10-Year EB-2 Green Card Backlog Drives Indian H-1B Techie to Consider Canada

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Key Takeaways

• EB-2 Green Card backlog for Indian nationals exceeds 10 years, stuck at January 1, 2013, as of July 2025.
• USCIS has 11.3 million pending cases, with only 2.7 million processed in Q2 2025, slowing overall immigration progress.
• Indian H-1B workers increasingly consider Canada, Australia, and Germany for faster, predictable permanent residency pathways.

As of July 2025, Indian H-1B tech professionals in the United States 🇺🇸 face a severe and ongoing challenge: the EB-2 Green Card backlog has now stretched beyond a decade for many, with little sign of improvement. This situation is not just a matter of numbers or policy—it is deeply affecting the lives, careers, and families of thousands of skilled workers. Many are now seriously considering alternatives such as Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, and Germany, seeking a more stable and predictable future. Here’s a detailed update on what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these developments mean for pending and future applications.

Summary of What Has Changed

10-Year EB-2 Green Card Backlog Drives Indian H-1B Techie to Consider Canada

EB-2 Green Card Backlog for Indian Nationals: The backlog has reached a critical point, with priority dates for Indian applicants in the EB-2 category stuck at January 1, 2013, according to the July 2025 Visa Bulletin. This means that anyone who started their green card process after this date is still waiting, with no movement in recent years.
USCIS Processing Delays: The overall backlog at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has grown to 11.3 million pending cases, including green card applications, work permits, and visa petitions. Processing speed has slowed, with only 2.7 million cases completed in the second quarter of 2025.
Growing Interest in Alternatives: More Indian H-1B holders are exploring immigration options in Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, and Germany, driven by frustration with the U.S. system and the appeal of faster, more predictable pathways to permanent residency.

Who Is Affected

Indian H-1B Tech Professionals: The most affected group includes Indian nationals working in the U.S. on H-1B visas, especially those in the EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories. Many have been waiting over 10 years for permanent residency, facing repeated H-1B renewals, job restrictions, and travel limitations.
Families of H-1B Holders: Spouses and children, especially those on dependent visas, also experience uncertainty and stress due to the lack of permanent status.
U.S. Employers: Companies relying on Indian tech talent face challenges in retaining skilled workers who may leave for countries with better immigration prospects.

Effective Dates

Current as of July 12, 2025: The backlog and related policy issues described here reflect the situation as of this date. No major legislative or administrative changes have been announced that would immediately improve the situation for Indian EB-2 Green Card applicants.

Required Actions for Affected Individuals

If you are an Indian H-1B holder waiting for an EB-2 Green Card, here are the steps you should consider:

1. Check Your Priority Date

Review the Latest Visa Bulletin: Go to the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin to check the current priority date for EB-2 India. If your priority date is after January 1, 2013, you are still in the backlog.
Understand Your Place in Line: Your priority date is the date your employer filed the PERM labor certification or, if not required, the I-140 petition. This date determines your place in the queue for a green card.

2. Explore Alternative Immigration Programs

Given the long wait, it’s wise to look at other countries that offer skilled migration programs with faster processing and more predictable outcomes.

Canada 🇨🇦: Express Entry System

Points-Based Selection: Canada’s Express Entry uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score applicants based on age, education, work experience, and language skills.
No Country Caps: Unlike the U.S., Canada does not limit the number of green cards (permanent residencies) by country of birth, so Indian applicants compete on equal footing.
Fast Processing: Most Express Entry applicants receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency within 6–12 months if their CRS score is above the typical cutoff (usually 430–460; many Indian H-1B holders score above 470).
Quality of Life: Benefits include universal healthcare, social security, and a clear path to citizenship.
Official Resource: Use the Canada Express Entry CRS calculator to check your score and eligibility.

Australia and Germany

Australia: The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and other skilled migration programs use a points-based system, with processing times often under a year.
Germany: The EU Blue Card allows skilled workers to live and work in Germany, with a path to permanent residency after a few years.

Other Options

Eastern Europe: Some countries are developing tech-friendly migration programs, though job markets and living standards vary.

3. Compare Timelines, Costs, and Living Conditions

Research Each Country’s Process: Look at how long it takes to get permanent residency, the total cost (including application fees and moving expenses), and what life is like in each country.
Consider Family Needs: Think about education, healthcare, and job opportunities for spouses and children.

