Green Card Update: Report Shows Applicants With Longest Wait Times

A new analysis of the U.S. employment-based immigration system finds that many applicants for permanent residency face waits that could stretch for years or even decades. The study highlights that Indian professionals are projected to experience the longest delays, driven by the combination of per-country limits and a large backlog in the visa bulletin. Analysts review the main employment-based categories—EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3—and explain how annual visa caps interact with retrogression, causing dates to move forward slowly for applicants from India. Under current rules, the report notes, the backlog has persisted for years and shows little sign of rapid clearance without policy changes. The result is that even highly skilled workers and their employers may face uncertain timelines for sponsor approvals, job transitions, and long-term planning, including family relocation in some cases. The analysis does not prescribe a single fix, but it points to policy options that are frequently discussed, such as widening or adjusting country caps, creating category-specific relief, or increasing the total annual visa allotment. It emphasizes the need for clarity for applicants and employers navigating the system and for lawmakers to consider reforms that could shorten wait times if enacted. The overall message is caution about persistent backlogs shaping talent mobility in coming years.