The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will be retrogressing the final action date for Indian applicants for the EB-1 visa. This means that Indian applicants who have a priority date (the date on which their petition was filed) of January 2012 or earlier will not be able to receive their green cards until the fiscal year 2024.
The EB-1 visa is a type of employment-based green card that is designed for highly skilled individuals. It is one of the fastest ways to obtain a green card in the United States. However, the demand for EB-1 visas from India has far exceeded the supply, which is why the USCIS is now retrogressing the final action date.
This is a significant setback for highly skilled Indians who are seeking green cards. It means that they will have to wait much longer to obtain their green cards, and it could also make it more difficult for them to find jobs in the United States.
There are a few reasons why the demand for EB-1 visas from India has increased so much in recent years. One reason is that the Indian economy has grown rapidly in recent years, which has led to an increase in the number of highly skilled Indians. Another reason is that the United States has become a more attractive destination for highly skilled immigrants due to its strong economy and high standard of living.
The retrogression of the final action date is a setback for highly skilled Indians who are seeking green cards. However, it is important to remember that the USCIS is constantly reviewing the demand for visas and the supply of visas. It is possible that the final action date could be advanced in the future, if the demand for EB-1 visas from India decreases or the supply of visas increases.
In the meantime, highly skilled Indians who are seeking green cards should continue to monitor the visa bulletin and should consult with an immigration attorney to discuss their options.