Jobaaj Stories
April 2025 Visa Bulletin: Significant Setback for Indian EB-5 Applicants
The April 2025 US Visa Bulletin delivered disappointing news for Indian green card applicants. The EB-5 category, popular among investors, has retrogressed by over two years, pushing the priority date back to November 1, 2019. This means many Indian applicants will face significantly longer wait times. The USCIS attributes this to increased demand and visa usage, impacting primarily Indian and Chinese applicants.
What is Visa Retrogression?
Visa retrogression occurs when the US Department of State moves the priority date backward in the Visa Bulletin. This happens when demand for visas in a specific category (like EB-5) from a particular country exceeds the available supply. The result? Applicants who were previously eligible must wait longer.
April 2025 Bulletin Highlights for India:
- EB-5 (Unreserved): Retrogressed to November 1, 2019 (from January 1, 2022).
- EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3: Showed slight improvements, moving priority dates forward.
- EB-4: Remains unavailable for all countries until the end of FY2025.
Impact on Indian Applicants:
The EB-5 retrogression significantly impacts Indian investors. Longer wait times create uncertainty around investment timelines and may lead some to reconsider their plans. While other EB categories saw slight progress, the substantial setback in EB-5 highlights the challenges in navigating the US immigration system.
Looking Ahead:
The retrogression underscores the importance of staying informed about monthly Visa Bulletin updates. Understanding the implications of priority dates and retrogression is crucial for planning and managing expectations during the green card application process. Consult with an immigration attorney for personalized advice.
