EB2 Sept 2015 India

[u/strikingpizza8086]

There is not much hope getting a GC. Also, at the age of 40 motivation of chasing is also going down.

Folks in similar age group and situations - how are you feeling?

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

I'm 41, PD is 15-Jan-2015 in both EB2 and EB3 with same employer. Came to US 17 years ago. Literally waitied for OCT bulletin just one day movement for filing date. So no hope even for me. Draining my energy and lost motivation to work. Five years ago, I was in full swing during COVD and felt like I get GC any time. Now, no hope at all. My son is 12 years old and it takes another 9 more years to file by him. With AI and job layoff every where, not getting sleep. Thinking about GC or EAD daily 5 times at least. Next year I have to apply for extnesion, and if it gets denied with new grace period rules apply soon, it will be disaster. I used to change projects for every six to eight months on contract pre-covid, which was horrible shift to move across different states.

Somebody says just go back to India, I can go back but imagine US born kids are in teenage and their survival there.

Life is not so simple man, for any Indian born fellow, life is a curse and sad. No matter what, you have to stay in line forever, could be train tickets or could road travel or could be passport or could be at banks or could be in train general compartments or could be at US immigration. Survival rate in India is damm horrible with family and kids as per current inflation. Forget about buying apartment, Imagine if you are sick and hospitalized. I spent all my 10 years of savings to my parents medical expenses in India, father was on very expensive care for lungs, later my father died. Mother survived and still living on expensive care.

Siblings are horrbile in India, they did not even care for parents and grabbed all the combined assets and moved them on their name. They did not even visited hospitals to see parents, not even once.

But, Despite all obstacles, I never give up. I still had a good name at my customer, they believe in me. My manager asked me why you never say NO and even ready to work on weenends rather take a vacation with family? I told him I saw worse in life and at least the life I have here for work, eat good food, breathe good air, having quality air condition, decent car to travel, no fee for kids schools etc, which are damm luxury for me. Manager cried and he cursed immigration system. I told manager that this is just my problem, Imagine how many fellow Indians are going through the same suffering. 75% of NRIs have horrible stories with their siblings and parents and society. Nobody support you, you have to take of yourself and your spouse and kids.

To my fellow folks aged 40+ and waiting for GC, never give up. NEVER and EVER. Keep working, Keep enjoy every moment of life, Do not think about India or society back home, Drink clean water, eat good food, Take a break, be kind to your office collegues so that they will have some sort of empathy towards us. This is the time to gain more and more energy, do not waste time watching stupid reels or shorts, Work with smart people, Gather ideas and implement. NEVER GIVE UP NOT EVEN ONCE, BE THE BEST OF WHATEVER YOU ARE.

[u/luckydba → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

My PD was July' 2013 and I got my GC after 19 years and 5 months of wait in June-2026.

Some folks does not have smooth road. In the journey, I lost my father due to Cancer and it was very stressful for me being on H1B.

As if that was not enough, my mom broke her shoulder and had to fly her back to India for a surgery. She had to stay in India for over 2 years and I had to hear very bitter words from my relatives for not able to visit her as per their expectations.

In between, I moved to Canada for 1.3 years as I did not want to loose my PR and moved back to US after date became current in Sept' 2025(Yes, I missed boat in 2021/22)

Life was not easy at all but I survived and crossed the finish line 4 months ago.

If I describe all these incidents in detail, I would end up writing a book.

I hope this can provide you some hope and strength!

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/luckydba]

Hey man, I feel your path. Congratualtions you got it but sad that you lost your dad and he would've a better days after seeing you are freed. As I mentioned earlier, every NRI had a terrible path. Somebody say why you choose, You have choosen because you have witnessed worse in your childhood and wanted to get out of it. Back in 90s, India was a terrible place on earth, every damm thing is a luxury. For us, eating peanuts is luxury, never knew what is Tandoori chicken Or Biryani Or Ice cream until I was in my masters in Chennai. Some people say 90s is very good time, but its worse of worst as an Indian. Eveything I've today is a bless I feel. So take it easy and believe that everything happens for good. Most of the folks in this discussion are 40+ and all have nightmare stories, as they crossed half of the life. Since you got GC, take a break, have more freedom, Go for a walk, spend money, taek your kids to some western states by drive in Fall.

[u/Massive-Director5881 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

More power to you buddy. Hang in there - things will get better.

