Data reveals that Indian nationals account for over 91% of the backlog in EB-2 employment-based green cards, reflecting significant delays and challenges within the U.S. immigration system.
As of June 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported that Indian nationals are disproportionately affected by the backlog in employment-based green cards, particularly within the EB-2 category, which is designated for individuals holding advanced degrees. According to USCIS data, a staggering 356,360 out of 391,296 approved petitions in this category await visa availability, indicating that over 91% of these petitions are attributed to Indian applicants. In comparison, only 34,936 approved petitions belong to Chinese nationals, underscoring the magnitude of this issue.
Employment-Based Green Card Landscape
The statistics reveal a similar trend across other employment-based categories. In the EB-3 category, which pertains to skilled workers and professionals, Indian nationals make up approximately 72% of the pending petitions, with 106,214 applications out of a total of 147,492. Additionally, in the EB-1 category for priority workers, Indians account for roughly 56% of the petitions, with 17,861 out of 31,962. The cumulative data demonstrates that Indian nationals constitute a significant majority of the 856,662 approved petitions awaiting visa availability, with a total of 491,773, or about 57.4% of the backlog across all employment categories.
It is important to note that these figures represent only primary beneficiaries and do not include family members such as spouses and children. Furthermore, USCIS has indicated that some individuals may have multiple petitions filed on their behalf, which could contribute to the total figures.
Per-Country Visa Limits and Their Implications
The extensive delays faced by Indian nationals seeking employment-based green cards are primarily attributed to the per-country limits established in U.S. immigration policy, which restricts the issuance of green cards to any single country to 7% of the total annual allocation. This cap, combined with the high demand for U.S. residency among Indian professionals, has resulted in significant backlogs that are difficult to resolve.
The State Department recently confirmed that the EB-2 visa limit for Indian nationals for fiscal year 2026 has been reached, meaning that no further visas will be issued in this category until the next fiscal year begins on October 1, 2026. This announcement has exacerbated frustrations among Indian professionals who are keen to secure permanent residency in the U.S., particularly given the limited opportunities available due to the backlog.
Current Challenges and Uncertainty for Indian Professionals
The landscape for Indian professionals seeking permanent residency is further complicated by recent changes to visa regulations. Notably, the tightening of H-1B visa rules, which many Indian nationals rely on for employment in the U.S., has added layers of uncertainty. Additionally, the recent suspension of several technology companies from the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certification program has created further challenges, making it increasingly difficult for Indian workers to navigate the complex immigration system.
The situation raises significant concerns among Indian nationals and their advocates. Many are urging for comprehensive immigration reform that would address these long-standing issues and create clearer pathways for skilled workers to obtain residency. The implications of the current backlog extend beyond individual applicants; they impact the broader U.S. economy, particularly in sectors that depend heavily on skilled labor.
Future Outlook and Calls for Reform
As the backlog continues to grow, the conversation around employment-based immigration policies in the U.S. is becoming increasingly urgent. Advocates for reform argue that the current system not only hampers the professional aspirations of thousands of Indian nationals but also stifles innovation in industries that benefit from their expertise. The challenge lies in balancing the need for skilled labor with the structural limitations imposed by immigration laws.
With the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration reform, stakeholders are hopeful that the complexities of the current system will be addressed. As an integral part of the U.S. workforce, Indian professionals contribute significantly to various fields, including technology, healthcare, and engineering. Their prolonged wait for residency not only affects their personal lives but also the industries that rely on their skills and contributions.
The EB-2 green card backlog serves as a critical point of focus in the broader dialogue about U.S. immigration reform. It highlights the urgent need for policy changes that can alleviate the struggles faced by Indian professionals, ensuring that the U.S. remains a competitive destination for global talent.
