US Green Card Updates: How EB-2 and EB-3 Priority Date Advancements Benefit Indian Applicants

Indian professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States have long faced extended waiting times due to severe backlogs in employment-based Green Card categories. However, the latest updates in the EB-2 and EB-3 priority dates bring long-overdue relief, offering faster pathways for many applicants. The changes, outlined in the March 2025 Visa Bulletin, mark one of the most significant shifts in priority dates in recent years, reducing wait times for thousands of skilled Indian workers.

These adjustments, while incremental, provide new opportunities for those who have been waiting for years to secure permanent residency in the US. Understanding the implications of these changes is crucial for Indian applicants planning their immigration journey.

Understanding Priority Dates in the Green Card Process

The priority date is one of the most critical aspects of the Green Card process. It determines an applicant’s place in the queue for receiving a Green Card under employment-based and family-sponsored visa categories.

For employment-based Green Cards, the priority date is usually the date when the labour certification application (PERM) is filed or, in some cases, when the I-140 petition is submitted. Applicants must wait for their priority date to become current, meaning visa numbers are available for their category and country, before they can proceed with filing for adjustment of status (I-485) or consular processing.

The Visa Bulletin, issued monthly by the US Department of State, provides updates on priority dates, showing how far the queue has progressed. If an applicant’s priority date falls before the date listed in the bulletin, they can move forward with their Green Card application.

Recent Changes in EB-2 and EB-3 Priority Dates for Indian Applicants

The March 2025 Visa Bulletin brings notable advancements in priority dates for Indian applicants in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, which cover professionals with advanced degrees and skilled workers, respectively.

• EB-2 India (Advanced Degree Professionals)
  • The priority date has advanced from April 22, 2012, to October 15, 2012.
  • This marks a significant six-month advancement, allowing more applicants to proceed with their Green Card filings.
• EB-3 India (Skilled and Professional Workers)
  • The priority date has moved from December 1, 2012, to December 15, 2012.
  • Though a smaller change, this 15-day advancement signals progress in reducing the backlog.

These updates indicate a positive trend in Green Card processing for Indian applicants, particularly those in the employment-based second (EB-2) and third (EB-3) preference categories, where backlogs have been severe.

How These Advancements Benefit Indian Applicants

For Indian professionals who have been waiting for years to move forward in their Green Card process, these advancements bring several key benefits:

1. Faster Adjustment of Status Applications
   • Applicants with priority dates now falling within the new cut-off can file their I-485 applications immediately.
   • This allows them to receive work authorisation (EAD) and advance parole (AP), providing greater job flexibility and international travel options.
2. Shorter Wait Times for Green Card Approval
   • The backlog reduction means more visas are becoming available, decreasing overall processing time.
   • Though delays still exist, the advancement signals a shift towards progressively shorter wait periods.
3. Improved Job and Immigration Stability
   • Many skilled professionals currently on H-1B visas face uncertainty due to the annual renewal process and employer sponsorship requirements.
   • A Green Card eliminates the need for employer sponsorship, providing greater freedom in career choices.
4. Opportunities for EB-3 Downgrade Applicants
   • Many applicants initially filed under EB-2 but later downgraded to EB-3 to take advantage of previous advancements in that category.
   • Now, with both EB-2 and EB-3 progressing, applicants have greater flexibility in choosing the best category for final Green Card approval.

Comparing EB-2 and EB-3: Which Category is Better for Indian Applicants?

Indian professionals often debate whether to file under EB-2 or EB-3, as both categories have seen priority date fluctuations over the years.

• EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals)
  • Requires a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with at least five years of work experience.
  • Typically moves faster than EB-3, though backlogs can still be significant for Indian applicants.
  • Best suited for highly skilled professionals in specialised fields.
• EB-3 (Skilled and Professional Workers)
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of work experience in a skilled occupation.
  • Often sees slower movements, but in certain years has advanced faster than EB-2.
  • Best suited for applicants whose priority dates are closer to becoming current in EB-3.

With the recent advancements, applicants with priority dates in both categories should evaluate their options carefully, as EB-2 is currently progressing at a faster rate than EB-3.

Impact on Family-Sponsored Green Card Categories

While employment-based Green Cards have seen progress, family-sponsored categories have remained largely stagnant. The March 2025 Visa Bulletin highlights minimal changes for Indian applicants under family-based petitions:

• F1 (Family-Sponsored First Preference – Unmarried Sons and Daughters of US Citizens): No change, remains at November 22, 2015.
• F2A (Spouses and Unmarried Children of Permanent Residents): Minor advancement from January 1, 2022, to January 15, 2022.

For those awaiting family-sponsored Green Cards, the slow movement remains a challenge, requiring applicants to explore alternative pathways, such as employment-based sponsorship or the Diversity Visa Lottery.

Factors Influencing the Advancement of Priority Dates

Several factors contribute to the advancement or retrogression of priority dates in the Visa Bulletin. The latest movement in EB-2 and EB-3 for Indian applicants can be attributed to:

1. Changes in Visa Demand
   • If fewer applicants file adjustment of status applications, unused visas can be allocated to other categories, causing priority dates to advance.
2. Visa Number Allocations
   • Each fiscal year, a fixed number of Green Cards are allocated to employment-based categories.
   • If visas are not fully used in one category, they may be reassigned to another.
3. Policy Decisions by US Immigration Authorities
   • The Biden administration has prioritised reducing backlogs, leading to faster processing in some categories.
   • Future policy shifts could either accelerate or slow down this progress.

What Indian Applicants Should Do Next

Given the advancements in EB-2 and EB-3 priority dates, Indian applicants should take proactive steps to maximise their chances of obtaining a Green Card sooner.

1. Check Your Priority Date
   • Review the latest Visa Bulletin and see if your priority date is current or close to becoming current.
2. File Adjustment of Status (I-485) Promptly
   • If eligible, file your I-485 application as soon as possible to secure a place in the processing queue.
3. Consult with an Immigration Attorney
   • Evaluate whether an EB-3 downgrade or interfiling from EB-3 to EB-2 is a better strategy for your case.
4. Stay Updated on Policy Changes
   • US immigration policies can shift with political and economic factors, so staying informed is essential.

The recent shifts in EB-2 and EB-3 priority dates offer a much-needed breakthrough for thousands of Indian professionals stuck in the Green Card backlog. While the journey to permanent residency remains lengthy, these advancements provide renewed hope for those seeking a secure future in the United States.