US Green Card - Major changes in EB-2, EB-3
Synopsis: Latest updates on U.S. green cards, Canadian work permits, and UAE
visas bring key changes for Indians. The February 2025 Visa Bulletin shows
slight progress in some U.S. employment-based categories. Canada has tightened
Open Work Permits for families but expanded Post-Graduation Work Permits for
students. The UAE has revised visa policies, including financial criteria.
These shifts affect many Indians pursuing opportunities abroad.
Some Indians are waiting for a U.S. green card, as a few work visa
categories moved ahead in February 2025. At the same time, Canada made new
rules for work permits, allowing fewer family members of students and workers
to get jobs.
What Has Changed?
- EB-1
(Top Professionals and Executives): No change for India.
- EB-2
(Advanced Degrees and Exceptional Skills): Moved forward by 14 days
to October 15, 2012.
- EB-3
(Professionals and Skilled Workers): Advanced by 14 days to December 15,
2012.
- EB-3
Other Workers (Unskilled Labor): Also moved forward by 14 days to December
15, 2012.
- EB-5
(Investor Visas): No change, still from January 1, 2022.
Why This Matters for Green Card Applicants
- The
Visa Bulletin helps applicants understand where they stand in the green
card queue. It includes:
- Dates
for Filing: When applicants can submit their visa applications.
- Final
Action Dates: When green cards can be issued.
Family-Sponsored Green Cards: Know the Categories as follows:
- F1:
Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- F2:
Spouses, children, and unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of permanent
residents.
- F2A:
Spouses and children of permanent residents.
- F2B:
Unmarried adult children (21+) of permanent residents.
- F3:
Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
- F4:
Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is 21 or older).
The Role of Priority Dates
February 2025 Visa Bulletin offers some progress for Indian
applicants, especially in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. While long wait times
remain, every step forward is a positive sign.
Green card applicants should continue to track updates and prepare
for the next steps when their turn arrives.
Canada’s New Work Permit Rules: What Indian Students Should
Know
Canada introduced new rules for Open Work Permits (OWP) from
January 21, 2025, The new work permit rules will affect Indian students and
their families. The Canadian government wants to control temporary immigration
to ensure jobs for the right people.
What is an Open Work Permit?
An Open Work Permit allows foreigners to work in Canada without
needing a specific job offer or government approval. Once they get the permit,
they can work in any field. New Rules for Students’ Families Under the new
system, only the spouses of students in certain programs can get an Open Work
Permit.
These programs include: Master’s programs that are at least 16
months long PhD (Doctoral) programs. Special professional courses that meet
Canada’s standards If a family member is already in Canada and has a valid work
permit, they can renew it.
However, the new permit will only last as long as the student’s
study or work permit. Changes for Foreign Workers’ Families Canada is also
changing the rules for family members of foreign workers. Now, only the spouses
of workers in high-demand fields can get an Open Work Permit.
These fields include: Science and technology Construction
Healthcare Education Sports Military Also, foreign workers must have at least
16 months left on their work permit when applying. Children of foreign workers
will no longer be eligible for an Open Work Permit.
How This Affects Indian Students
More than 400,000 Indian students study in Canada, and these
changes will affect many of them. Now, fewer family members can work while
living in Canada. However, if someone applies before January 21, 2025, their
application will still follow the old rules. Any approved permits will stay
valid until they expire.
Other Key Updates
Canada will introduce stricter punishments for immigration
consultants who mislead applicants. Fines could be as high as USD 1.5 million.
The government plans to reduce the number of international students and foreign
workers. In 2025, the number of study permits will be cut by 10%, limiting it
to 437,000. These new rules aim to manage temporary immigration better, help
industries with worker shortages, and prevent fraud in the system.
The UAE also started a new 90-day visa, so visitors can stay
longer without needing a local sponsor. These changes show how different
countries are making new rules for people who want to work or travel abroad.
UAE Visa Rules: Old Vs New
How did Visa Rules Work Before: Earlier, the United Arab Emirates did
not have a fixed financial requirement for visas.
Travelers had to submit documents such as hotel bookings, return
tickets, and travel insurance, but there were no compulsory rules about how
much amount they needed to have. Immigration officers ask for proof of
funds, but it is not always necessary. It depended on their decision.
What is Changed Now?: The UAE has now made the visa process more specific, especially
regarding financial doc. The biggest change is that applicants must show they
have at least AED 3,000 in their bank accounts.
Canada Work Permit Rules: Indian Students Gain Wider PGWP Access
Canada has also extended its Post-Graduation Work Permit
(PGWP) rules. It is also offering greater flexibility to international
students, including a large number from India. Graduates from all fields can
now apply for work permits.
Now, college and university graduates can apply for a PGWP without
needing a specific major. This update brings college rules in line with
university policies, simplifying the path to employment for international
students.
This change will benefit over 1.04 million international students,
a 20% increase compared to last year. About 70% of them typically apply for a
work permit after finishing their studies, making PGWP a key route for Canada
to retain global talent.
In 2024, Canada had placed limits on PGWP eligibility, allowing
only graduates from certain programs to qualify. Now, the restriction is gone
for students who complete bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Larissa Bezo, CEO of
the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), confirmed this positive
shift.
New PGWP eligibility rules
International students can now apply for a PGWP if they meet the
following language benchmarks:
- Bachelor’s,
master’s, or doctoral degree holders: CLB 7 or NCLC 7
- College
graduates: CLB 5 or NCLC 5
- These
rules apply to all PGWP applications submitted after November 1, 2024.
Enrollment impact
While the new rules bring more options, they also introduce
stricter criteria for new students. Those who apply for study permits after
November 1, 2024, must meet fresh eligibility rules. As a result, international
college enrollment dropped by 60% this year, forcing many institutions,
especially in Ontario, to cancel courses and cut staff.
Exemptions and special cases
Students who began studies before November 1, 2024, are not
affected by the earlier field-of-study limits.
Flight school graduates can still apply for a PGWP without field
or language restrictions.
Programs under curriculum licensing agreements signed after May
15, 2024, are mostly ineligible for PGWP.
Duration of the Post-Graduation Work Permit
The length of a PGWP depends on the program:
- Programs
lasting 8 months to 2 years: The work permit matches the length of the
program.
- Programs
longer than 2 years: Graduates qualify for a 3-year PGWP.
- Students
with multiple eligible programs may combine them in certain cases.
