EB-5 Visa Retrogression in April 2025 US Visa Bulletin
The April 2025 US Visa Bulletin highlights a significant retrogression in the EB-5 unreserved visa category for India and China due to rising demand. Indian applicants now face longer waiting periods for green cards as final action dates have moved back to November 2019 for India and January 2014 for China.
The US Department of State has published the April 2025 Visa Bulletin, summarizing the availability of immigrant visas based on Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing Applications. These dates indicate when applicants should begin submitting their paperwork to the National Visa Center (NVC).
Why Has the EB-5 Visa Category Retrogressed?
The bulletin states that due to the increased demand from China and India, as well as global demand, the final action dates had to be moved back to manage the FY-2025 annual visa limits. This means that only applicants with priority dates before November 1, 2019 (India) and January 22, 2014 (China) are currently eligible for visa issuance.
Understanding the EB-5 Visa Program
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a pathway for foreign investors to obtain U.S. permanent residency by investing a minimum of $1 million, or $500,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs). The investment must generate at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
This program has been particularly popular among investors from India and China, who seek opportunities and stability in the United States.
Key Highlights from the April 2025 Visa Bulletin:
- Final Action Date for India: November 1, 2019 (moved back by over two years)
- Final Action Date for China: January 22, 2014 (retrogressed by approximately two and a half years)
- Reason for Retrogression: Surge in demand from Indian and Chinese applicants and increased visa usage worldwide
Impact on Indian EB-5 Applicants
- Longer Waiting Periods: Indian investors will experience delays in obtaining green cards.
- Priority Dates After November 2019: Those who applied after November 1, 2019, will have to wait longer, affecting their immigration and investment plans.
- Possible Future Restrictions: If demand continues to rise, the US Department of State may introduce further final action date restrictions for other countries beyond China and India.
Alternative Options for Indian Investors
Due to the uncertainty surrounding EB-5 visa availability, potential investors may need to consider:
- Other Visa Categories – Exploring options such as L-1, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW.
- Diversifying Investment Locations – Considering investments in Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) for priority processing.
- Staying Updated with Visa Bulletins – Keeping track of monthly visa updates to make informed decisions.
The retrogression of the EB-5 visa for India in April 2025 reflects the growing demand for US permanent residency among Indian investors. While this may lead to extended waiting periods, understanding the reasons behind the retrogression and staying informed about visa updates can help investors navigate the immigration process effectively.
For Indian applicants, patience and strategic planning are key to successfully obtaining a green card through the EB-5 program.
