Indians could benefit from a US change to visa regulations: Understand this recent rule

Recently, the US announced a move that will help thousands of Indians, especially those who are awaiting a US green card.

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Some non-immigrant categories, such as those awaiting green cards, will be given employment authorization cards for a five-year period, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The maximum validity length of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain non-citizens who must apply for employment authorization has been enhanced by US immigration services to five years for both initial and renewal EADs.

The US has stated that it is extending the work permit's validity in order to clear the backlog of new applications it currently has, including those for renewing EADs. We anticipate receiving significantly fewer new Forms I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, for renewal EADs over the coming years as a result of the maximum validity period increase to five years. This will assist in our efforts to cut down on associated processing times and backlogs, it said.

Notably, this year in the United States, the backlog for employment-based green cards reached a record 18 lakh cases.

The right to remain permanently in the US is granted to immigrants through the issuance of a Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card. Only 7% of the roughly 10 lakh green cards the nation grants each year can be assigned to just one company.

The decision will especially help the thousands of Indians waiting in queue for US green cards based on work.

Notably, a research from September found that over 10.5 lakh Indians are waiting in queue for a Green Card based on work in the nation. Of these, 4 lakh could pass away before receiving their US permanent resident documents.

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