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Business Standard
18 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Indian Green Card wait time sees minor shift in July 2025 US Visa Bulletin
US visa bulletin July 2025: Indian green card hopefuls see modest progress The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released its Visa Bulletin for July 2025, offering modest progress for Indian applicants waiting for green cards. While there is no movement in the Final Action Dates for the EB-1 and EB-2 categories, the EB-3 category for India has advanced by a week. In the family-sponsored categories, some applicants will see more noticeable changes, with certain cut-off dates moving by over a month. What is the Visa Bulletin? The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the US Department of State. It helps green card applicants understand when they may move forward in the process. Here's how it works: Dates for Filing: If your priority date is earlier than this date, you can submit your application paperwork, though your green card won't be issued yet. Final Action Dates: If your priority date is earlier than this cut-off, your application can be processed and potentially approved. Applicants already living in the US may submit an adjustment of status application when their priority date is current. Those living abroad must apply for an immigrant visa through a US consulate. Final Action Dates for family-sponsored green cards These are the dates USCIS uses to decide whether a green card application can be approved in July. The following changes apply to applicants from India: F1 (unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens): Moves to July 15, 2016 (from June 8, 2016) F2A (spouses and children of permanent residents): Jumps to September 1, 2022 (from January 1, 2022) F2B (unmarried sons and daughters, 21 or older, of permanent residents): Shifts to October 15, 2016 (from September 22, 2016) F3 (married sons and daughters of US citizens): Advances to August 1, 2011 (from June 22, 2011) F4 (siblings of adult US citizens): New date is July 8, 2006 (from June 15, 2006) Final Action Dates for employment-based green cards EB-3 (Skilled Workers – India): Advances slightly to April 22, 2013 (from April 15, 2013) There is no change to the Final Action Dates for EB-1, EB-2 ad EB-5 for India. Dates for Filing: Family-sponsored categories These dates allow applicants to submit documents in advance, even if a visa number is not yet available. F2A: Moves to March 1, 2025 (from February 1, 2025) F4: Now December 1, 2006 (up from October 1, 2006) Employment-based categories: Country-specific Final Action Dates snapshot EB-1 China: November 15, 2022 India: February 15, 2022 All other countries: Current EB-2 China: December 15, 2020 India: January 1, 2013 All other countries: October 15, 2023 EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers China: December 1, 2020 India: April 22, 2013 Philippines: February 8, 2023 All other countries: April 1, 2023 EB-3 Other Workers China: May 1, 2017 India: April 22, 2013 All other countries: July 8, 2021 EB-4 All countries: Unavailable USCIS has confirmed the annual EB-4 cap for FY 2025 has been reached. New visas will become available from October 1, 2025. EB-5 Unreserved (Regional and Non-Regional Centres) China: January 22, 2014 India: May 1, 2019 All other countries: Current
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
July 2025 USCIS Visa bulletin: Some relief for Indian green card applicants as dates advanced for EB-3, F2A, F4
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released the Visa Bulletin for July 2025, showing some relief for Indian green card applicants. While the dates for key employment-based categories like EB-1 and EB-2 will see no change, the Final Action Date for EB-3 will advance by one week. Additionally, some categories under the family-sponsored cases will see significant date changes. Here's a breakdown of what green card hopefuls from India can expect to see next month: Also Read: USCIS Visa Bulletin June 2025: No good news for Indian green card applicants, delays to continue For family-sponsored cases - For employment-based cases - Also Read: H-1B case status: How to check updates on USCIS portal? Step by step process For family-sponsored cases - For employment-based cases - No change in dates for filing visa applications across all categories.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's Green Card wait: July Bulletin advances dates for many, potentially speeding up cases
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 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 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, 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US Visa Bulletin June 2025: Delays persist for Indian green card seekers
