Understanding the Immigration Time Machine
Imagine you’re standing in line for the most popular ride at an amusement park, and suddenly the line gets so long that the park moves your spot backward instead of forward. That’s essentially what visa retrogression feels like!
The US Department of State’s April 2025 Visa Bulletin has announced significant changes that will affect thousands of employment-based visa applicants, particularly from India and China.
The Numbers Game
Let’s break down the waiting game: India is facing a more than two-year retrogression in the EB-5 Unreserved category, while China is looking at approximately two and a half years.
Think of it as a giant game of musical chairs – there are only so many green cards available each year, and when too many people want to sit down, someone has to wait for the next round.
What Actually Happens During Retrogression
When visa retrogression occurs, the priority dates (think of them as your ticket number in line) move backward instead of forward. It’s like your favorite streaming service suddenly removing that series you were halfway through – you know you’ll get to finish it eventually, but you’ll have to wait longer than expected.
The good news? This situation is temporary, though it can significantly extend waiting times.
Impact on Different Applicant Groups
For those already in the US who have applied for a green card, your application gets paused until your priority date becomes current again – like hitting the pause button on your immigration journey.
If you’re outside the US, you’ll need to wait to schedule your visa interview. However, if you’ve already secured an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Advance Parole (AP), you can continue working while waiting for the immigration clock to start ticking again.
The Silver Lining
Despite the delays, it’s important to remember that retrogression doesn’t mean your application has been terminated. Think of it as a traffic jam – you’re still on the road to your destination, just moving a bit slower than anticipated. For those with existing EADs or APs, you can continue your professional journey while waiting for the traffic to clear.
Looking Forward
While waiting times have increased, the US immigration system continues to process applications, albeit at a different pace. The key is to stay informed, maintain valid status, and remember that this too shall pass. After all, even the longest journey begins with a single step – or in this case, a priority date.
Contact us today through our website or WhatsApp to discover how we can help you achieve success in the United States. Together, we can turn dreams into reality.
Information source: livemint.com
