In a significant development, the December 2024 US Visa Bulletin has brought long-awaited relief for Indians stuck in the protracted green card backlog. The news has stirred excitement among thousands of Indian professionals and their families in the United States, as it reflects progress in addressing years of stagnation in the employment-based visa categories.
Employment-Based Visa Priority Dates Advance
The primary highlight of the bulletin is the advancement of priority dates for the EB-2 (Employment-Based Second Preference) and EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) categories for Indian applicants. Priority dates for Indian nationals in the EB-2 category have moved forward by a significant margin, reducing the wait time for those seeking permanent residency in the US. Similarly, the EB-3 category, catering to skilled workers and professionals, has also seen notable progress. This shift indicates that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is making efforts to process applications more efficiently and address the longstanding backlog that has left Indian nationals waiting for decades in some cases. For many, this means they are one step closer to realizing their American dream.
Why Is This Development Important?
The backlog in green card processing has been a persistent challenge for Indian nationals, particularly those on H-1B work visas. Many have been living in the US for years, contributing to its economy, yet unable to secure permanent residency due to per-country limits and high demand in employment-based categories. Indian applicants make up a significant portion of the green card backlog. According to estimates, they account for about 70% of the applicants in the employment-based categories. The delay often creates uncertainty for families, affecting job mobility and long-term plans.
In Short: What Does It Mean for Indians?
The advancement of priority dates in the December Visa Bulletin is a beacon of hope. Applicants who have waited patiently now have a clearer path to adjust their status to permanent residency. The move also brings relief to those who feared losing their jobs or their children aging out of eligibility due to extended processing delays.
What Lies Ahead?
While the recent development is a positive step, experts caution that the backlog remains extensive. Advocacy groups are urging for comprehensive immigration reform to eliminate per-country caps and further streamline the green card process. Until such measures are enacted, the queue may still pose challenges for Indian nationals and other affected communities. For now, the latest Visa Bulletin offers a glimmer of hope, signaling that change, though gradual, is happening. As the new year approaches, many Indian families look forward to a future where they can finally call the US their permanent home without the shadow of uncertainty looming over them.