Challenges in Securing US Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers Intensify
The traditional path to a US passport looks less certain than it did a decade ago
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
The pathway to permanent residency in the US has become increasingly uncertain for skilled workers, particularly Indian professionals. Long backlogs in employment-based green cards, evolving policies, and high demand for H-1B visas complicate the transition from temporary to permanent status, with some facing waits extending beyond a lifetime.
- 01As of June 2026, the EB-2 category for Indian applicants is processing cases from September 1, 2013, while the EB-3 category is processing from December 15, 2013.
- 02The employment-based green card backlog has reached approximately 1.8 million applicants, with Indian professionals facing waits that could extend up to 134 years.
- 03In FY2026, USCIS received 343,981 eligible registrations for H-1B visas, with only 85,000 available, resulting in a selection rate of about 35.3%.
- 04About 250,000 children of employment-based immigrants may age out of dependent status before their families receive green cards due to prolonged backlogs.
- 05Large tech companies are advocating for immigration reforms to address the green card backlog and improve pathways for skilled workers.
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The pathway to obtaining a US passport and permanent residency has become increasingly unpredictable, particularly for Indian professionals who represent a significant portion of H-1B visa holders. Recent data from the June 2026 Visa Bulletin reveals that the employment-based second preference (EB-2) category is processing cases from September 1, 2013, and the third preference (EB-3) category from December 15, 2013, highlighting a backlog of approximately 1.8 million applicants. The selection rate for H-1B visas has dropped to about 35.3%, with 343,981 eligible registrations competing for only 85,000 available visas. This situation is exacerbated by recent policy shifts, which have raised concerns about processing timelines and costs for applicants. Additionally, the issue of
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The uncertainty in the immigration system affects employment-based immigrants, their families, and employers in the US labor market.
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