Visakhapatnam Resident Achieves Rare EB-1 Green Card in 2025

Key Takeaways

• A Visakhapatnam resident secured an EB-1 green card in 2025, overcoming a significant backlog for Indian applicants.
• EB-1 green cards skip labor certification but face long waits due to annual caps and priority date retrogression.
• EB-1 includes extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and multinational executives with strict documentation requirements.

A Visakhapatnam resident’s recent success in securing an EB-1 green card in 2025 has drawn attention across India and the global immigrant community. This achievement stands out because the EB-1 green card is one of the most sought-after U.S. immigration pathways, especially for Indian nationals who face long waits due to high demand and strict annual limits. The story highlights both the challenges and opportunities for individuals with extraordinary ability aiming for permanent residency in the United States 🇺🇸.

Visakhapatnam Resident Breaks Through EB-1 Backlog

The individual from Visakhapatnam, a city on India’s east coast, managed to obtain an EB-1 green card after a lengthy and competitive process. This is significant because the EB-1 category is known for its tough requirements and the long backlog faced by Indian applicants. The EB-1 green card is reserved for people who can show extraordinary ability in their field, outstanding professors or researchers, or top-level multinational executives and managers.

For many in India, especially those with impressive achievements in science, business, arts, or academia, the EB-1 green card represents a direct path to living and working permanently in the United States 🇺🇸. However, the road is far from easy. The recent case from Visakhapatnam shows that with strong evidence, careful planning, and expert legal help, it is possible to succeed—even when the odds seem stacked against Indian applicants.

What Makes the EB-1 Green Card So Rare for Indian Applicants?

The EB-1 green card is highly desirable because it does not require a labor certification, which is a time-consuming process where employers must prove that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the job. Instead, the EB-1 is designed for people who have already proven themselves as leaders or top performers in their field.

However, for Indian nationals, the demand for EB-1 green cards far exceeds the annual quota set by U.S. law. This has led to a backlog, meaning that even after an applicant’s petition is approved, they must wait for their “priority date” to become current before they can complete the process and receive their green card.

As of July 2025, the final action date for Indian EB-1 applicants is stuck at February 15, 2022. This means that anyone who filed after that date must wait until their turn comes up, which can take years. In contrast, applicants from countries with less demand often have current priority dates, allowing them to move through the process much faster.

EB-1 Green Card: Who Qualifies?

The EB-1 green card is divided into three main groups:

• EB-1A: Individuals with extraordinary ability – These are people who have reached the very top of their field, whether in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. They must show proof such as major awards, published work, or media coverage.
• EB-1B: Outstanding professors and researchers – This group is for those who have made significant contributions to their academic field and have at least three years of experience in teaching or research.
• EB-1C: Multinational executives and managers – This category is for high-level managers or executives who have worked for a multinational company outside the United States 🇺🇸 and are being transferred to a related company in the U.S.

The Visakhapatnam resident who received the EB-1 green card had to provide strong evidence of extraordinary ability, which is the most common path for Indian applicants.

Step-by-Step: The EB-1 Application Process

Applying for an EB-1 green card involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail:

1. Determine Eligibility
   Decide which EB-1 category fits your background: extraordinary ability, outstanding professor/researcher, or multinational executive/manager.

2. Gather Evidence
   Collect documents that prove your achievements. This may include:
   • Major awards or prizes
   • Published articles or research
   • Patents or inventions
   • Media coverage
   • Letters of recommendation from experts in your field
3. File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
   Submit Form I-140 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is the official petition for an employment-based green card.

4. Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
   For Indian applicants, this is often the longest part of the process. You must wait until your priority date (the date USCIS receives your I-140) is earlier than the date listed in the monthly Visa Bulletin.

5. File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or Consular Processing
   Once your priority date is current, you can file Form I-485 if you are already in the United States 🇺🇸, or complete consular processing if you are outside the country.

6. Attend Biometrics and Interview (if required)
   USCIS may require you to provide fingerprints and attend an interview.

7. Receive Green Card Approval
   If everything is in order, you will be granted permanent resident status.

Premium processing is available for Form I-140, which means USCIS will review your petition within 15 business days for an extra fee of $2,500. However, this only speeds up the petition review, not the wait for a current priority date.

Current Processing Times and Backlogs

For most EB-1 applicants, the process from filing to approval can take 6 to 12 months under regular processing. With premium processing, the I-140 decision comes much faster, but the real bottleneck for Indian nationals is the backlog caused by the annual visa cap.

As of July 2025, the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin shows:

This means Indian applicants who filed after February 15, 2022, must keep waiting. The backlog is due to the high number of Indian professionals applying for the EB-1 green card, which exceeds the annual limit set by U.S. law.

Why Is There a Backlog for Indian EB-1 Applicants?

