Navigating Visa Retrogression: Accelerate Your U.S. Green Card Path

Your Path to a U.S. Green Card

Imagine arriving in the U.S. with dreams of opportunity in STEM. For Indian professionals, the path from F-1 student visa to career hits retrogression, endless EB-2 waits. Learn what it means, why it hits India hard, and how EB-1 with priority date (PD) porting bypasses delays. Actionable strategies from our firm, which has helped clients skip 10+ year queues.

F-1 to H-1B: The STEM Bridge

Indian STEM pros start on F-1 for U.S. studies. Post-grad, OPT allows 12 months work, extended 36 months for STEM fields. This bridges to H-1B (capped 85,000/year, lottery) for specialty jobs, Indians dominate due to tech/biotech talent. Extend up to 6 years.
H-1B is temporary; aim for EB green card. As Attorney Chris M. Ingram says: “The F-1 to H-1B bridge is essential, but plan for green card from day one.”

EB Green Cards: Categories & 7% Per-Country Cap

Fiscal year 2025 offers ~150,037 EB visas, split roughly 40,000 each for EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3.
EB-1 targets extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or executives, no labor certification. EB-2 covers advanced degrees or exceptional ability, usually requiring labor certification unless a National Interest Waiver (NIW) applies. EB-3 includes skilled workers, professionals with bachelor’s degrees, or other workers, always needing certification.
The 7% per-country cap (about 9,800–10,500 total EB visas per nation) creates backlogs for India and China due to high STEM demand. Lower-demand countries face minimal waits.
Ingram: “EB-2 is solid for Indians, but EB-1 lets talents bloom fast.”

Visa Bulletin: Your Monthly Compass

Published monthly at travel.state.gov, it shows Final Action Dates (green card issuance) and Dates for Filing (I-485 submission). USCIS uses Dates for Filing for EB applications in November 2025.

November 2025 Final Action Dates (India):

EB-1: February 15, 2022
EB-2: April 1, 2013 (~12.5-year backlog)
EB-3: August 22, 2013
Retrogression occurs when demand exceeds supply, pushing dates backward. Check monthly.
Ingram: “The Visa Bulletin is your timeline to freedom.”

Why EB-2 India Faces Severe Retrogression

India’s STEM talent floods EB-2, but the 7% cap limits visas to ~2,800 annually. This creates 10+ year waits. H-1B extensions via AC21 help, but job loss risks departure.
Solution: EB-1 approval with PD porting (if earlier than EB-1 cutoff) jumps queues.
Ingram: “Retrogression tests patience, EB-1 lets you strategize.”

Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.

Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:

1. Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
2. Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
3. Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants

We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.