The United States has issued the latest Visa Bulletin for February 2025, bringing some much-needed relief to Indian citizens waiting for green cards. With updates in the employment-based categories, the bulletin provides important details for those navigating the green card process.

A green card allows individuals to live and work permanently in the United States. However, due to a high volume of applicants, the process can take years, or even decades, particularly for Indian nationals. The newly released Visa Bulletin outlines the current timelines and eligibility for green card applications, giving hope to many waiting in line.

The Visa Bulletin highlights updates in several employment-based (EB) categories, which include:

• This category is for individuals with exceptional talent, professors, researchers, and executives.
• Update: The final action date remains unchanged at February 1, 2022.

• Designed for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
• Update: The final action date has shifted to October 15, 2012. This category remains the most in demand.

• Includes individuals with a bachelor’s degree working in skilled positions in the US.
• Update: The final action date has moved forward by two weeks, now standing at December 15, 2012.

• For those obtaining green cards through significant investments in the US economy.
• Update: No change has been noted for Indians in this category, with the final action date staying at January 1, 2022.

The Visa Bulletin is an essential resource for applicants tracking their green card status. It provides two critical dates:

For Indian citizens eagerly awaiting permanent residency in the US, the updated Visa Bulletin offers clarity and incremental progress, particularly in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. While challenges remain, these updates serve as a step forward in addressing the backlog.