For many Indian nationals, the path to a U.S. green card from India has traditionally meant navigating a long and uncertain journey through H-1B, EB-2, or EB-3 routes. But in 2025, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is becoming a powerful alternative—one that avoids the green card backlog for India and offers a faster, more direct path to U.S. permanent residency.
Why the Green Card Backlog for Indians Keeps Growing
Indian nationals face some of the longest wait times for U.S. green cards in the world. According to the current India EB-2 priority date, a skilled Indian professional applying today could wait over 15 years for their green card.
This is due to:
- Per-country limits on green card issuance
- Oversubscription of Indian-born applicants in EB-2 and EB-3
- No legislative fix for backlog relief in over a decade
These delays make long-term planning difficult and have pushed many to ask: Is there another way?
For Indian H-1B Holders, EB-5 Opens a New Path
Many Indian professionals in the U.S. are stuck on H-1B visas, often for years, waiting for their green card from India to become available. The H-1B comes with:
- Employer dependency
- Restrictions on job changes and entrepreneurship
- No guaranteed timeline to permanent residency
In contrast, EB-5 offers a self-sponsored immigration solution that is gaining traction among Indian nationals in the U.S.
EB-5 vs. H-1B: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | H-1B Visa | EB-5 Immigrant Investor |
| Green Card Path | Requires EB-2/EB-3 sponsorship | Direct path through investment |
| Subject to Lottery? | Yes (initial petition) | No |
| Job Flexibility | Tied to employer | Full independence |
| Travel Freedom | Limited, requires stamping | Advance Parole available with AOS |
| Timeline to PR | Often 10–15+ years | 2–4 years (faster with reserved visas) |
| Work Authorization | H-1B only | EAD with concurrent filing |
| Entrepreneurship | Not allowed | Permitted after AOS filed |
Why EB-5 Is Gaining Ground in India in 2025
The 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act created visa set-asides for:
- Rural projects (20%)
- High-unemployment areas (10%)
- Infrastructure projects (2%)
Indian investors are leveraging these reserved categories to secure green cards without waiting years, since the EB-5 priority date for India is still current in these categories as of July 2025.
Key advantages:
- No lottery or sponsorship required
- Concurrent filing allows adjustment of status in the U.S.
- Work and travel flexibility during the green card process
- Freedom to change jobs or start a business
EB-5 vs. EB-2/EB-3: A Strategic Green Card Shift
| Factor | EB-2 / EB-3 (India) | EB-5 (India – Reserved) |
| Wait Time | 10–15+ years | Often <3 years |
| Priority Date | Severely backlogged | Current (for now) |
| Sponsorship Needed | Yes (employer) | No |
| Filing Flexibility | Delayed by visa bulletin | Concurrent filing possible |
| Process Control | Employer-driven | Investor-controlled |
EB-5 Investment Requirements for Indian Nationals
To qualify for EB-5 in 2025:
- Invest $800,000 in a qualifying project located in a rural, high-unemployment, or infrastructure area
- Lawfully source and document the funds (savings, gifts, loans, etc.)
- The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers
CanAm Enterprises has helped over 6,500 families navigate the EB-5 process, with a 100% USCIS project approval rate and over $2.5 billion in repayments to EB-5 investors.
Indian Demand for EB-5 Is Accelerating
Recent FOIA data confirms a sharp rise in EB-5 filings from India, driven by H-1B frustrations, EB-2 backlogs, and awareness of concurrent filing. But visa availability isn’t unlimited.
“If demand from Indian nationals continues at this pace, we could see EB-5 backlogs form within reserved categories—just like they did in EB-2.”
— Charlie Oppenheim, Former Chief, Visa Office, U.S. Department of State
Conclusion: EB-5 Is the Green Card Strategy Indian Professionals Can Control
If you’re tired of the green card waiting time for India, frustrated with H-1B limitations, or simply ready to take a more proactive approach, EB-5 may be your best option.
In 2025, EB-5 offers Indian nationals a green card without a lottery, without a backlog, and with full control over the process. But that opportunity window may not last.
