• Source:JND
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The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs recently released its Visa Bulletin for January 2025, providing crucial updates for green card applicants. The bulletin highlights significant progress for both family-sponsored and employment-based (EB) visa categories, particularly benefiting Indian applicants. Understanding the green card application process is essential for those seeking permanent residency in the United States.

The Department of State issues a Visa Bulletin every month to update applicants on the availability of immigrant visa numbers. This is important because most green card categories have annual limits, and visa availability determines when applicants can proceed with their applications.

Key Updates for Indian Green Card Applicants

Indian applicants have long faced delays due to high demand and visa limits. However, February 2025 updates show significant progress, especially in EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Some applicants facing decade-long waits can now advance sooner. Notably, the EB-2 India priority date has moved from April 22, 2012, to October 15, 2012, marking a positive shift.

Priority date advancements benefit Indian applicants. EB-2 moved from April 22 to October 15, 2012, and EB-3 from December 1 to December 15, 2012. F1 remains unchanged at November 22, 2015, while F2A advanced from January 1 to January 15, 2022.

US Green Card Eligibility

US Green Card eligibility depends on family ties, employment, refugee status, or diversity programs. Family-based green cards are for spouses, children, parents, and siblings of US citizens or residents, including widows/widowers. Sponsors must file Form I-130 with USCIS. Employment-based green cards go to individuals with extraordinary abilities, top researchers, and certain executives. Refugees and asylees can apply after one year. 

The Diversity Visa Program grants 50,000 visas annually to applicants from underrepresented countries. Those in the US can apply for an adjustment of status. Green card holders (LPRs) may seek US citizenship after meeting residency and moral character requirements.

Being Sponsored For Green Card

Most applicants must complete two key forms: an immigrant petition and a Green Card application (Form I-485). In most cases, a sponsor (such as an employer or family member) files the petition on behalf of the applicant. However, in some cases, individuals can file for themselves.

Form I-140 is an employer-filed petition for foreign workers seeking a US green card. Required for most EB-2 and EB-3 cases, it follows PERM Labor Certification, confirming no qualified US workers are available.

EB-1: Priority workers with extraordinary abilities, top researchers, or executives.

EB-2: Advanced-degree professionals or those with exceptional abilities.

EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.

EB-1A allows self-petitioning with Form I-140.

Determining Your Application Process: Inside or Outside US

Inside United States

If you are in the US and eligible for a green card, you must determine whether to adjust your status or undergo consular processing.

  • If you already have an approved immigrant petition and an available visa, you can file Form I-485 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

  • If you do not yet have an approved petition, check whether you are eligible for concurrent filing, where you submit the petition and Form I-485 simultaneously.

Outside United States

If you are outside the US, you must apply through consular processing, which involves several steps:

  1. Determine Your Basis to Immigrate – Identify your green card eligibility category.

  2. File the Immigrant Petition – Your sponsor submits the appropriate petition.

  3. Wait for a Decision – USCIS processes and approves your petition.

  4. Notification from the National Visa Center (NVC) – If your petition is approved, the NVC contacts you for further processing.

  5. Attend a Visa Interview – You must appear for an interview at a US consulate.

  6. Receive Your Visa and Enter US – If approved, you receive an immigrant visa, allowing entry into the US as a lawful permanent resident.

  7. Obtain Your Green Card – Upon arrival, you receive your physical green card by mail.

General Green Card Application Process

While the specific steps vary by category, most applicants follow these general procedures:

  1. File an Immigrant Petition – Typically done by a sponsor, except in self-petition cases.

  2. Wait for Approval and Visa Availability – The USCIS must approve the petition, and a visa must be available.

  3. Submit a Green Card Application – File Form I-485 (if in the US) or apply for an immigrant visa through a consulate.

  4. Biometrics Appointment – Provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature.

  5. Interview with USCIS or a Consulate – Attend an interview to discuss eligibility.

  6. Receive a Decision – USCIS or the consulate will approve or deny the application.

If Your Green Card Application Is Pending

If you have submitted Form I-485 and are waiting for a decision, you can check your case status on the USCIS website. It is also important to update your address with USCIS if you move, as missing communications can cause delays.

Tracking Delivery of Your Green Card

To monitor the progress of your green card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or travel document:

  • Sign up for Case Status Online – Receive automatic updates, including your USPS tracking number.

  • Register for USPS Informed Delivery – Get email alerts and daily images of incoming mail.

  • Track Your Delivery – If your tracking number shows a delivered package but you have not received it, contact your local post office immediately.