For Indian couples planning their green card filings in 2025 and beyond, the journey can feel overwhelming. The process involves many steps, changing rules, and long wait times. However, with careful planning and a clear understanding of each stage, couples can make smart choices to maximize flexibility, reduce risks, and move through the process as quickly as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help Indian couples manage their green card filings, with practical advice, estimated timeframes, and tips for every stage.
Understanding The green card process for Indian Couples
The green card process for Indian couples often starts with choosing the right visa category. Most Indian applicants use employment-based categories like EB-2 (for people with advanced degrees or special skills) or EB-3 (for skilled workers). Some may qualify for the EB-5 investor visa, while others might use family-based categories if one spouse is already a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Each path has its own steps, wait times, and rules.
The U.S. government controls how many green cards are given out each year for each country and category. Because there are so many Indian applicants, the wait times can be long, especially for EB-2 and EB-3. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the Department of State, shows when a person’s “priority date” becomes current, meaning they can move forward in the process. Watching the Visa Bulletin closely is very important for Indian couples.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Green Card Category
Indian couples should start by deciding which green card category fits their situation best. Here are the main options:
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree/Exceptional Ability): For people with a master’s degree or higher, or who have special skills.
- EB-3 (Skilled and Other Workers): For people with at least two years of work experience or a bachelor’s degree.
- EB-5 (Investor Visa): For those who can invest a large amount of money in a U.S. business.
- Family-Based Categories: For spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Each category has different wait times and requirements. For example, the EB-5 category recently moved forward by 6.5 months, making it more attractive for those who can afford it. EB-2 and EB-3 are the most common but often have long waits for Indian applicants.
Step 2: Tracking the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a key tool for Indian couples. It tells you when you can file your green card application based on your priority date. The priority date is usually the day your employer files the PERM labor certification or, for family-based cases, when the I-130 petition is filed.
- EB-2: In August 2025, the priority date for India moved back by about 1.5 months, showing a slowdown.
- EB-3: Moved forward by 1 month, offering a small improvement.
- EB-5: Advanced by 6.5 months, making it a faster option for some.
- Family-Based: Mostly stable, with small advances in some categories.
Tip: Check the Visa Bulletin every month. Even small changes can mean months or years of extra waiting. Be ready to act quickly if your date becomes current.
Step 3: Starting the Employment-Based Process
Most Indian couples use the employment-based process. Here’s how it works:
- PERM Labor Certification: Your employer must prove to the Department of Labor that no qualified U.S. worker is available for your job. This step takes about 18-24 months.
- I-140 Immigrant Petition: After PERM is approved, your employer files Form I-140 with USCIS. You can use premium processing to get a decision in 15 calendar days for an extra fee.
- Waiting for Priority Date: You must wait until your priority date is current on the Visa Bulletin before filing the next step.
Tip: Prepare all documents early. Missing paperwork or mistakes can cause delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs), which slow things down.
Step 4: Filing Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Once your priority date is current, you can file for your green card. If you are in the United States 🇺🇸, you file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). If you are outside the country, you go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Adjustment of Status (I-485): Allows you to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 while your application is processed. You can also apply for work and travel permits.
- Consular Processing: You attend an interview at a U.S. consulate in your home country.
Estimated Timeframe: USCIS processing times for I-485 are similar to pre-pandemic levels but may be a bit longer in 2025. Expect several months for this stage.
Tip: As of December 2024, you must submit your medical exam (Form I-693) with your I-485. Get this done early to avoid delays.
Step 5: Concurrent Filing for Faster Processing
If your priority date is current when your employer files the I-140, you can file the I-485 at the same time. This is called “concurrent filing” and can save several months.
- Benefits: Overlaps the processing of both forms, speeding up the process.
- Requirements: All documents, including the medical exam, must be ready.
Tip: Not all cases qualify for concurrent filing. Check the Visa Bulletin and talk to your employer or lawyer to see if you can use this option.
Step 6: Biometrics, Interview, and Approval
After filing the I-485, you’ll get a notice for a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting). Some applicants may also be called for an interview at a local USCIS office. If everything is in order, you’ll receive your green card.