The US Department of State's Visa Bulletin for June 2025, released on Tuesday, has provided no relief for Indian nationals seeking green cards. The bulletin indicates that delays will persist, particularly in the employment-based (EB) immigration process, which remains over-subscribed. For key categories like EB-2 and EB-3—important for Indian professionals hoping to secure permanent residency—the priority dates have barely moved, with minimal progress in processing times. USCIS Visa Bulletin June 2025: Key takeaways EB-1 (Priority Workers): The cutoff for India remains at February 15, 2022, with no advancement. China's cutoff remains at November 8, 2022, while all other countries are current. EB-2 (Advanced Degrees): India remains stuck at January 1, 2013, unchanged from May. This means a 12+ year wait for many tech professionals from India. Filing dates for India stand at February 1, 2013. China will see a two-month advancement, with the cutoff moving to December 1, 2020. Other countries will advance by almost four months, reaching October 15, 2023. EB-3 (Skilled Workers): India remains at April 15, 2013. China will advance by three weeks to November 22, 2020. Other countries will see a five-week advancement to February 8, 2023. EB-5 (Investors): For EB-5 Unreserved categories, China stays at January 22, 2014, while India remains at May 1, 2019. All other countries continue to be current. The EB-5 set-aside categories—Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure—will remain current. Family-Sponsored: For F2A (spouses of residents), the cutoff remains at January 1, 2022, with filing at February 1, 2025, showing similar delays. What is causing the delay? The backlog in processing times is largely attributed to the 7% per-country cap on green cards, which treats India the same as smaller countries despite the high demand. With over a million Indian applicants primarily in EB-2 and EB-3 categories, the annual limit of about 140,000 employment-based green cards is unable to keep pace. The Trump administration's stricter H-1B renewal policies and the push for merit-based reforms further slowed processing. No unused visas from other countries have spilled over into these categories, compounding the delays. Breakdown of EB visa categories EB-1: Priority workers, including researchers, professors, and executives. EB-3: Professionals, skilled and unskilled workers. EB-4: Special immigrants, including religious workers.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US Visa Bulletin for June 2025: No major relief for Indian green card aspirants
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Understanding the Visa Bulletin Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Highlights from the June 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 FAMILY-SPONSORED GREEN CARDS: FINAL ACTION DATES Family-Sponsored INDIA F1 June 8, 2016 (was March 15, 2016) F2A January 1, 2022 (unchanged) F2B September 22, 2016 (was July 22, 2016) F3 June 22, 2011 (was April 1, 2011) F4 June 15, 2006 ( unchanged) FAMILY-SPONSORED GREEN CARDS: DATES FOR FILING Family- Sponsored INDIA F1 September 1, 2017 (unchanged) F2A February 1, 2025 (unchanged) 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 15, 2013 (unchanged) Other Workers April 15, 2013 (unchanged) 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 United States Department of State's June 2025 Visa Bulletin maintains largely unchanged Final Action Dates for Indian applicants across key employment and family-based immigration categories, offering no major relief for those awaiting green remain in the oversubscribed category under both family- and employment-based preferences, with long waiting periods continuing for most applicants. In the family-sponsored F4 category (brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens), the Final Action Date for India is 15 June 2006. In the F1 category (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens), the date stands at 8 June employment-based categories, the EB-2 category (for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability) remains significantly backlogged for Indian nationals. The Final Action Date is 1 January 2013. For EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals), the cut-off is 15 April USCIS continues to require applicants for adjustment of status to use the Final Action Dates chart for June. The 'Dates for Filing' chart, which allows earlier submission of documents, is not being used by USCIS this is one of the four countries affected by visa prorating provisions due to high demand, alongside China, Mexico and the Philippines. As per the Immigration and Nationality Act, a per-country cap of 7% is enforced on total family-sponsored and employment-based visas, limiting the number available for India to 25,620 worldwide limit for family-sponsored visas in fiscal year 2025 is set at 226,000, and for employment-based preference visas at a minimum of 140,000. USCIS and consular officers continue to allocate visas based on priority dates and demand reported through 2 May from India remain subject to extended backlogs due to continued oversubscription across nearly all 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
