For thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States, obtaining a Green Card—the key to permanent residency—remains a long-cherished dream. The January 2026 US Visa Bulletin, released by the US Department of State, has brought welcome relief and fresh hope for Indian workers, particularly those applying under employment-based categories.
The Green Card allows foreign nationals to live permanently in the US, work freely without visa restrictions, and change jobs without immigration hurdles. However, Indian applicants face one of the longest waiting periods in the world due to high demand and strict country-wise limits.
Why Indian Applicants Face Long Delays
Under US immigration law, no single country can receive more than 7% of total Green Cards issued each year. Since a large number of skilled Indian professionals apply annually, long backlogs have built up over the years—especially in employment-based categories.
To track progress, the US government issues a monthly Visa Bulletin, which outlines when applicants can file documents and when Green Cards can actually be approved.
How to Read the Visa Bulletin
The bulletin has two key sections:
- Final Action Date: Indicates when a Green Card can be approved based on the applicant’s priority date.
- Dates for Filing: Indicates when applicants can submit documents and enter the waiting list, enabling them to apply for work permits and travel authorization.
If an applicant’s priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date, they become eligible for Green Card approval.
Category-Wise Green Card Updates for Indians
EB-1 Category (Priority Workers):
The biggest relief has come for Indian professionals in this category.
- Final Action Date: Advanced by nearly one year to February 1, 2023
- Dates for Filing: August 1, 2023
This category includes individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers.
EB-2 Category (Advanced Degree Professionals):
Indian applicants under EB-2 have also seen progress.
- Final Action Date: Advanced by two months to July 15, 2013
- Dates for Filing: December 1, 2013
This category covers professionals with advanced degrees such as master’s or doctoral qualifications, as well as individuals with exceptional ability in science, arts, or business.
EB-3 Category (Skilled Workers):
Positive movement was recorded here as well.
- Final Action Date: November 15, 2013
- Dates for Filing: August 15, 2014
Most H-1B visa holders fall under this category, along with certain skilled and unskilled workers.
What This Means for Indian Workers
While the Green Card backlog for Indians remains significant, the January 2026 Visa Bulletin signals steady forward movement, especially for employment-based applicants. Immigration experts advise eligible candidates to closely monitor future bulletins and prepare documents in advance as filing opportunities open.
For Indian professionals who have waited years—sometimes decades—the latest update offers renewed optimism that the long road to permanent residency in the United States is gradually moving forward.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.