Working in US while waiting for GC: Challenges for Indians

Working in the U.S. while waiting for a Green Card (GC) as an Indian immigrant can be challenging due to the following difficulties:

1. Long Green Card Backlogs

• Extremely long wait times (often 10-20+ years for Indians under the EB-2/EB-3 categories).

• Due to per-country caps, Indian applicants face the longest processing delays.

2. Work Visa Restrictions

• H-1B visa dependency: Most Indian immigrants work on an H-1B visa, which has renewal limits (max 6 years unless PERM is pending).

• Job change limitations: Changing employers requires a new H-1B petition, and PERM (labor certification) may have to restart.

• Dependent work issues: H-4 spouses can only work if they have an H-4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document), which is not available to all.

3. Travel Restrictions

• If on Adjustment of Status (AOS) (Form I-485 pending), travel requires Advance Parole (AP).

• Leaving without AP could abandon the Green Card application.

4. Uncertainty & Policy Changes

• Immigration policies change frequently, impacting H-1B extensions, visa processing, and PERM approvals.

• Delays or denials at any stage can force people to return to India.

5. Career Limitations

• H-1B workers are tied to their employer, making promotions and job switches harder.

• Certain roles, especially entrepreneurship, are nearly impossible until you get a Green Card.

While many Indian immigrants eventually get their Green Card, the long wait, visa restrictions, and career limitations make the process difficult.