US August Visa Bulletin Shows Mixed Progress for Indian Green Card Applicants

Key Takeaways

• August 2025 Visa Bulletin advances EB-3 India to May 22, 2013, and EB-5 Unreserved to November 15, 2019.
• EB-2 and EB-1 India dates remain unchanged, with risk of retrogression due to annual visa limits.
• EB-4 is unavailable; F-2A family category advances one month; applicants should monitor Visa Bulletin monthly.

The August 2025 Visa Bulletin, released by the U.S. Department of State on July 14, 2025, brings both hope and disappointment for Indian green card applicants, especially those waiting in employment-based categories. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for people with pending applications. The focus is on the EB-3 category, Indian green card backlogs, and the broader impact of the August 2025 Visa Bulletin.

Summary of Key Changes in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin

The August 2025 Visa Bulletin introduces a few important updates for Indian applicants:

• EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): The Final Action Date for India has moved forward by one month to May 22, 2013. This is the only employment-based category for India to see any progress this month.
• EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals): The Final Action Date for India remains unchanged at January 1, 2013. While other countries saw a slight backward movement, India’s date did not move.
• EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, Multinational Managers): No change for India; the cut-off date stays at February 15, 2022.
• EB-5 (Immigrant Investors): The Unreserved Category for India advanced by over six months to November 15, 2019. The Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) remain current for all applicants, including Indians.
• EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants): This category is now “unavailable” for all countries, including India, because the annual limit has been reached.

For family-based green card categories, most dates remain unchanged. The F-2A category (spouses and children of permanent residents) advanced by one month for all countries. The F-4 category (siblings of U.S. citizens) saw significant movement for some countries, but not for India.

Who Is Affected by These Changes?

The main group affected by the August 2025 Visa Bulletin are Indian nationals waiting for employment-based green cards, especially in the EB-3 and EB-2 categories. Here’s a breakdown of who is impacted:

• EB-3 Indian Applicants: Those with priority dates before May 22, 2013, can now move forward with their green card applications. This is a small group, as most applicants have much later priority dates.
• EB-2 Indian Applicants: No change this month. Applicants with priority dates after January 1, 2013, must keep waiting.
• EB-1 Indian Applicants: No change. Only those with priority dates before February 15, 2022, are eligible.
• EB-5 Indian Applicants: Those in the Unreserved Category with priority dates before November 15, 2019, can now proceed. The Set-Aside Categories remain open for all.
• EB-4 Applicants: No one can move forward in this category, as it is now unavailable.
• Family-Based Applicants: Only F-2A applicants see a one-month advancement. Other categories remain mostly unchanged for India.

Effective Dates and Required Actions

The changes in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin take effect on August 1, 2025. Here’s what applicants need to do:

• Employment-Based Applicants: Must use the Final Action Dates chart to check if they can file for adjustment of status or an immigrant visa. Only those with a priority date earlier than the listed Final Action Date for their category and country can file in August 2025.
• Family-Based Applicants: Must use the Dates for Filing chart to determine eligibility.
• Pending Applications: If your priority date is now current, you should prepare your documents and file as soon as possible. If your date is not current, continue to monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin for changes.

For official guidance, applicants should refer to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin and the USCIS Visa Bulletin Information page.

Implications for Pending Applications

The August 2025 Visa Bulletin’s changes have several important implications for Indian green card applicants:

• EB-3 India: The one-month advancement is a small step forward, but most applicants remain stuck in a long line. Those with priority dates before May 22, 2013, can now file for adjustment of status or consular processing.
• EB-2 India: The lack of movement means continued long waits. Many applicants with priority dates in the 2010s are still years away from being eligible.
• EB-1 India: No change means the backlog continues, but the wait is shorter compared to EB-2 and EB-3.
• EB-5 India: The significant advancement in the Unreserved Category is good news for some investors, but the overall number of applicants is smaller compared to EB-2 and EB-3.
• EB-4 India: The category is now unavailable, so no new applications can move forward until the next fiscal year or until more visas become available.

Quantitative Data: Where Do the Dates Stand?

Here’s a summary table showing the current Final Action Dates for India in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin and how they have changed since July 2025:

Policy Implications and Warnings

The August 2025 Visa Bulletin comes with several warnings and policy notes that Indian green card applicants should keep in mind:

• Visa Demand and Retrogression Risks: The U.S. Department of State warns that the EB-2 and EB-3 categories are close to reaching their annual visa limits for the 2025 fiscal year. If these limits are reached, the categories may become “unavailable” or move backward (retrogress) in September 2025 or even sooner.
• High Demand and Long Waits: Indian applicants, especially in EB-2 and EB-3, continue to face very long wait times. This is due to per-country caps (limits on how many green cards can go to people from one country each year) and high demand from India.
• No Relief for EB-2 India: Even though other countries saw their EB-2 dates move backward, India’s date did not move at all. This shows how large the backlog is for Indian applicants.
• Possible Retrogression Ahead: The State Department has warned that EB-2 and EB-3 could retrogress or become unavailable in the next Visa Bulletin if annual limits are reached.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

• Immigration Attorneys and Advocates: Many lawyers and advocates are worried about the very slow movement for India, especially in the EB-2 category. They warn that the risk of further retrogression or unavailability is high as the annual limits are reached.
• Indian Applicants: Many Indian applicants are frustrated by the lack of progress, especially those with priority dates from the early 2010s who are still waiting for their green cards.
• U.S. Government Officials: The Department of State and USCIS say they are watching demand closely and will adjust cut-off dates each month. However, they also say that the law limits how many green cards can be given out each year, and there is little flexibility.