The U.S. government limits the number of green cards issued each year in each category and also sets a cap for each country. Because so many highly qualified Indian professionals apply for the EB-1 green card, the demand quickly outpaces the supply, causing the priority date to stall or even move backward (a situation called “retrogression”).

This backlog affects not only the main applicant but also their spouse and children under 21, who apply for derivative visas (E-14/E-15) and must wait for the same priority date to become current.

How to Track Your Priority Date

It is essential for EB-1 applicants, especially from India, to monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. This bulletin lists the current priority dates for each category and country. When your priority date becomes current, you can move forward with the final steps of your green card application.

You can find the latest Visa Bulletin and explanations on how to read it at the U.S. Department of State’s official website.

The Importance of Strong Documentation and Legal Help

The EB-1 green card process is complex and highly competitive. Immigration experts stress the need for strong documentation to prove extraordinary ability. This includes gathering as much evidence as possible and presenting it in a clear, organized way.

Many successful applicants, including the recent Visakhapatnam resident, work with experienced immigration attorneys who specialize in EB-1 cases. These professionals can help identify the best evidence, prepare the petition, and respond to any requests for more information from USCIS.

Policy and Practical Implications for Indian Applicants

The continued backlog for Indian EB-1 green card applicants has several important effects:

• Longer Wait Times: Even after approval of the I-140 petition, Indian applicants may wait years for their priority date to become current.
• Uncertainty: The lack of movement in the Visa Bulletin means applicants must be patient and prepared for delays.
• Family Impact: Spouses and children must also wait, which can affect family plans and children’s education.
• Career Planning: Applicants may need to plan their careers and moves carefully, knowing that the green card process can take much longer than expected.

Despite these challenges, the EB-1 green card remains a top choice for those who qualify, as it offers a direct path to permanent residency without the need for labor certification.

Expert Perspectives and Future Outlook

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, immigration attorneys and policy experts agree that the EB-1 green card is still worth pursuing for Indian professionals with strong credentials. The benefits of permanent residency in the United States 🇺🇸, including work flexibility and a path to citizenship, make the effort worthwhile.

Experts also point out that while there have been calls for policy changes to address the backlog—such as increasing the annual cap or recapturing unused visas—no major reforms have been passed as of mid-2025. Advocacy groups continue to push for change, but for now, Indian applicants must rely on careful preparation and patience.

What Can Applicants Do While Waiting?

While waiting for the priority date to become current, applicants can:

• Continue building their professional profile by earning more awards, publishing research, or taking on leadership roles.
• Stay informed by checking the Visa Bulletin each month and following updates from USCIS and the Department of State.
• Consult with immigration attorneys to ensure their case remains strong and to prepare for any changes in policy or procedure.
• Prepare documents for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing so they are ready to act quickly when their priority date becomes current.

Official Resources for EB-1 Applicants

For those considering the EB-1 green card or currently in the process, the following official resources provide up-to-date and reliable information:

• USCIS EB-1 Visa Category Information
• Visa Bulletin (monthly updates on priority dates)
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)
• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
• USCIS Premium Processing Service
• Qualified immigration attorneys specializing in EB-1 visas

Conclusion: A Pathway Worth Pursuing, Despite the Wait

The story of the Visakhapatnam resident who achieved an EB-1 green card in 2025 is a reminder that, while the process is tough and the wait can be long, success is possible for those with extraordinary ability and determination. The EB-1 green card remains a valuable opportunity for Indian professionals who meet the high standards set by U.S. immigration law.

Applicants should focus on building a strong case, staying informed about policy changes, and seeking expert legal help when needed. While the backlog for Indian nationals continues, the benefits of U.S. permanent residency make the journey worthwhile for many.

For anyone considering this path, regular consultation of official resources and professional guidance can make a significant difference. The EB-1 green card is not just a visa—it is a recognition of extraordinary achievement and a gateway to new opportunities in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

EB-1 Green Card → A U.S. employment-based visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, professors, or multinational executives seeking permanent residency.
Priority Date → The USCIS date that establishes an applicant’s place in line for visa availability under annual quotas.
Labor Certification → A process requiring employers to prove no qualified U.S. worker can fill the position, waived for EB-1 visas.
Form I-140 → USCIS immigrant petition form used by employers or individuals to request an EB-1 green card.
Premium Processing → An optional expedited USCIS service that speeds initial petition review to 15 business days for an extra fee.

This Article in a Nutshell

An EB-1 green card success for a Visakhapatnam resident in 2025 highlights the tough, lengthy U.S. immigration pathway for Indian professionals with extraordinary ability. Despite backlog delays, careful preparation and expert legal support can make permanent residency attainable, offering a direct route without labor certification complexities.
— By VisaVerge.com