Indian Tech Professionals Face Significant Impact as US Green Card Approvals Decline
In a significant setback for Indian tech professionals, the approval rate for the EB-1A visa, a pathway to U.S. green cards for individuals with extraordinary ability, has plummeted to 35% in the first half of FY26. This marks a decline from 49.1% in the entirety of FY25. Immigration experts attribute this sharp drop primarily to increased scrutiny and policy changes under the current U.S. administration.
Data from Boundless Immigration, based on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) figures, reveals that Indian applicants submitted 14,250 EB-1A petitions in FY25, with 6,993 approved and 1,474 rejected. In the first two quarters of FY26, Indians filed 7,316 petitions, resulting in 2,571 approvals and 1,131 denials.
India, China hardest hit
Xiao Wang, co-founder and CEO of Boundless Immigration, noted that the decline is particularly severe among technology professionals from India and China, who represent the largest groups of EB-1A applicants. The tightening of immigration policies, particularly under the Trump administration, has led to a more challenging environment for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in the U.S.
While the EB-2 category remains the most popular route for H-1B visa holders, the EB-1A category is available for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability. Applicants must meet at least three of ten criteria set by USCIS. The EB-1A process typically takes 3-4 years, compared to nearly 15 years for EB-2.
Why the change?
Joel Yanovich, a Senior Attorney at Ganey Law Group, explained that the current administration’s immigration policies have created a more hostile environment. He emphasized that the rise in rejections does not indicate a decline in applicant quality or changes in the law.
Wang observed that the EB-1A process appeared more accessible in early 2025, but the standards have since become more stringent. Applicants now face higher expectations for criteria such as holding a leading role in distinguished organizations and commanding a high salary relative to peers.
Rajiv Khanna, a U.S.-based immigration attorney, noted that the adjudication process has become exceptionally difficult, despite some court rulings questioning the methodology used. Many applicants now feel fatigued and pragmatic, with limited options available, particularly for Indian nationals facing significant EB-2 and EB-3 backlogs. Some are considering temporary positions abroad to qualify for the EB-1(C) category, while others are exploring the EB-5 option or contemplating moves to Canada or the UK.
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