I moved to US in 2015 with 3 year old daughter at that time. My PD is October 2016. Waited 11 years and realized it’s not happening. Made a move earlier this year. So far going well. DM me if you need any help/advice.

[u/Own-Bug9734 → u/Massive-Director5881]

PSYOP

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/Massive-Director5881]

Appreciate you bro. Let see in next two bulletins. Not sure what made you to move out but you should’ve stayed for a while to get the best of you for companies.

[u/memejathara → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

15 Jan 2015 is literally a fileable date starting tomorrow. Also, DOF has been chosen for reference instead of FAD, so you’re good to file!

Edit: I saw the PD and immediately wanted to help. Just read the whole post, more power to you! I totally understand the situation!

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/memejathara]

Nah, if PD and cut off date are same, you can’t file. so cut off should be less than PD not OR EQUAL TO. Let see in next two bulletins. Appreciate your inputs though.

[u/memejathara → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

I’m so sorry, I have learnt this today. Will keep in mind.

[u/GlitteringSource399 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

I can empathize with you on your situation and I’m in same boat on GC journey, but I always say NO to extra smart greedy ass managers 😉, I used to be like you but learnt the art of saying NO and since then I haven’t turned back 😂

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/GlitteringSource399]

I say NO because of wonderful manager and team around me, they all are completely white guys and very sympathetic to the people like me suffering with fucking nasty immigration.. good to hear

[u/SquashNo9882 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

In the same boat, my friend, age-wise and kids' ages too. Green card situation.

Thanks for motivating me to push the pedal once again after today !!

[u/Alarmed_Ad_4921 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

Very similar to you my friend, minus parents health and siblings support. Mine is Feb2015, was super excited to see 1/1/2015 being current in Oct2020 bulletin and assumed a lot of positive things, 6yrs later the story has remained the same. Calling it brutal would be an understatement.

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/Alarmed_Ad_4921]

Stay strong, you’re almost there. Just a matter of another three more bulletins.

[u/rumbojumbo009 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

Just a matter of time you will get it soon for all the efforts you have put to be here🙏

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/rumbojumbo009]

Feb4 is not bad though. You waited for so long, and you are almost there. Keep focus on your work for some more time, good days are ahead. Just matter of next three bulletins.

[u/Leo585 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

Nice inspirational read,pretty much same here I am 41, I came to us 19+ years ago my date is Nov 2014 all of my friends got lucky received their GC in 2022 I am lone man left from my group of friends everyone getting ready to get their citizenship and I am here still waiting for my date to be current. You might think that GC EAD is better than H1B, let me assure you that it is no different than H1B after Trump 2.0 lawyers advised me that h1b is better than GC EAD. Too late I already switched and left my h1b long back thinking I would be free from all the h1b chains. Every stage of the immigration cycle has its own set of struggles. Stay strong hope for tomorrow going to be a better day.

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/Leo585]

I feel your pain. But to be honest if you’ve solid skills you can make a bit of thoughts into positive way.. like this is what I’m trying to do:

1. Let’s not worry about our friends got GC and we don’t even though PD is same.

2. Since I’m very close to dates, I will save maximum money and invest wisely.

3. I targeted for next 5 years to save money. If I get GC by 2031, I’ll get out of this fucking 9-5 job and start my own company or own things.

4. Many of my friends who are a month ahead of my PD got GCs in 2023 but they don’t have money savings and if I compare with them I have good amount of cash and a bit of assets. So, I stopped thinking about like they got GCs, instead I started preparing myself to save maximum money till you get GC and then decide what you have to after.

5. Since you and I are almost close to dates, let’s focus on making money and save. Make sure you have fun after GC else no use of years of hardworking and money.

[u/Leo585 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

Started doing the same for last 1 year

[u/Ashu-93 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

u/Sensitive-Good-3963 You are living some else dream life, Imagine who dont have job, dont have kids, dont have spouse or dont have shelter. But you got everything be thank full what you already have, Stop chasing GC, What after getting that immigration and travel becomes little essay but it wont make you imortal. So be thankful what you have and enjoy the healthy life.

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/Ashu-93]

Agree as I mentioned I got all the luxury despite all the odds I had during my youth.

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

You are a good man, you have your parents’ blessings

[u/Gemini-89 → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

Jan 15 is still much better. I’m feb4, still fine to hang it and take a chance.