4. Consult Immigration Experts—But Be Cautious

Legal Advice: Immigration lawyers and consultants can help, but fees can be high (sometimes $5,000 or more just for an evaluation).
Self-Research: Many official government websites provide free tools and information. Start there before paying for professional help.

5. Consider U.S. Alternatives: EB-1 and EB-5

EB-1 Category: If you have extraordinary ability, are an outstanding professor or researcher, or hold a multinational manager/executive role, you may qualify for the EB-1 category, which has a much shorter backlog (about 2–3 years for Indian nationals).
EB-5 Investor Visa: If you can invest $800,000 or more in a U.S. business, the EB-5 program offers a path to a green card. Some applicants use this as a “dual-track” strategy, applying for EB-5 while waiting for EB-2 to become current. This requires careful planning and legal advice.

6. Plan for Long-Term Decisions

Career Moves: The long wait for an EB-2 Green Card can limit your ability to change jobs, get promotions, or start your own business in the U.S.
Travel: Many H-1B holders avoid trips home due to the risk of visa stamping delays or denials.
Family Stability: Consider how the uncertainty affects your spouse and children, especially if they are aging out of dependent status.

Implications for Pending Applications

No Immediate Relief in Sight: Unless Congress passes the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act or similar reform, the backlog for Indian EB-2 Green Card applicants will likely persist for years.
Annual Visa Limit Reset: The U.S. government resets its visa numbers every October 1, but due to high demand, this does not result in significant movement for Indian applicants.
USCIS Backlog: Processing delays affect all stages of the green card process, from PERM labor certification to I-140 petitions and adjustment of status applications.
Potential for Legislative Change: While there is ongoing advocacy for reform, no major changes are expected in the near future.

Broader Impacts and Trends

Increasing Migration to Canada 🇨🇦: As reported by VisaVerge.com, more Indian H-1B professionals are choosing to move to Canada, attracted by faster processing, equal treatment regardless of country of birth, and a higher quality of life.
U.S. Tech Industry Concerns: Employers worry about losing top talent to other countries, which could impact innovation and competitiveness.
Personal Stories Highlight the Strain: Many Indian H-1B holders share their experiences online, describing the stress of feeling “stuck” in a temporary status, the fear of travel, and the disappointment of missed opportunities.

What You Should Do Next

If you are an Indian H-1B holder facing a long wait for an EB-2 Green Card, here’s a practical checklist:

Check your priority date on the latest Visa Bulletin.
Use Canada’s Express Entry CRS calculator to see if you qualify for permanent residency.
Research skilled migration programs in Australia and Germany.
Compare costs, timelines, and quality of life in each country.
Consult an immigration lawyer if you are considering complex options like EB-1 or EB-5.
Stay informed about U.S. legislative developments that could affect your green card process.
Discuss plans with your family to ensure everyone’s needs are considered.

Official Resources for Further Information

Key Takeaways

The EB-2 Green Card backlog for Indian nationals in the United States 🇺🇸 is now over 10 years, with no immediate relief expected.
Many Indian H-1B tech professionals are actively exploring alternatives in Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, and Germany, where skilled migration programs offer faster and more predictable paths to permanent residency.
If you are affected, check your priority date, research alternative programs, and consider both your career and family needs before making a decision.
Stay updated on policy changes and use official government resources to guide your next steps.

By staying informed and proactive, you can make the best possible choices for your future—even in the face of long waits and uncertainty. The landscape may be challenging, but alternatives like Canada 🇨🇦 are proving to be real options for those ready to take the next step.

Learn Today

EB-2 Green Card → U.S. employment-based visa category for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking permanent residency.
Priority Date → The date when an immigrant petition or labor certification is filed, determining an applicant’s place in the visa queue.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency processing immigration benefits including green cards and visas.
Express Entry → Canada’s immigration system that ranks skilled workers using a points system to invite applicants for permanent residency.
PERM Labor Certification → A process where U.S. employers prove no qualified U.S. workers are available before hiring foreign employees.

This Article in a Nutshell

Indian H-1B tech workers face over a decade of EB-2 Green Card delays, causing major career and family impacts. Many explore Canada, Australia, and Germany for quicker immigration options and stability, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in the U.S. immigration system and proactive personal planning.
— By VisaVerge.com