Indian EB-3 Visa Progress Sparks Renewed US Green Card Hopes

Key Takeaways

• EB-3 Final Action Date for India advanced to May 22, 2013, as of August 2025.
• EB-1 and EB-2 dates remain unchanged; EB-5 investor category advanced six months.
• Indian EB-3 applicants with priority dates before May 22, 2013, may file adjustment of status.

Indian nationals waiting for employment-based green cards in the United States 🇺🇸 have received a small but important boost in mid-2025. The EB-3 visa category, which covers professionals and skilled workers, has seen its Final Action Date move forward for India for the first time in months. While the progress is modest, it brings new hope to thousands of families who have been waiting for years. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions applicants should take, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications.

Summary of What Changed

The main change is in the EB-3 (Professionals and Skilled Workers) category for Indian nationals. The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for July 2025 advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for India by one week, from April 15, 2013, to April 22, 2013. In August 2025, the date moved forward by about one month to May 22, 2013. This is a notable gain for Indian applicants, given the slow movement in this category over the past decade.

Other employment-based categories for India, such as EB-1 (Priority Workers) and EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Ability), have not moved. The EB-1 Final Action Date remains at February 15, 2022, and EB-2 is stuck at January 1, 2013. The EB-5 (Investor Category), however, has advanced by about six months, moving from May 1, 2019, to November 15, 2019, as of August 2025.

Who Is Affected by These Changes

• Indian nationals with approved or pending EB-3 petitions and priority dates before May 22, 2013, are directly affected. These applicants are now eligible for final visa processing or adjustment of status, provided all other requirements are met.
• Indian EB-2 and EB-1 applicants are not affected by these changes, as their categories remain unchanged.
• EB-5 investors from India also benefit from the six-month advancement in their category.
• Employers sponsoring Indian workers in the EB-3 category may see some movement in their employees’ cases.
• Family members of principal applicants in the EB-3 category may also benefit, as dependents are included in the green card process.

Effective Dates

• The new EB-3 Final Action Date for India (April 22, 2013) took effect with the July 2025 Visa Bulletin.
• The further advancement to May 22, 2013, is effective with the August 2025 Visa Bulletin.
• The EB-5 Final Action Date of November 15, 2019, is effective as of August 2025.
• The unchanged dates for EB-1 (February 15, 2022) and EB-2 (January 1, 2013) remain in place for July and August 2025.

Required Actions for Applicants

If you are an Indian national with an EB-3 priority date before May 22, 2013, you should:

• Check your priority date: This is the date your employer filed the labor certification or immigrant petition (Form I-140) for you.
• Confirm eligibility: Make sure your priority date is earlier than the current Final Action Date for EB-3 India.
• Prepare for adjustment of status: If you are in the United States 🇺🇸, you may be eligible to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS Form I-485 page.
• Gather supporting documents: These include proof of your approved I-140, birth certificates, medical exams, and other required evidence.
• Consult your employer or attorney: Work with your employer’s HR department or a qualified immigration attorney to ensure all paperwork is correct and timely.
• Monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin: The U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin each month, which shows the latest Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing.

If your priority date is after May 22, 2013, you must continue to wait until your date becomes current in a future Visa Bulletin.

Implications for Pending Applications

• EB-3 applicants with current priority dates: If your I-485 is already filed and your priority date is now current, USCIS may soon approve your adjustment of status, provided all other requirements are met.
• EB-3 applicants with pending I-140s: If your I-140 is still pending, you must wait for approval before you can proceed with adjustment of status.
• EB-2 and EB-1 applicants: No change. You must continue to wait for movement in your category.
• EB-5 applicants: If your priority date is now current, you may proceed with final visa processing or adjustment of status.

Why the EB-3 Movement Matters

The EB-3 category for Indian nationals has been stuck for years, with only tiny advances. The recent one-week and one-month jumps are small but important. They show that some visa numbers are becoming available for Indian EB-3 applicants, possibly due to lower demand or unused visas from other countries. This progress, while slow, is a sign that the backlog may be easing slightly.

Background: Why Are Indian Nationals Waiting So Long?

The long wait times for Indian nationals in employment-based green card categories are due to two main reasons:

1. High demand: Many skilled workers from India apply for green cards each year, especially in technology and healthcare fields.
2. Per-country caps: U.S. immigration law limits the number of green cards that can be issued to nationals of any one country each year. This means that even if there are more qualified applicants from India, only a set number of visas can be given out annually.

As a result, Indian applicants in EB-2 and EB-3 categories have faced backlogs of 10 years or more. The EB-3 category, which covers professionals and skilled workers with at least a bachelor’s degree or two years of experience, has often lagged behind EB-2 (for advanced degree holders). However, in recent years, the EB-3 backlog has sometimes moved faster than EB-2, depending on demand and visa number availability.

How the Visa Bulletin Works

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State. It shows two key dates for each visa category and country:

• Final Action Date: The cutoff date for when a green card can actually be issued. If your priority date is earlier than this date, you can receive your green card or adjust status.
• Date for Filing: The date when you can submit your adjustment of status application, even if a green card cannot yet be issued. However, for July 2025, USCIS has announced that only the Final Action Dates chart will be used for employment-based categories. This means only those with current priority dates can file Form I-485.

