How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card for Indian Students?

Obtaining an MS degree in the United States is just the beginning of a long journey for international students. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) period allows students to work for one year after completing their studies, but securing an H-1B visa requires sponsorship from a potential employer and can be a lengthy process. Adjusting one's status within the United States is akin to upgrading from a trial version to a full version, and finally, obtaining a green card is the ultimate goal, which can feel as elusive as a delayed flight.

Understanding the Visa Journey

The journey from a student visa to a permanent resident visa (green card) is a complex process with many steps. For Indian students, the path can be particularly challenging due to the stringent quotas and lengthy waiting periods.

As of 2012, the waiting period for an Indian citizen to obtain a green card through the EB2 category was already more than 11 years. Due to the increasing number of applicants and the quotas in place, this waiting period has only grown longer. Many Indian students face a daunting wait of over 70 years, as evidenced by an anonymous response to a query on why it will take 70 years for an Indian to get a green card via EB2.

Why the EB2 Visa for Indian Citizens Takes So Long

The EB2 category of the green card application is reserved for advanced degree professionals and those with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, or business. For Indian citizens, the demand for EB2 green cards far exceeds the available quota, leading to a prolonged waiting period. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes these applications using a lottery system, as the number of applications consistently outstrips the number of available visas.

Understanding the EB2 Visa Lottery

Each year, the Department of State establishes a cap on the number of EB2 visas available for various nationalities. For Indians, the cap is significantly lower than the demand. This results in a lottery system where only a portion of the eligible applicants are selected for processing. The lottery process is random and focused on the applicant’s country of origin, which, in the case of India, is highly competitive.

Even for those who win the lottery, the journey does not end there. After winning, applicants must then navigate the green card processing center, which can add several more years to the overall wait time. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the green card will be approved the first time around, and reapplications can cause further delays.

Optimizing Your Chances

Here are a few strategies to optimize your chances of obtaining an EB2 green card:

Qualify for EB2 Green Card First: Before deciding to apply for an H-1B visa, ensure you meet the criteria for an EB2 green card. Qualification for EB2 ensures that your application can be considered for the green card lottery without the need for an employer sponsor. Seek Employer Sponsorship: If eligible, consider an employer-sponsored green card route. Sponsorship can sometimes bypass some of the lengthy and uncertain aspects of the green card lottery. Work Diligently: No matter the route you choose, staying informed about the current visa regulations and waiting periods is crucial. Keep your application materials up-to-date and ensure all requirements are met.

For Indian students and professionals, the road to obtaining a green card is undoubtedly a long one. Understanding the various visa categories, the green card lottery, and the overall process can help you navigate this complex system more effectively.

Keywords: Green Card, Indian Students, EB2 Visa