EB1 India = Current (1–2 years). EB2/EB3 India = 100+ years theoretical. Here is every category, realistic scenario, and the only strategies that actually move the needle.
| Category | Current PD | Realistic Wait | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB1-A (Extraordinary Ability) | Current | 1–2 yrs | File I-140 + I-485 concurrently. Fastest path. |
| EB1-B (Outstanding Researcher) | Current | 1–2 yrs | Employer-sponsored. Excellent for academics/researchers. |
| EB1-C (Multinational Manager) | Current | 1–2 yrs | For L-1A holders transferring to US entity. |
| EB2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) | Apr 2012 | 100+ yrs (theoretical) | File to lock PD + get AC21 portability. Not for fast GC. |
| EB2 PERM (employer) | Apr 2012 | 100+ yrs (theoretical) | File PERM immediately to start PD clock. Same queue as NIW. |
| EB3 Skilled Worker | Aug 2012 | 100+ yrs (theoretical) | File concurrently with EB2 I-140. Earlier PD sometimes. |
| EB5 (Investor) | Current | 2–4 yrs | Requires $800K–$1.05M investment. Viable for high-net-worth. |
Extraordinary ability — Current PD for India. Best path if you meet 3 of 10 criteria. File with premium processing. Attorney consult: $300–$500.
Employer-sponsored. Current PD. Best for PhD researchers, scientists, and university professors with publications and recognition.
Even though the wait is 100+ years theoretically, filing immediately locks in your PD. If EAGLE Act passes, earliest PD gets served first.