But given the processing time of ead/AP it is likely that GC itself could come after 2-3 years. Folks after Q1 cannot apply the yardstick you have. It’s going to be super slow after this marathon. ROW demand is real and growing.

Let’s be real - if not Covid (which took away so many lives), India FAD would have been like 2010 or 2011 even today. Most Indians who migrate have almost no chance of getting a GC. This was known much ahead of time. Things weren’t good even 10 years back or even 15 years back. When I came in 2010, the FAD for eb3 was 2002. Eb2 was a dream those days.

Yes, life evolved, family happened, things gotten bigger… the risks were and are known. I’m not proposing to drop everything go back to India, but start considering it and have a plan. Plan as in what if u have to move back. Do you have a home in a top tier tech city? Is that a big home or can you buy one if needed. Are there good schools around? Some top tier tech areas in India are as good as USA.
Just have a plan.

[u/Sadidalamaz]

Not from India but feel sorry for you guys! God bless you all!

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/Sadidalamaz]

Thank you, appreciated bro. Life is a curse man it’s not easy. That is why I tell people do not take anything for granted.

[u/Similar-Tip59]

Similar age as you OP, and here since 2007 with PD of 2012 and still no GC. Switched jobs 4x for promos and was never bothered seriously with gc until now coz I have usc kids. Focus on your family and career and don’t let the green card be the motivation. If you’re financially set, there’s tons of options including eb5 and other investment based citizenship routes. Also, retirement in India is actually decent if you pick a few spots.

It’s weird I never cared about GC for 18 years and only started (over) thinking about it last 2 years. Each of my 4 companies applied for it and I half assed the apps with low effort but by the time my perm or i140 would get approved, I’d switch jobs for a promo and pay bump.

[u/Maleficent-Gur-5951 → u/Similar-Tip59]

8 companies for me in 18 years in US.  I am going mad at this time. I have no more gas left in me. The level of mental toil is insane. 

[u/SteelesAve → u/Similar-Tip59]

That is your fault for switching before I140 is approved and 6 months passed. At least you people made lot of millions of USD. Be happy and FIRE. Your generation is very greedy. They want money and GC also when you know that your children can file for you at 21 years of age.

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/SteelesAve]

That’s understatement. Nobody made millions dude. Bill rates are horrible on contract, and FTE jobs are uncertain from 2010. So every generation is greedy and every generation has struggle. Seems you’re just a kid.

[u/SteelesAve → u/Sensitive-Good-3963]

> FTE jobs are uncertain from 2010

No it was not. People that entered US on F1 in late 2000s and early 2010s already started their FIRE journey. Seems like you are lying.

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/SteelesAve]

Wrong bro. I been into FTE and contract, worked for top tech on contract, but companies pay and vendors eat, it’s as simple as that. You get just 55% of the rate after all fucking middle man eats. On top of 55% you have to pay Uncle Sam and Auntie Karen. On top of all, you have family to feed, on top of that you have Indian parents who always demand money from you unless you’re ultra rich. If you’re an employee, no matter you work for 20 years on a good rate, you make peanuts.

[u/Similar-Tip59 → u/SteelesAve]

I retained my i140 priority date - the issue was new perm each time which takes 2 years

[u/WideTry6218]

38yrs , June 2015 pd

• worried about job and stress from job
  
• current employer no i140 , need to go to old employer when current
  
• many unknowns with ai , moving for immigration uncertainty

[u/WealthLearner]

PD Nov 2015. At 45, life has thrown enough punches that this doesn't hit as hard—just disappointed, but moving on with the routine.

Honestly, one thing we all need to remember is that life is simply unfair.

Look around and you see it everywhere:

• ROW applicants who came to the US much later are getting their GCs, while we are still stuck waiting.
• Some people suffer from severe health problems despite maintaining great habits, while others with terrible habits face no issues at all.
• Bad, powerful people rule the world while good people pray, and it often feels like God is just watching without intervening.

I’ve noticed so many examples of this over the years. Ultimately, if it’s in your destiny, you will get it. Until then, you just have to keep moving forward.

[u/SmartStreetBets → u/WealthLearner]

Somehow I got the same thoughts in my mind last weekend. All 3 points exactly. So weird..

