The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for May 2025 has delivered a major setback for Indian green card and H-1B visa hopefuls, particularly those seeking permanent residency through the employment-based categories. Despite hopes for some positive movement, the bulletin reflects little to no progress in key employment-based categories and a notable retrogression in the EB-5 Unreserved category for India.
Key Highlights of the May 2025 Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly release from the U.S. Department of State that guides the availability of immigrant visas (green cards) for various categories and countries of chargeability. For employment-based immigrants from high-demand countries like India, it serves as a critical indicator of green card wait times and potential application windows.
H1Bis hard broke. Here’s why and can someone start using data to make this make sense and not emotional comments. All of a sudden the tech guys have no data. pic.twitter.com/eyzukXB9BX
— ColonelTowner-Watkins (@ColonelTowner) December 27, 2024
Unfortunately, the May 2025 bulletin paints a bleak picture, particularly for Indian nationals who continue to face backlogs stretching over a decade in some preference categories.
EB-5 Category: Major Retrogression for India
The most significant change in the May 2025 bulletin is the retrogression in the EB-5 Unreserved category for Indian applicants. This employment-based fifth preference visa (designed for immigrant investors) has moved backward by over six months, setting the new cutoff date at May 1, 2019.
Breakdown:
- India EB-5 Unreserved: Retrogressed to May 1, 2019 (previously November 1, 2019)
- China EB-5 Unreserved: Remains unchanged at January 22, 2014
This retrogression means that new or pending EB-5 applicants from India with priority dates after May 1, 2019, will be unable to proceed with visa processing or adjustment of status in the United States until their dates become current again.
What This Means: The change delays permanent residency for thousands of high-net-worth Indian investors who have already invested $800,000 or more under the EB-5 Regional Center or Direct Investment Program.
Employment-Based First Preference (EB1): No Progress
The EB1 category, often considered a fast-track path for foreign nationals with “extraordinary ability,” researchers, multinational managers, and executives, remains unchanged for India and China.
Cutoff Dates:
- India: February 2, 2022
- China: November 8, 2022
- All Other Countries: Current
Despite high demand, the lack of forward movement continues to frustrate skilled Indian professionals waiting in long lines, especially those transitioning from H-1B status with approved EB1 petitions.
Employment-Based Second Preference (EB2): No Movement
Another sore point for Indian nationals is the EB2 category, which applies to professionals with advanced degrees and exceptional ability. The May 2025 bulletin shows no change for Indian applicants, holding the cutoff date steady at:
- India: January 1, 2013
- China: October 1, 2020
- All Other Countries: June 22, 2023
What This Means: Indian applicants under EB2 are stuck with backlogs exceeding 12 years, a situation made worse by years of high demand, limited per-country visa caps, and slow annual forward movement.
Employment-Based Third Preference (EB3): Minor Forward Movement
In one of the only modest improvements, the EB3 category for India moved slightly forward, from August 1, 2012, in the previous bulletin to April 15, 2013.
Cutoff Dates:
- India: April 15, 2013
- China: November 1, 2020
- All Other Countries: January 1, 2023
While the slight movement is welcome, it still reflects over a decade of backlog for Indian applicants.
Why Indian Applicants Are Hit the Hardest
The U.S. immigration system enforces country caps, which restrict any one country from receiving more than 7% of the total number of employment-based green cards issued annually. Given that Indian nationals make up a disproportionately large share of high-skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields and technology roles, the backlog for India is significantly longer than for other countries.
As a result:
- Many H-1B visa holders from India remain in legal limbo for years or even decades.
- Families are separated due to dependent visa restrictions.
- Children aging out of dependent status (known as H-4 “aging out”) are at risk of losing legal status after turning 21.
- EB-5 investors from India face new delays even after meeting all financial and legal requirements.
Legal Experts React
Immigration attorneys and green card applicants have expressed frustration over the lack of relief in the bulletin.
“The May 2025 Visa Bulletin is another stark reminder that systemic reforms are urgently needed,” said Rajiv Khanna, a prominent U.S. immigration lawyer. “Highly skilled Indian workers are bearing the brunt of outdated immigration policies. Without legislative intervention, the backlog is only going to get worse.”
Some experts believe that administrative changes or executive action could provide temporary relief, such as recapturing unused visas from prior years or revising country caps—but these require Congressional support.
What Can Applicants Do Now?
For Indian nationals waiting in EB categories, immigration attorneys recommend the following steps:
- Regularly check the Visa Bulletin and “Dates for Filing” vs. “Final Action Dates”.
- Explore EB-1 eligibility if their professional achievements or positions qualify.
- Maintain H-1B status through timely extensions and documented continued employment.
- Consider alternate paths, such as EB-5, despite the retrogression.
- Stay compliant with visa conditions and legal status, especially for dependents.
- Engage with legal professionals and advocacy groups urging for green card reforms.
Looking Ahead: Will June Bring Relief?
While it’s difficult to predict visa movement, many are now looking toward the June 2025 bulletin with tempered expectations. The ongoing high demand, coupled with slow adjudication and per-country limits, makes it unlikely that Indian EB categories will see major forward movement in the short term.
Unless there is visa recapture legislation, changes to country caps, or administrative streamlining, Indian applicants may continue facing prolonged delays, leaving thousands in immigration limbo.
Conclusion: A Tough Road Ahead
The May 2025 Visa Bulletin reaffirms the challenges faced by Indian green card and H-1B aspirants across employment-based categories. From retrogressed EB-5 dates to stagnant EB2 cutoffs, the backlog for India remains daunting, and no short-term relief appears to be in sight.
For now, aspirants can only continue to monitor visa updates, stay informed, and advocate for much-needed reforms that can unlock a fairer, faster pathway to permanent residency.
FAQ’s
What is the U.S. Visa Bulletin?
It’s a monthly release that shows when green card applicants can proceed based on their priority dates.
Why are Indian applicants especially impacted?
High demand and country-specific caps create long backlogs for Indian applicants in most employment-based categories.
What does ‘retrogression’ mean?
It means a visa category’s cutoff date has moved backward, causing longer wait times.
What are the May 2025 cutoff dates for India?
EB1: Feb 2, 2022 | EB2: Jan 1, 2013 | EB3: Apr 15, 2013 | EB-5: May 1, 2019 (retrogressed).
Does this affect H-1B holders?
Yes, as many H-1B workers rely on green cards and are impacted by delays in visa availability.
