If you’re an Indian professional working in the U.S. and dreaming of getting a green card, you’re likely aware of the long wait times involved. The U.S. Department of State has just released the July 2025 Visa Bulletin, and it brings important updates for those navigating the complex green card process—especially for Indian nationals.
Let’s break it down simply and clearly, focusing on what the latest changes mean for you.
What Is the US Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update that shows how close applicants are to getting their green card. It’s especially crucial for those waiting under employment-based categories. It includes two key dates:
- Date for Filing – This tells you when you can submit your green card application.
- Final Action Date – This tells you when your application can actually be approved, i.e., when you may receive your green card.
Together, these dates help applicants understand when they can take the next step in the immigration process.
Focus on Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-based (EB) green cards are divided into five categories:
- EB-1 – Priority workers (top talent, researchers, executives)
- EB-2 – Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
- EB-3 – Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers (most Indian applicants fall into this)
- EB-4 – Special immigrants like religious workers or U.S. government employees abroad
- EB-5 – Investors who create jobs in the U.S.
Here’s what the July 2025 Visa Bulletin says about each category for Indian applicants:
EB-1: Priority Workers
Who qualifies?
People with extraordinary abilities in their field, researchers, professors, and multinational executives/managers.
- Date for Filing: April 15, 2022
- Final Action Date: February 15, 2022
- Update: No change
EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals
Who qualifies?
Applicants with an advanced degree or exceptional ability in their field (e.g., engineers, doctors, scientists).
- Date for Filing: February 1, 2013
- Final Action Date: January 1, 2013
- Update: No change
EB-3: Skilled Workers and Professionals
Who qualifies?
Most Indian IT professionals, finance experts, healthcare workers, and others fall under this category.
- Date for Filing: June 8, 2013 (unchanged)
- Final Action Date: April 22, 2013 (was April 15 – moved forward by 1 week)
- Update: Slight movement, offering a ray of hope
EB-4: Special Immigrants
Who qualifies?
Religious workers, some employees of the U.S. foreign service, and military members.
- Date for Filing: February 1, 2021
- Final Action Date: February 1, 2021
- Update: No change
EB-5: Investors
Who qualifies?
Those who invest in the U.S. to create jobs, including in rural or high-unemployment areas.
- Date for Filing: April 1, 2022
- Final Action Date: May 1, 2019
- Update: No change
EB-5 green cards are distributed based on the area of investment:
- 20% for rural areas
- 10% for high-unemployment areas
- 2% for infrastructure projects
- 68% for other investors
What Indian Applicants Should Know
- EB-3 moved forward slightly, which is positive, though wait times are still very long.
- EB-1 and EB-2 remain stuck—no improvement this month.
- The green card process for Indian nationals continues to be slow due to high demand and country-specific limits.
