US Delays Green Card Processing For Indians In Key Visa Categories

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The US Department of State has moved backward the final action dates for applicants in the EB-1 and EB-2 employment-based visa categories in its June 2026 Visa Bulletin, citing high demand and increased visa usage within the fiscal year 2026 annual limit.

The move is expected to affect Indians waiting for employment-based Green Cards, as retrogression pushes the cutoff dates further back for final residency approvals.

“High demand and number use by aliens chargeable to India in the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories have made it necessary to retrogress the final action dates to hold number use within the FY 2026 annual limit,” the State Department said.

The agency also warned that additional restrictions could follow if visa usage continues at the current pace.

“Further retrogressions, or making the categories ‘unavailable,’ may be necessary in the coming months if India’s pro-rated limits in the EB-1 or EB-2 categories are reached before the fiscal year ends,” the bulletin stated.

The June 2026 Visa Bulletin also flagged possible retrogression in the EB-5 unreserved visa category for India.

“Sufficient demand and increased number use by aliens chargeable to India in the EB-5 unreserved visa categories may make it necessary to retrogress the final action date or make the category ‘unavailable’ in the next month,” the US Department of State said.

Apart from India, the bulletin noted that China’s EB-2 category and the Philippines’ EB-3 category could also face retrogression or temporary unavailability because of increased demand and visa usage.

The US Department of State said it would continue monitoring visa usage and make adjustments where necessary.