Green card queue worsens for Indians in the US

AI Summary

The US June 2026 Visa Bulletin reveals significant delays for Indian green card applicants, particularly in the EB-1 and EB-2 categories due to overwhelming demand. The bulletin notes possible further retrogressions or unavailability which could affect applicants seeking permanent residency in the United States.

The US Department of State has released the June 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing setbacks for Indian green card applicants in employment-based categories. The bulletin shows retrogression in the EB-1 and EB-2 final action dates for India due to high demand and heavy visa usage. It also warned that further retrogression or even temporary unavailability could follow in the coming months if annual limits are reached. For Indian applicants, the EB-1 final action date has moved to December 15, 2022, while the EB-2 category stands at September 1, 2013. The EB-3 category remains at December 15, 2013.“High demand and number use by aliens chargeable to India in the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories haves made it necessary to retrogress the final action dates to hold number use within the FY 2026 annual limit,” the State Department said. It added, “Further retrogressions, or making the categories ‘unavailable,’ may be necessary in the coming months if India’s pro-rated limits in the EB-1 or EB-2 categories are reached before the fiscal year ends.”The bulletin also warned that the EB-5 unreserved category for India could face retrogression or become unavailable next month because of rising demand. “Sufficient demand and increased number use by aliens chargeable to India in the EB-5 unreserved visa categories may make it necessary to retrogress the final action date or make the category ‘unavailable’ in the next month,” the bulletin said.Understanding the Visa BulletinUnderstanding the Visa Bulletin is crucial for individuals seeking Green Cards, as it provides vital information about the timeline for adjusting immigration status and eligibility based on application submission. The bulletin acts as a guide for the Green Card journey, featuring two essential sections.Dates for Filing: This section specifies the earliest date applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications. It helps applicants determine when they can proceed with their filing based on their visa category and country of origin.Final Action Dates: These dates estimate the wait time for application approval, leading to permanent residency. They function as a queue based on visa category and nationality, indicating when applicants can expect their applications to be processed.However, there's a crucial caveat for employment-based green card (EB) adjustments. To file in August 2025, applicants must have an application date preceding a specific date listed for their category and country in the bulletin, ensuring their eligibility for filing.The significance of final action dates lies in their role in application processing. These dates vary depending on the visa type and nationality, directly impacting the duration of the green card application process and potential wait times. Understanding and monitoring these dates is essential for individuals navigating the Green Card application process.Highlights from the June 2026 Visa BulletinThe Visa Bulletin outlines preference categories for family-sponsored immigrants, providing critical information for navigating the Green Card process. The categories are as follows:First Preference (F1): Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. CitizensSecond Preference (F2): Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent ResidentsF2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent ResidentsF2B: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent ResidentsThird Preference (F3): Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. CitizensFourth Preference (F4): Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. CitizensThe bulletin provides detailed insights into the allocation of immigrant visas, primarily based on priority dates and demand received by April 1st of each fiscal year. When demand surpasses the available visas in a particular category or country, that category is classified as oversubscribed. In such cases, the final action date for oversubscribed categories is determined by the priority date of the first applicant who couldn't be accommodated within the numerical limits.For the fiscal year, the limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants is set at 226,000, with specific allocations for each preference category. Additionally, there are per-country limits set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits. Immigrant visas are issued in order of priority based on the filing date of the petition.Spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status and consideration as the principal applicant. In instances where visa issuances surpass the per-country limit, visa prorating provisions come into effect for oversubscribed chargeability areas, including China (mainland born), India, Mexico, and the Philippines. These provisions ensure fair allocation of visas among applicants from different countries.Understanding these intricacies is crucial for individuals navigating the immigrant visa process. The Visa Bulletin serves as a vital tool, providing