Updated on 1 Dec 2025
Getting a green card through the EB2 or EB3 visa categories can be a long process. Many people from India are facing long delays, sometimes waiting for years. This blog explains what EB2 and EB3 visa categories are, why there are backlogs, the current processing times and what applicants can do to handle the delay.
What are EB2 and EB3 visa categories?
EB2 and EB3 are two types of employment-based green card categories in the United States.
- EB2 (Employment-Based Second Preference) is for people with advanced degrees (like a master's or higher) or those who have exceptional ability in fields like science, arts or business.
- EB3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) is for skilled workers, professionals with a bachelor's degree and some other workers who can perform jobs that require less training.
Many Indians apply for these visas because of high demand in the US for skilled workers in tech, healthcare and other fields.
What are the reasons for the backlog in EB2 and EB3 visa categories?
There are several reasons why the EB2 and EB3 visa processes are so delayed, especially for Indian nationals:
- High demand vs limited supply: One of the primary reasons behind the backlog is the stark contrast between the high demand for employment-based Green Cards (EB-2 and EB-3 categories) and the limited number of Green Cards available. Only around 65,000 Green Cards are allocated annually for Indian applicants, creating a significant disparity between the number of eligible individuals and available slots.
- Country caps: The country caps, which limit the number of Green Cards issued to any single nation to 7% of the total, further exacerbate the problem. This disproportionately affects India and China, countries from which a large number of applicants compete for a limited allocation.
- Legislative constraints: The imbalance between visa supply and demand can only be rectified through congressional action.
Current processing times of green cards
As of now, Indian applicants in EB2 and EB3 categories are facing very long waiting periods. In some cases, people have to wait 10 to 15 years or even longer. The exact time depends on the priority date, which is the date the green card process starts.
The Visa Bulletin, released monthly, shows which dates are currently being processed. Applicants from India often see very slow movement in the bulletin, which adds to the frustration.
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What can applicants do to handle the backlogs?
While the long wait cannot be avoided completely, there are a few steps that might help:
- Stay informed: Keep checking the visa bulletin and news about immigration policies. Any change might open up new opportunities.
- Upgrade or downgrade categories: Sometimes, switching between EB2 and EB3 might help, depending on which category is moving faster. Talk to your immigration adviser for advice.
- Use H-1B wisely: Make sure your H-1B visa is maintained and extended properly while waiting for your green card. This helps you continue working legally in the US.
- Consider other options: Some people explore other visa types or even consider moving to countries with faster permanent residency options.
- Documentation: Keep all documents updated. Respond quickly to any requests from immigration officers to avoid more delays.
- Plan international travel carefully: Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to plan your travel carefully. It’s wise to purchase travel insurance online to cover medical or travel-related issues during your journey to the US.
Conclusion
The backlog in EB2 and EB3 green card categories is a big issue, especially for Indian applicants. The main reasons are high demand, fixed country quotas and slow processing. Though the wait is long, staying informed, understanding the system and planning ahead can help make the journey easier.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.