Einstein’ visa applicants from India face 10-year green card backlog
The EB-1 visa, often referred to as the “Einstein visa,” is designed for individuals with exceptional talents in fields such as sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, aiming to draw highly skilled immigrants to the United States. In August 2023, the US Department of State revealed a significant challenge for Indian nationals in this category—a staggering 10-year backlog. This means that Indians who applied for an EB-1 visa in August 2023 will not be eligible for a green card until the year 2033.
Several factors contribute to this EB-1 visa backlog. One key factor is the notable surge in EB-1 visa applications from India in recent years, fueled by the growth of the Indian economy and the increasing demand for skilled workers in the United States. Additionally, the number of EB-1 visas allocated to each country is capped, with the allocation based on the country’s population. Given India’s substantial population, the number of EB-1 visas available to Indian nationals remains relatively limited. Addressing this issue poses a complex challenge, and potential solutions include increasing the number of EB-1 visas allocated to each country and reforming the application process to enhance efficiency and accessibility for Indian applicants. This backlog underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants, which is vital for the United States’ continued economic and cultural vitality.