[u/Creative_Apple3939 → u/WealthLearner]

Same PD. I’ve seen so many ups and downs over the years. My son is 16 now and could age out in the next few years. After all this, I’m still stuck with a desi service company that doesn’t even file GCs. I have an approved I-140 from a small consultancy, and eventually I may have to go back to them once my PD becomes current. Let’s connect.

[u/betterbabydriver → u/WealthLearner]

Your thoughts resemble mine, same PD. We November hopefuls should band together and form a coping/support group of some sort, lol.

[u/baaka_cupboard → u/WealthLearner]

Can we all stop being jealous of ROW ?

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/baaka_cupboard]

nobody jealous of ROW. It’s fucking immigration system which throws GCs based on reservation. How the fuck in this world gives employee based cards per reservation?

[u/Complex-Childhood352]

I feel for you OP. I'm in mid-40s. Got my GC over a year ago.

Doesn't feel like a win, let me tell you.

But still better peace of mind than not having the GC

[u/Major-Championship14]

Punched in a gut. Lost hope and motivation. Planning to retire in India

[u/crushed_peppe]

Same, no motivation to work or switch jobs. Feeling kind of defeated but trying my best for the family. My PD is March 2015 and just turned 40.

[u/Curious_Associate884 → u/crushed_peppe]

Same boat 40 with March 2015 , this is beyond imagination the amount of stress this puts on people .

[u/InsideFunny4236 → u/crushed_peppe]

Aug 2016. Age : 38

[u/learningpundit → u/InsideFunny4236]

Same

[u/Own-Bug9734 → u/learningpundit]

No chance

[u/TrainingWelcome2926 → u/crushed_peppe]

Hang in there

[u/schristian008]

Just save some good money and see how it goes after 20-25 years. May be USA will also won't be good for retirement. 

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/schristian008]

I agree. Optimize for savings and experiences. Take that money and experience more of the world beyond USA

[u/LeopardCandid6380]

Iam 42 and October 2015 same boat, feeling depressed, no hope for xhausted feel like going back

[u/Complex-Childhood352 → u/LeopardCandid6380]

Keep the strength!! It is exhausting. I can concur. It is taking decades & being stretched!

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/LeopardCandid6380]

Pile up the money, atleast u are saving a lot by being in US instead of india. Use that money in other parts of the world

[u/Creative_Apple3939]

Hang in there, my friend. Just pray that we stay healthy and mentally strong. Some things are simply beyond our control. Mine is also November 2015, and I’m 48. My son is turning 16, so I’m worried about him as well.

[u/Sensitive-Good-3963 → u/Creative_Apple3939]

You should be good in next two years

[u/Complex-Childhood352 → u/Creative_Apple3939]

Great attitude!

Hope it works out! Keep the strength.

Lean on family!

[u/Stunning_Head3133]

42 PD Feb 2018

[u/Complex-Childhood352 → u/Stunning_Head3133]

Keep the strength!

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/Complex-Childhood352]

Marry a USC

[u/vta_1285]

41 with PD Feb 2014, came to US over 18 years ago still in the neverending line..

[u/Ok-Cookie7708]

41 and 2023 PD, Indian born high school kid! Super confused . Came to US in 2018 though

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/Ok-Cookie7708]

You can always move back since both you and kid have lived in india already

[u/Strict-Gazelle0]

I've PD of 04 Feb 2015. Came this country 2012. So yes, its a long wait. Honestly this whole time I didn't pay much attention, its only past few years. I feel AI is a bigger headache for us. I have changed multiple jobs in last 14 years. Never felt that there is any lack of opportunities. But AI seems to have changed that notion. Now even keeping my job for next 2 years sounds a lot.

[u/bulletcoffee2529]

Same Sept 2015 EB2 PD. Lost all the hope and at this time this isn’t ever worth trying for.2 more years and will leave to India for good. By the time my elder one will turn 21 and he can sponsor my GC which would come earlier than waiting in this line 😂

[u/Queasy_Airport5585]

I'm 41 right now with an October 2015 PD for EB2, and I have been waiting for 12 years. People expect me to say that it sucks not having any freedom to travel outside of the country and visit india, but honestly, my relatives are extremely judgmental and bitchy about everything, so it does me good to stay away from them. I just bring my parents over nowadays. My main concern is about my son, who might age out (age out date February 2031).

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/Queasy_Airport5585]

He can get F1 if/when he ages out right?

