U.S. Green Card Wait Times for Indians: Why the Timeline Can Stretch Beyond 13 Years

Lately, Business Standard wrote another piece about a worrying issue, an absolutely interminable wait for a Green Card for Indian professionals in the United States. In some cases, the timeline can extend beyond the 10 to 13 years even after petition approval.

It is very important to realize why this has been happening if you also plan to begin your U. S. Green Card process.

7% Country Cap Rule

The U.S. immigration system follows per-country limits, under which certain nationalities are limited to receiving no more than about 7% of the total annual employment-based Green Cards.

India has some of the highest numbers of skilled professionals applying for EB-2 and EB-3 categories, so no surprise that demand far outstrips quota per year. Due to this, a never-ending sea of applicants continues to grow.

Approval of the Petition Does Not Mean Immediate Residency

In the immigrant visa and adjustment of status context, people often presume that they can get their Green Card shortly after their immigrant petition is sanctioned. However, this won’t technically be positive most of the time.

The numerical limits imposed by INA, with the further quota implementation of the nationality and relationship status requirements, are what bring this hindrance for the qualifying beneficiaries. Many restrictions apply to admitting aliens to permanently reside in the United States, including the accompanying relatives of U. S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

There Is Issue over the Duration

In the current immigration landscape, intensive, expert long-term planning is vital. The choice of visa, adherence to the priority date movement, and the search for alternative pathways create significant differences in the overall timeline.

At Abhinav Immigration Services, we assist clients in building well-planned immigration pathways in the U.S. Thorough planning and making informed decisions will help all stakeholders, from evaluating one’s potential to establishing realistic timelines that are truly in place. If U.S. permanent residency plays a role in your long-term plan, it is best to catch it early, with a clear understanding and composure, and with proper professional guidance on top.