America Permanent Residency: Top 5 fastest ways to obtain a US Green Card in 2025

By Varvara Latyntseva

The U.S. immigration system provides several pathways for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency, commonly known as the Green Card. The two primary routes for acquiring a Green Card are family-based and employment-based grounds. Each category has subcategories with specific eligibility criteria, processing times, and annual limits.

For Indians, navigating these pathways can be particularly challenging due to the high volume of applicants and the consequent long waiting times. However, certain routes offer relatively faster options to secure a Green Card and eventually U.S. citizenship.

Let’s explore the five fastest ways for Indians to obtain a Green Card in 2025, along with their key details and timelines.

Understanding U.S. Immigration Categories

The U.S. immigration system is divided into family-based and employment-based Green Card categories:

Family-Based Grounds

These include Immediate Relatives and Family Preference categories. Immediate relatives—such as a spouse, child (under 21), or parent of a U.S. citizen above 21—have no annual numerical limit. On the other hand, Family Preference categories have annual caps, with a total limit of 226,000 visas for 2025.

Employment-Based Grounds

Employment-based visas are further divided into five categories (EB-1 to EB-5). These categories collectively have an annual cap of 140,000 visas.

Additionally, there is a per-country limit of 7% for preference immigrants.

Because of these caps and high demand, particularly from countries like India, applicants often face prolonged waiting times. The monthly Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State regulates these wait times, specifying which priority dates are eligible for visa processing or adjustment of status.

India has consistently been one of the top countries with a high number of applicants. For example, the EB-2 visa category for Indian applicants often has a waiting list exceeding 10 years. This backlog makes it essential for Indian nationals to choose the fastest available options based on their eligibility.

5 Fastest Ways to Obtain a Green Card in 2025

Option 1: Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens

Immediate relatives—including the spouse, child (under 21), or parent of a U.S. citizen above 21—are not subject to numerical limits. This category allows applicants to receive a Green Card in approximately 1 to 3 years.

Option 2: Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) – Investor Program

The EB-5 Investor Visa Program offers another fast-track option. Applicants must invest at least $800,000 in a U.S. business that creates jobs. According to the January 2025 Visa Bulletin, the “Set-Aside” visas within this category are current, meaning there is no backlog. Investors can receive a conditional Green Card within 1 to 3 years, which can later be converted to a permanent Green Card.

Option 3: Family Preference F2A – Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

The F2A category—for spouses, children, and unmarried sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)) —offers a relatively faster path. As of the January 2025 Visa Bulletin, the cutoff date for this category is January 1, 2022. Applicants with priority dates (The priority date is the date when the petition for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status is filed with the USCIS) before this cutoff can now proceed with visa applications or adjustment of status.

Option 4: Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1) – Priority Workers

The EB-1 category is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers. According to the January 2025 Visa Bulletin, the cutoff date for EB-1 applicants is February 1, 2022. Those with priority dates before this cutoff can move forward with their applications. Given the high demand, this category remains one of the fastest for highly skilled professionals and leaders.

Option 5: Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) – Special Immigrants

The EB-4 category covers a diverse group, including religious workers, Special Immigrant Juveniles, certain U.S. government employees abroad, members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and others. The current cutoff date for EB-4 applicants is January 1, 2021. Eligible individuals with earlier priority dates can now proceed with visa processing. While slightly slower than EB-1 and EB-5, it remains a viable option for qualifying individuals.

Key Considerations

These five options represent the fastest pathways for Indians to obtain a U.S. Green Card in 2025. However, several factors can influence processing times, including demand fluctuations, legislative changes, and procedural delays. While immediate relatives face no numerical limits, employment-based and family preference categories are subject to annual caps and per-country limits.

Notably, self-petitioning options like EB-1 and EB-5 are particularly advantageous for individuals who do not have family ties in the U.S. These categories allow applicants to apply independently based on their professional achievements or financial investments.

Conclusion

While obtaining a Green Card can be a lengthy process for Indian nationals, understanding and leveraging the fastest available options can significantly reduce wait times. Categories such as Immediate Relatives, EB-5 Investor Visas, and EB-1 Priority Workers are among the quickest routes. If you qualify for one of these options, it is advisable to act promptly given the high demand and potential for further backlogs. For aspiring immigrants, careful planning and timely applications are crucial to achieving the dream of U.S. permanent residency and citizenship.

(Author is Managing Director, Second Wind EB-5)

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