⚠️ Immigration data changes frequently. Processing times and visa availability vary. Consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Most Common Visa Paths for India Nationals
Backlog & Wait Times for India
Priority Date Backlog
Extreme
Per-country EB limits cause decades-long waits for Indian nationals on EB-2/EB-3. H-1B lottery highly competitive.
Visa Bulletin Priority Dates — India
| Category | Chargeability | Final Action Date | Filing Date | Bulletin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | India | 01JAN2022 | 01MAR2022 | March 2026 |
| EB-2 | India | 01JAN2013 | 01FEB2013 | March 2026 |
| EB-3 | India | 01JAN2013 | 01MAR2013 | March 2026 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | India | C | C | March 2026 |
| F-1 | India | 01JAN2018 | 01MAR2018 | March 2026 |
| F-3 | India | 01JAN2015 | 01MAR2015 | March 2026 |
| F-4 | India | 01JAN2010 | 01MAR2010 | March 2026 |
| EB-1 | India | 01NOV2021 | 01JAN2022 | January 2026 |
| EB-2 | India | 01OCT2012 | 01DEC2012 | January 2026 |
| EB-3 | India | 01NOV2012 | 01JAN2013 | January 2026 |
| EB-1 | India | 01DEC2021 | 01FEB2022 | February 2026 |
| EB-2 | India | 01NOV2012 | 01JAN2013 | February 2026 |
| EB-3 | India | 01DEC2012 | 01FEB2013 | February 2026 |
| EB-1 | India | C | C | April 2026 2026 |
| EB-2 | India | 2013-01-01 | 2013-05-01 | April 2026 2026 |
| EB-3 | India | 2012-09-01 | 2012-11-01 | April 2026 2026 |
| EB-5 | India | 2019-10-01 | 2020-01-01 | April 2026 2026 |
| F1 | India | 2013-01-01 | 2013-04-01 | April 2026 2026 |
| F4 | India | 2007-03-01 | 2007-06-01 | April 2026 2026 |
| EB-1 | India | 01AUG2021 | 01OCT2021 | October 2025 |
Source: US Department of State Visa Bulletin. "Current" = no backlog.
H-1B Approval Rates (Most Popular)
| Year | Petitions Filed | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 320,000 | 8500.0% |
| 2024 | 460,000 | 9300.0% |
| 2024 | 780,000 | 1090.0% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best visa for India nationals?
The most common visa paths for India nationals are: H-1B, L-1, EB-2 NIW, EB-1A, F-1. The best choice depends on your education, employer, and long-term goals.
How long is the green card wait for India nationals?
Green card wait times for India nationals vary: Extreme. Per-country EB limits cause decades-long waits for Indian nationals on EB-2/EB-3. H-1B lottery highly competitive.
Can India nationals apply for H-1B?
Yes, India nationals can apply for H-1B visas through employer sponsorship. The annual lottery (85,000 cap) applies to all nationalities equally. There is no per-country limit for H-1B nonimmigrant status.