- Biometrics: Usually scheduled within a few weeks of filing.
- Interview: Not all cases require an interview, but be prepared just in case.
- Approval: If approved, your green card will arrive by mail.
Tip: Keep your address updated with USCIS so you don’t miss important notices.
Step 7: Maintaining Valid Status
While waiting for your green card, it’s important to keep your current visa status (like H-1B or L-1) valid. This protects you if there are delays or problems with your green card application.
- Renew visas as needed.
- Don’t let your status expire.
- Changing jobs can affect your application, so talk to a lawyer before making changes.
Step 8: Handling Delays and RFEs
Delays and Requests for Evidence (RFEs) are common, especially for Indian couples. USCIS has increased scrutiny on employment-based petitions, leading to more RFEs in 2025.
- Prepare complete, well-documented applications.
- Respond to RFEs quickly and thoroughly.
- Consider hiring an experienced immigration lawyer to help.
Estimated Timeframe: Responding to an RFE can add weeks or months to your process.
Step 9: Exploring Alternative Pathways
If the wait for EB-2 or EB-3 is too long, Indian couples might consider other options:
- EB-5 Investor Visa: If you can invest the required amount, this category has moved forward quickly in 2025.
- Family-Based Categories: If one spouse is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the F-2A category (for spouses) is often faster.
- Switching Categories: Some applicants move from EB-2 to EB-3 if the wait is shorter.
Tip: Each pathway has its own rules and risks. Talk to a lawyer before making changes.
Step 10: Monitoring Policy Changes and Official Updates
Immigration rules and processing times can change. In 2025, there have been no major new laws, but backlogs remain high for Indian applicants. The Department of State and USCIS have promised to improve processing, but delays are still common.
- Check the Visa Bulletin every month.
- Follow updates on the USCIS website.
- Stay in touch with your employer and lawyer for the latest news.
Practical Tips for Indian Couples
- Start Early: Begin preparing documents and gathering evidence as soon as possible.
- Stay Organized: Keep copies of all forms, notices, and receipts.
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for USCIS to contact you if you see your priority date is current.
- Consider Premium Processing: For I-140 petitions, premium processing can speed up decisions for an extra fee.
- Plan for the Long Term: The process can take several years. Make plans for work, travel, and family needs during this time.
What to Expect from Authorities
- USCIS: Will review your forms, send notices for biometrics and interviews, and issue your green card if approved.
- Department of Labor: Handles the PERM labor certification step.
- Department of State: Publishes the Visa Bulletin and handles consular processing if needed.
Common Questions from Indian Couples
Q: How long will the process take?
A: For most Indian couples in the EB-2 or EB-3 categories, the process can take several years due to long wait times. The EB-5 category may be faster for those who qualify.
Q: Can both spouses apply separately?
A: Sometimes, if both spouses qualify for employment-based green cards, they can each start their own process. This can double your chances of moving forward if one category advances faster.
Q: What happens if my priority date retrogresses?
A: If the Visa Bulletin moves backward, you may have to wait longer before your application can move forward. This is why it’s important to file as soon as your date is current.
Q: Is legal help necessary?
A: While not required, many Indian couples find that hiring an experienced immigration lawyer helps avoid mistakes and delays.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Indian couples should:
- Monitor the Visa Bulletin every month.
- Prepare all documents early and carefully.
- File as soon as your priority date is current.
- Consider concurrent filing if possible.
- Keep your visa status valid while waiting.
- Explore alternative categories if the wait is too long.
- Respond quickly to any RFEs or requests from USCIS.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying alert to monthly changes in the Visa Bulletin and being ready to file at the right moment can make a big difference in how long the process takes. For official updates, forms, and instructions, always use the USCIS website, which provides the most accurate and current information.
By following these steps and staying organized, Indian couples can move through the green card process with more confidence, less stress, and a better chance of success. While the journey may be long, careful planning and quick action at each stage can help you reach your goal of permanent residency in the United States 🇺🇸.
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