Historical Context and Background

To understand why the wait is so long for Indian green card applicants, especially in EB-2 and EB-3, it helps to know a bit of history:

• Per-Country Limits: U.S. law says that no more than 7% of green cards in each category can go to people from any one country each year. This rule affects countries with high demand, like India 🇮🇳, much more than countries with fewer applicants.
• Backlog Growth: Over the past decade, the number of Indian applicants for employment-based green cards has grown a lot. This has led to wait times of 10-15 years or more for many people.
• No Major Legislative Changes: As of July 2025, Congress has not passed any major laws to increase the number of employment-based green cards or remove per-country limits, even though many groups have asked for these changes.

Future Outlook and What to Expect

Looking ahead, there are several things Indian green card applicants should watch for:

• Potential for Further Retrogression: The State Department has warned that EB-2 and EB-3 could move backward or become unavailable in September 2025 if the annual visa limits are reached.
• No Major Relief Without New Laws: Unless Congress changes the law to increase visa numbers or remove per-country limits, it is unlikely that Indian applicants will see big improvements soon.
• Monthly Updates: The Department of State will continue to update the Visa Bulletin every month. The next update is expected in mid-August 2025.

Practical Steps for Indian Green Card Applicants

If you are an Indian applicant waiting for a green card in the EB-2, EB-3, or other categories, here are some practical steps you should take:

1. Check Your Priority Date: Look at your I-140 approval notice or labor certification to find your priority date. Compare it to the Final Action Date for your category and country in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin.
2. Determine Eligibility to File: Only file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) or an immigrant visa if your priority date is earlier than the listed Final Action Date. You can find the latest Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website.
3. Monitor Future Bulletins: Keep checking the Visa Bulletin each month, especially as the end of the fiscal year approaches and categories may retrogress or become unavailable.
4. Consult Official Resources: Use the USCIS Visa Bulletin Information page to understand which chart to use for filing.
5. Contact the National Visa Center: If you have a case pending at the National Visa Center, you can call 1-603-334-0700 for updates.
6. Prepare Documents Early: If your priority date is close to becoming current, gather all required documents and be ready to file quickly.
7. Seek Legal Advice: If you are unsure about your eligibility or next steps, consider speaking with an experienced immigration attorney.

Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Are Affected

• Applicants: Many Indian applicants are feeling frustrated and uncertain. Those with older priority dates may finally see some movement, but most are still waiting. The risk of retrogression adds to the anxiety.
• Employers: Companies that sponsor Indian workers are worried about keeping their employees. Long green card waits make it hard to plan for the future and can lead to losing talented workers.
• Policymakers: Lawmakers are divided on how to fix the backlog. Some want to remove per-country caps, while others think broader immigration reform is needed.

Summary of August 2025 Visa Bulletin for Indian Green Card Applicants

• EB-3 India: Only category with forward movement (+1 month to May 22, 2013).
• EB-2 and EB-1 India: No change; significant backlog continues.
• EB-5 Unreserved India: Significant advancement (+6.5 months).
• EB-5 Set-Aside: Remain current for all.
• Warning: High risk of retrogression or unavailability in EB-2 and EB-3 as annual limits are reached.
• No major legislative relief as of July 2025.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the Visa Bulletin and official government resources for updates.
• Act Quickly: If your priority date becomes current, file your application as soon as possible.
• Prepare for Delays: Be ready for possible retrogression or delays, especially in EB-2 and EB-3.
• Seek Help: If you have questions or concerns, contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit uscis.gov.
• Advocate for Change: If you are affected by long waits, consider joining advocacy groups or contacting your representatives to support changes to green card laws.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the August 2025 Visa Bulletin highlights the ongoing challenges for Indian green card applicants, especially in the EB-3 and EB-2 categories. While there is a small step forward for some, most applicants must continue to wait and watch for future updates. For the most current information, always refer to the official Visa Bulletin and consult with trusted immigration professionals.

Learn Today

Visa Bulletin → Monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State announcing immigrant visa cut-off dates per category and country.
Priority Date → Date when an immigrant petition is filed, determining the applicant’s place in the green card queue.
EB-3 Category → Employment-based green card category for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
Retrogression → When immigration cut-off dates move backward, delaying eligibility for filing or final action.
Adjustment of Status → Process by which eligible individuals in the U.S. apply to become permanent residents without leaving.

This Article in a Nutshell

The August 2025 Visa Bulletin modestly advances EB-3 Indian green card applicants but leaves EB-2 stagnant. EB-5 Unreserved category sees significant progress. Legal limits risk retrogression soon. Applicants must act if priority dates become current and monitor updates closely to navigate long waits effectively.
— By VisaVerge.com