This pathway to permanent residency acknowledges that some ventures and talents are so valuable to the U.S. that they may be exempt from the traditional labor certification process. Similar to the EB-1, recent policy updates have clarified how to qualify for the NIW, particularly emphasizing contributions to critical and emerging industries and the U.S.'s global competitiveness. In a nutshell, obtaining swift approval for a NIW application depends on three key elements (or prongs, as in U.S. immigration terminology): substantial merit and national importance of the proposed endeavor, the applicant's well-positioning to advance the proposed endeavor, and the benefits of waiving the job offer requirement. In that regard, for instance, founders whose businesses focus on technological innovation, healthcare solutions, or environmental sustainability can be ideal candidates for this green card category. Employers often suggest the EB-2 NIW when candidates' work has a clear impact on national priorities—such as scientific research, advanced technology development, or public health improvements—and when they prefer to avoid the delays of labor certification. To strengthen their application, professionals should proactively gather evidence demonstrating the significance of their work, secure strong letters of recommendation from recognized experts in their field, and prepare a clear statement explaining how their expertise will benefit the United States. As we navigate through 2025, the landscape of global immigration continues to evolve. Henceforth, companies must view immigration not as a separate administrative task but as an integral component of their business key will lie in collaborating with international hires early on, meticulously documenting the process, and ensuring alignment with a talent strategy tailored to long-term business benchmarks. Those who approach immigration strategy with this comprehensive mindset will be best positioned to thrive in tomorrow's world. The super-early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is this Friday, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Muhammed Uzum is the founding attorney at Grape Law Firm PLLC. Read Muhammed's Executive Profile here. More Explore Topics
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
EB-5 visa: Progress for applicants by 6 months in US visa bulletin for 2025, good news for China too
Good news for EB-5 applicants and skilled workers of India as Final Action Dates advance. The August 2025 visa bulletin offers hope for Indian and Chinese investors as the unreserved EB-5 category Final Action Date will advance by more than six months for India and two years for China. For Indian EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals), the Final Action Date has moved up by one month. Overview of US visa bulletin August 2025 for India The Final Action Date for EB-1 has not changed for India and remains at February 15, 2022. The Final Action Date for EB-2 has not changed either and remains at January 1, 2013 The Final Action Date for EB-3 has advanced by one month from April 22, 2013 to May 22, 2013. EB-5 unreserved category moved forward by six months to November 15, 2019. "Due to increased number use, it has become necessary to retrogress the EB-2 final action date for Rest of World countries. The issuance total in this category is rapidly approaching the annual limit for FY-2025, necessitating this slowdown of issuance rates. It is likely the annual limit will be reached sometime in August, if not sooner. Note that if at any time the EB-2 annual limit were reached, it would be necessary to immediately make the preference category 'unavailable', and no further requests for numbers would be honored. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly," the State Department said, issuing a retrogression warning for the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Final Action Dates of employment-based visas as per US Visa Bulletin August 2025. Overview of the US visa bulletin August 2025 for China Final Action Date for the EB-1 category is November 15, 2022 For EB-2, the Final Action Date is December 15, 2020 For EB-3, the Final Action Date is December 1, 2020 For EB-5, the Final Action Date is December 8, 2015. This advanced almost two years from January 22, 2014. The Final Action Date in the U.S. Visa Bulletin is the date when a green card (immigrant visa or adjustment of status) can actually be issued to you. If your priority date (the date your petition was filed) is earlier than the Final Action Date listed for your category and country in the Visa Bulletin, then your case is 'current'.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
US Visa Bulletin For August 2025 Offers Hope To Indian Applicants: All About It
New Delhi: Indian green card hopefuls have something to be mildly optimistic about. The US Department of State has released the August 2025 Visa Bulletin, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that it will continue using the Final Action Dates chart to determine eligibility for green card processing. While the changes are small, they bring some relief for Indian applicants, especially in the EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals) category. The bulletin also warns that if demand continues to rise, retrogression, or even a temporary halt in approvals, may occur soon as several categories near their annual visa limits. What's New for Indians in August? EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals) Moves Forward Final Action Date for EB-3 India has moved up by one month: From April 22, 2013 to May 22, 2013. Meaning - People with EB-3 applications filed before May 22, 2013 can now have their green cards approved. The Final Action Date is the most important cutoff date in the US Visa Bulletin. It tells you when a green card can actually be approved. No Change in EB-2 and EB-1 EB-2 India (for highly educated professionals like engineers, doctors): Still stuck at January 1, 2013. EB-1 India (for top professionals like scientists, executives): Still stuck at February 15, 2022. These categories haven't moved in months. Good News For EB-5 Investor Visas EB-5 Unreserved India (for investors): Moved forward by over six months to November 15, 2019. EB-5 Set-Aside categories (for investments in rural, high-unemployment, or infrastructure areas): Still Current, meaning applicants can file right away. Retrogression Warning The US government has warned that the EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories are almost full for this year. If a lot of people keep applying, the government may have to pause or move the dates backwards, a situation called retrogression. This could happen as soon as September 2025. If that happens, many Indian applicants who are close to getting their green cards might face delays or even have to wait longer before their applications can move forward. Final Action Dates For India: August 2025 To file a green card application this month, your priority date must be earlier than these: EB-1 India: February 15, 2022 EB-2 India: January 1, 2013 EB-3 India: May 22, 2013 EB-5 (Unreserved): November 15, 2019 EB-5 Set-Aside: Current (no wait) USCIS will continue to use these Final Action Dates to decide who can apply. A priority date is when your green card application was first filed.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