What Does Using the Final Action Dates Chart Mean?

For July 2025, USCIS is using the more restrictive Final Action Dates chart for employment-based adjustment of status filings. This means:

• Only applicants whose priority dates are earlier than the Final Action Date can file Form I-485.
• Fewer people can file adjustment applications early, which may slow down the overall processing pipeline.
• This approach aligns filings with actual visa availability, reducing the risk of large backlogs of pending adjustment applications.

Practical Steps for Indian EB-3 Applicants

If your priority date is now current, here’s what you should do:

• File Form I-485: If you are in the United States 🇺🇸 and eligible, file your adjustment of status application as soon as possible.
• Prepare for interviews and medical exams: USCIS may require an interview or updated medical exam as part of the process.
• Stay in touch with your attorney or employer: Immigration rules can change quickly, and professional guidance is important.
• Keep documents up to date: Make sure your passport, work authorization, and other documents are valid.
• Monitor the Visa Bulletin each month: Dates can move forward or backward, so staying informed is key.

For Those Still Waiting

If your priority date is not yet current, you should:

• Keep your contact information updated with USCIS and the National Visa Center.
• Renew your work authorization and travel documents as needed.
• Stay informed about possible legislative changes or policy updates.
• Consider consulting an immigration attorney for personalized advice.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Immigration attorneys and experts agree that the recent EB-3 movement is a positive sign, even if the gains are small. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the one-week to one-month advances in EB-3 for India reflect a cautious improvement in visa number availability. Experts say that if demand stays steady or if Congress passes reforms to increase visa numbers or remove per-country caps, the EB-3 category could see more progress in the future.

Indian applicants and their families are encouraged to watch the Visa Bulletin closely and be ready to act quickly when their priority date becomes current. Many stakeholders, including major U.S. employers and advocacy groups, continue to urge Congress to address the decades-long backlog for Indian nationals in employment-based categories.

What About EB-1 and EB-2?

Unfortunately, there is no movement in the EB-1 and EB-2 categories for India as of July and August 2025. The Final Action Dates remain at February 15, 2022, for EB-1 and January 1, 2013, for EB-2. Applicants in these categories must continue to wait unless there is a significant change in policy or visa number allocation.

EB-5 Investor Category

Indian nationals in the EB-5 category have seen a more significant advance, with the Final Action Date moving forward by six months to November 15, 2019. This is good news for investors and their families, as it means faster processing for those with earlier priority dates.

Looking Ahead: Future Outlook

The August 2025 Visa Bulletin suggests that the slow but steady movement in the Indian EB-3 category may continue for the rest of the year. However, EB-1 and EB-2 are expected to remain unchanged unless there is a major shift in policy or visa number allocation. Possible legislative reforms or administrative actions in late 2025 or 2026 could impact visa availability and help reduce backlogs, but as of July 16, 2025, no major changes have been announced.

USCIS and the Department of State will keep publishing monthly Visa Bulletins, which are the best source for up-to-date information on visa availability and filing eligibility.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin: The most reliable source for monthly updates on visa availability and priority dates. Access the latest bulletin here.
• USCIS: For adjustment of status filing instructions, announcements, and official forms. Check the USCIS website for updates.
• Immigration law firms: Firms like Fragomen, Morgan Lewis, Hunton Andrews Kurth, Ogletree Deakins, and Boundless Immigration provide detailed analyses and guidance on the Visa Bulletin and employment-based immigration.
• Qualified attorneys: For personalized help, consult a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited representative.

Summary Table: Indian EB Visa Final Action Dates (July – August 2025)

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• EB-3 Indian nationals with priority dates before May 22, 2013, should prepare to file or complete their adjustment of status applications.
• EB-2 and EB-1 applicants must continue to wait for movement in their categories.
• EB-5 investors from India benefit from a six-month advancement and should check their eligibility for final processing.
• All applicants should monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin and consult official resources or legal professionals for guidance.

While the progress in the EB-3 category is slow, it is a positive sign for Indian nationals waiting for green cards. Staying informed and ready to act when your priority date becomes current is the best way to make the most of these changes. For the latest updates and official information, always refer to the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin and the USCIS website.

Learn Today

EB-3 Category → A visa category for professionals and skilled workers seeking U.S. employment-based green cards.
Final Action Date → The cutoff date when a green card or adjustment of status can be approved.
Priority Date → The date an immigrant petition or labor certification is filed, determining visa eligibility order.
Form I-485 → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for eligible visa applicants in the U.S.
Visa Bulletin → Monthly U.S. Department of State publication showing visa availability and priority dates.

This Article in a Nutshell

Indian EB-3 visa dates advanced modestly in mid-2025, offering hope to thousands. EB-1 and EB-2 remained static, while EB-5 progressed by six months. Applicants must check priority dates carefully and prepare to file I-485 for adjustment of status promptly when current.
— By VisaVerge.com