Indian professionals seeking employment-based green cards in the United States this year could face wait times of approximately 179 years, as reported by a US think tank due to a significant immigration backlog.
The analysis from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) indicates that Indian nationals are likely to encounter the most prolonged delays owing to visa backlogs and the annual quotas set for green cards.
According to the report, nearly one million individuals from India are currently caught in the employment-based immigration backlog, which comprises 79 percent of the overall green card backlog as of December 2025.
The findings reveal that green card allocations based on nationality adversely impact Indian applicants in comparison to those from China and the Philippines.
For instance, a highly skilled Indian worker who submits a labor certification or employment-based immigrant petition in January 2026 might experience a wait of 4 to 5 years for the EB-1 category, 179 years for EB-2, and 38 years for EB-3.
In contrast, Chinese applicants in the same categories could expect wait times of 5 years for EB-1, 25 years for EB-2, and 7 years for EB-3.
The NFAP attributes the extensive backlog to a cap of 140,000 green cards per year, which is considered insufficient for the number of skilled foreign workers sponsored by employers for permanent residency.
This annual limit, established by Congress in 1990, includes both primary applicants and their dependent family members. The think tank also points out that the per-country limit exacerbates the backlog, as India and China receive the same number of green cards as smaller nations like Iceland and Luxembourg.
A spokesperson from the US State Department noted that it is typical for certain visa categories and nationalities to reach their annual limits before the fiscal year concludes. The department routinely updates its website to inform the public when these limits have been met.
Data from the US government shows that in fiscal year 2016, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved 47,601 EB-2 applications from Indian nationals, which translates to an estimated 98,594 individuals when dependents are included. However, only 4,407 individuals from India were granted permanent residency in the EB-2 category during that same period.
The statistics indicate that over 90,000 individuals (including principals and dependents) were likely added to the backlog in FY 2016 alone, with similar trends continuing in 2017 and 2018.
Nischai Vats serves as a Deputy Copy Editor at The Indian Express, focusing on US politics, visa, and immigration policy, as well as broader international issues, all while prioritizing accuracy and clarity in reporting.
Since joining The Indian Express in May 2024, Nischai has been involved in writing, editing, and fine-tuning impactful stories for digital platforms, ensuring consistency and factual accuracy in the coverage of complex policies.
His previous experience includes roles in various Indian digital newsrooms, where he reported and edited for outlets like Inshorts, Newslaundry, Tiranga TV, and Catch News. His expertise encompasses rapid digital publishing, ground-level reporting, and copy editing across national, civic, and policy-related topics.
Nischai’s primary areas of expertise include:
- US politics and governance: Reporting on American political developments and policy changes.
- Visa and immigration policy: Covering visa categories, regulatory updates, and immigration pathways that impact global audiences.
- Editorial accuracy and copy editing: Ensuring clarity and precision in fast-paced digital news environments.
His journalism is built on verified sources and official documentation, adhering to The Indian Express’ editorial standards. His background in both reporting and editing equips him to present intricate policy updates in a reliable and accessible manner.
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