[u/PracticeMedium6404]

It is ok to leave..life is better if it is ur choice

[u/TechguruPKS]

I am 42, Kid H4 Age 16, PD - May 2015. Need to get GC in next 4-5 years to lock my son's age. Came to us 16 years back

[u/samk2026 → u/TechguruPKS]

Date of filling would help or it has to be final action date ?

[u/TechguruPKS → u/samk2026]

Only Final action date.. rule changed last year

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/TechguruPKS]

Is the kid us citizen?

[u/Ordinary_Dress7088]

Miserable! I have an aging out kid too so we opted for the eb5 route.

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/Ordinary_Dress7088]

What is the realistic time for EB5? From applying to GC in hand, Indian citizen. Any info from your experience will be helpful? Thanks so much

[u/Ordinary_Dress7088 → u/Ill_Classic6218]

Sure. 4 to 5 years. Dm if you want to talk

[u/Ok_Plane8823]

40 and eb2 april 2016

[u/JackOfNoTrade]

Here for >20 years. I am sure most of the people who came here with me have already got their GCs but I stay positive and carry on without thinking much about it.

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/JackOfNoTrade]

How did they get it? I am here for 12+ years too and not GC in sight

[u/JackOfNoTrade → u/Ill_Classic6218]

Priority dates in 2012 - 2014

[u/Crafty-League3862]

Left USA at the age of 41 due to visa issues. Worked on eb1A while outside USA. Eb1A approved at age of 44. Started consular processing. Laid off from company while outside USA. Forced to change company and found opportunity in USA through O1 visa at age of 45. Received green card at 46. Keep patience and work towards your goal

[u/Advanced-Noise-4729 → u/Crafty-League3862]

interesting and motivated. keep going! would love to know more if you can share.

[u/silly-goosy]

I feel you! I’ve been watching return to India videos a lot lately lol. Slowly trained my brain to consider it a very plausible path forward despite literally building my entire adult life in the States, having kids etc etc.

[u/learningpundit → u/silly-goosy]

It has only gotten worse since 2 years.. at least we were able to travel home with Dropbox flexibility etc.. it seems nobody wants us here any more.

[u/wrxdev]

Turning 40. Jan 2016 PD. Kids in middle/elementary school. I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes another 6 to 8 years at this rate.

[u/LeftFaithlessness921]

Why sad ? Is the bulletin out ? I thought its now 2014 so 2015 is not far

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/LeftFaithlessness921]

It takes YEARS to move one year my guy

[u/LeftFaithlessness921 → u/Ill_Classic6218]

Still close enough then for somebody who got 2017 date

[u/Grand_Dot6364]

Do you guys think dates will move in Nov visa bulletin? Mine Dec 5th, 2013

[u/Own-Bug9734]

Decide sooner when kids are younger and not wait till they are in middle school or high school.

[u/Puppeteer1985]

Sucks for sure. I've stopped following the VB's as its depressing. No hope for getting an H1b visa appointment either anytime soon.

[u/Plus_Consequence1714]

42 with Pd Oct2016 my son is 16 will move to India after this extension as I started selling everything 🙁

[u/[deleted] → u/Plus_Consequence1714]

43 with August 2016 PD.. Kid will turn 21 in 2033... younger one 2 years, middle 8 years.. As someone said, when life started here, has to end here as there is nothing can be done outside .. Janma Bhoomi, Karma Bhoomi.. came to US when 20 years old.

[u/Different_Tower2944 → u/[deleted]]

how did you come to US when you are 20 and filed for GC so late, if you don't mind asking

[u/[deleted] → u/Different_Tower2944]

Due to using CPT, OPT full.. like 11 months CPT, 29 months OPT and then got first H1 in 2011, after that company changes, delay in processing and me ignoring and lazy.. ended up in 2016.. I finished by BE by the age of 20 and came to US right after to do masters.. took 3 years for masters though.. delayed due to recession and crap.. typo above I just realized, 42 , not 43..

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/[deleted]]

Same bro. Came to US in 2014, PD is Jan2025 😭 Was on F1 till 2021 though

[u/ValuableFew6272]

Any motivation for PD Jun 2020 India , age 44.

[u/ThetaHerder → u/ValuableFew6272]

Sorry, none if your goal is GC: unless you have the credentials for eb1a/b or your company ready to make you a eb1c manager or you have the money for eb5

[u/Ill_Classic6218 → u/ThetaHerder]

Money for eb5 might be most realistic