H-1B Holders: A Green Card Shouldn't Take A Lifetime
As an H1-B holder, you’re likely already aware that the green card process through EB‑2 and EB‑3 employment-based categories is painfully slow — but the reality is even more daunting than most realize.
In 2023, Boundless Immigration reported Indian nationals applying today face a projected wait of up to 134 years due to outdated per-country caps and overwhelming demand.
“Indians in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories face a projected wait time of 134 years for a green card.”
— Boundless Immigration
In 2025, this situation has shown no improvement. Part of the growing backlog is tied to the federal government's annual cap of 140,000 employment-based visas and 7% per-country limit, driving the backlogs higher. Of the 1.8 million backlogged cases, 1.1 million are from India. The U.S. Visa Bulletin continues to list priority dates from early 2013 for Indian applicants in both EB‑2 and EB‑3 categories. That means even people who applied 12 years ago are still waiting for their green card — and newly filed applications today fall to the back of a growing line.
While the system may eventually change, the question is: how long can you afford to wait?
EB‑5 Is Growing — And More Indians Are Choosing It
As traditional employment-based routes stall, many Indians are now exploring the EB‑5 Immigrant Investor Program as a faster, more reliable alternative — and interest is growing rapidly.
According to data from IIUSA and multiple U.S. immigration trackers:
• EB‑5 visa issuance jumped 149% in March 2025
• Reserved EB‑5 categories (like Rural and High-Unemployment Areas) are now oversubscribed by 4x to 10x
• Applications from Indian nationals have more than doubled since January, especially among H‑1B and F‑1 holders
(Economic Times, 2025)
So why the sudden surge in interest? Thanks to reforms like the EB‑5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, investors in certain “set-aside” project categories — such as Rural or High-Unemployment Areas (HUA) — benefit from visa priority and are often “current” on the Visa Bulletin. This means Indian investors in these categories can skip the decades-long wait associated with EB‑2 and EB‑3.
And for those already in the U.S. on an H‑1B or F‑1 visa, the program allows concurrent filing (via form I-485 — enabling you to submit your green card application and apply for work and travel authorization at the same time, without waiting for I-526 approval.
How EB‑5 Works:
The EB‑5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a direct route to a U.S. green card in exchange for a qualifying investment that creates jobs for American workers. Here's how the process works:
• Invest $800,000 (in a Targeted Employment Area) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA) in a U.S. commercial enterprise
• Your investment must create or preserve 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers
• File Form I-526E to initiate the immigration process
• If you're already in the U.S., you can file Form I-485 concurrently, gaining access to EAD (work permit) and Advance Parole (travel permit)
• Receive a 2-year conditional green card
• After two years, file Form I-829 to remove conditions once job creation is verified
Upon I-829 approval, you become a permanent U.S. resident — and eligible for citizenship after five years. The EB‑5 program gives you control over your immigration timeline, without relying on employer sponsorship, lottery draws, or years of unpredictability.
How EB-5 USA Can Help You Take the Next Step:
At EB-5 USA, we specialize in helping Indian investors confidently navigate the EB‑5 process from start to finish. With over 30 years of real estate experience, our team has developed premium residential, high-rise, mixed-use, and suburban projects across the U.S.
We are proud to have:
✅ Raised over $150 million in EB‑5 capital
✅ Completed four successful project raises
✅ 100% approval rate on I-526 petitions
✅ Strong progress and transparency on pending I-829 approvals
✅ Deep, long-standing partnerships with industry experts and USCIS-compliant regional centers
In addition, we understand that $800,000 is a significant commitment — which is why we offer financing options up to $250,000 to help make the EB‑5 program more accessible to qualified investors.
From assessing your eligibility to selecting the right project and coordinating with legal partners, our team works closely with you every step of the way — simplifying the process and helping you avoid common pitfalls.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re ready to take control of your future and pursue U.S. permanent residency on your own terms, the EB‑5 program may be your ideal next step.
We're here to help you make an informed, confident decision — because your path to a green card shouldn't take a lifetime.
If you’d like to discuss this or want more details, please reach out to us directly.