Guide · Updated 2026
Green Card Timeline for Indian Nationals (EB-2 & EB-3)
The employment-based green card for Indian nationals is a multi-year process because of per-country limits that create long EB-2 and EB-3 backlogs. The path is PERM labor certification, then Form I-140, then the I-485 adjustment of status once your priority date is current. This guide explains each stage and how to track your place in line using the monthly visa bulletin.
What are the green card stages?
Most employment green cards follow three stages, and your priority date is set when PERM is filed.
- PERM labor certification — your employer proves no qualified US worker is available.
- Form I-140 — the immigrant petition; approval locks your priority date.
- Form I-485 — adjustment of status, filed only when your priority date is current.
Why is the wait so long for Indians?
US law caps each country to about 7% of green cards per year. Because India has far more applicants than that cap, EB-2 and EB-3 priority dates for India are backlogged by many years. Your priority date must become "current" in the visa bulletin before you can file or be approved for I-485.
EB-2 vs EB-3: which is faster for India?
Both categories are heavily backlogged for India and the faster one changes over time. Some applicants "downgrade" from EB-2 to EB-3 or "upgrade" the other way to take advantage of whichever category has a more favorable date in the current bulletin. Always check the latest visa bulletin and consult an attorney before switching.
How do I track my priority date?
Check the Department of State visa bulletin each month. Compare your priority date (from your I-140 receipt) to the cutoff for EB-2/EB-3 India under both "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing." When your date is current under the chart USCIS is accepting, you can file or be approved for I-485.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change jobs while waiting for my green card?
Yes, with care. Under AC21 portability, once your I-485 has been pending 180+ days you can move to a same-or-similar job. Before that stage, changing employers usually means restarting PERM, though your old priority date can often be retained from an approved I-140.
Do my spouse and children get green cards too?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are derivative beneficiaries and can file I-485 with you when your priority date is current. Children aging out may be protected under the Child Status Protection Act.
How many years is the EB-2 India wait?
It varies year to year and can be a decade or more depending on demand and the bulletin. Always check the current visa bulletin for the latest cutoff dates rather than relying on a fixed number.