USCIS visa bulletin August 2025 brings major relief for Indian applicants
The US Department of State (USCIS) has released the August 2025 Visa Bulletin, with updates to the availability of employment-based immigrant visas, including slight shifts in the Final Action Dates that determine when green card applications can be approved. Most categories remain unchanged from July 2025. EB-1 is current for most, while EB-2 shows varied dates. No changes in the Dates for Filing chart signal a holding pattern until the new fiscal year.(AFP) USCIS will continue to use the Final Action Dates chart to decide who can proceed with Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications as usual. Now, in order for a green card to be approved, an applicant's priority date must be earlier than the date listed in this chart for their category and country of chargeability. ALSO READ| Is the SSA providing $16,728 annual bonuses? Here's what the bonus actually means While many categories remain unchanged from the July 2025 bulletin, there are two updates: EB-3 India has advanced slightly, moving from 22 April 2013, to 22 May 2013. EB-2 for the Rest of the World, Mexico, and the Philippines has retrogressed from 15 October 2023 to 1 September 2023. EB-1 remains 'Current' for most countries, meaning applicants from the Rest of the World, Mexico, and the Philippines can proceed with green card processing regardless of priority date. However, EB-1 India remains stuck at 15 February 2022, and China at 15 November 2022. For the EB-2 category: India holds steady at 1 January 2013. China stays at 15 December 2020. The Rest of the World, Mexico, and the Philippines all now share the retrogressed date of 1 September 2023. For the EB-3 category: The Rest of the World and Mexico remain at 1 April 2023. The Philippines continues on 8 February 2023. China stays at 1 December 2020. ALSO READ| New York's inflation refund checks 2025: Check eligibility criteria and expected date to receive No changes from the July bulletin were made to the Dates for Filing chart, which is used to determine when applicants can submit their AOS applications.
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Business Standard
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US August Visa Bulletin brings mixed news for Indian Green Card applicants
The US Department of State's August 2025 Visa Bulletin offers a modest reprieve for Indian green card hopefuls, particularly in the EB-3 skilled workers category, while raising red flags about looming retrogressions or cut-offs across employment-based visa categories. The bulletin, released late last week, outlines crucial Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing, which determine when immigrants can move forward with their green card applications. India EB-3 Moves Forward, EB-2 Flatlines Indian applicants under the EB-3 category — which includes skilled workers, professionals, and other workers — saw their Final Action Date advance by one month, from April 2025 to May 22, 2013. While the progress is marginal, it marks the only forward movement for Indian employment-based applicants this month. In contrast, EB-2 applicants — typically professionals with advanced degrees — saw no movement, with the Final Action Date for India remaining at January 1, 2013. This is concerning, as the category remains highly backlogged for Indian nationals. 'Visa demand and number use remain high in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, and issuance totals are rapidly approaching the annual limits for FY2025,' the Department of State noted in the bulletin. Retrogression Watch for Other Countries The bulletin also revealed that for non-India and non-China applicants, the EB-2 Final Action Date has retrogressed by 1.5 months to September 1, 2023, a response to the surging demand that threatens to exceed the annual visa cap. The Department has warned that if the usage threshold is hit, EB-2 visas could become 'unavailable' before the fiscal year ends on September 30. EB-5 Sees Big Gains, Especially for India The EB-5 visa category — often dubbed the "investor green card" — brings more encouraging news for Indian applicants. The Final Action Date for India's unreserved EB-5 visas has moved forward by over six months, while China saw an even more dramatic two-year advancement. This progress is significant given the increasing interest among Indian high-net-worth individuals in the EB-5 route, especially in the wake of long EB-2/EB-3 queues and the growing backlog of employment-based visas. EB-1 and Other Categories: No Change for India There was no movement in the EB-1 category (for extraordinary ability or multinational executives) for India or China, with Final Action Dates for India holding at February 15, 2022. Similarly, China EB-2 (Dec 15, 2020) and China EB-1 (Nov 15, 2022) also remained unchanged. What This Means for Applicants Indian skilled workers in EB-3 may now file if their priority date is before May 22, 2013 EB-2 India remains stalled, with no signs of movement amid high demand EB-5 India applicants can expect faster processing if their investments are aligned with the unreserved category USCIS will use Final Action Dates in the August 2025 bulletin to determine filing eligibility Visa Limits: A Ticking Clock For FY2025, the employment-based preference limit is 140,000, with per-country caps of 7% (25,620 visas). With demand surging and annual limits nearing exhaustion, the Department of State has cautioned that several categories may be closed for further processing as early as September. Key Takeaways for Indian Applicants: File as soon as eligible — demand is approaching statutory caps Expect continued delays in EB-2, but monitor EB-3 and EB-5 movement closely Watch for September retrogressions, especially if priority dates are borderline As the US immigration system continues to strain under backlog pressure, employment-based applicants from India may need to prepare for a longer wait — or consider alternative visa strategies, including the EB-5 or O-1 categories.
