What Is the Visa Backlog in the U.S.?
- Murtaz Navsariwala
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
If the United States needs skilled professionals, why are so many visa applications stuck for months or even years?
This is a common question among highly qualified professionals with strong backgrounds and real chances of obtaining a green card, especially through pathways like the EB2-NIW visa.
The answer has a name: backlog.
In this article, you'll discover what’s behind this growing pile of pending cases, why it affects even the most desirable candidates for U.S. immigration - and, most importantly - what strategies can help you avoid getting stuck in line. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Is the Visa Backlog in the U.S.?
The term “backlog” refers to the accumulation of pending cases within the U.S. immigration system. That means even well-prepared applications with strong approval potential can take much longer than expected - simply because there’s a line.
But it’s not just about volume. What many applicants don’t realize is that the U.S. immigration system has legal limitations that directly contribute to these delays.
Why Are There So Many Delays, Even With High Demand for Talent?
Many assume that due to labor shortages in several key industries, the U.S. would process applications from skilled foreign workers faster. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Here are the main reasons:
Annual visa limits by category and country: Even with thousands of eligible applicants, the U.S. government imposes strict caps on how many green cards can be issued per category and per nationality. This automatically creates a backlog, regardless of demand.
Surge in EB2-NIW applications: This visa - which doesn’t require a job offer and targets professionals with a significant track record - has become increasingly popular among qualified foreign workers. As a result, applications have surged faster than the system can process.
USCIS operational capacity: The agency responsible for reviewing applications, USCIS, also faces internal limitations. Cases are reviewed in the order they are received - not based on urgency or economic contribution.
Who Is Most Affected by the Backlog and What Are the Risks of Waiting Too Long?
While the backlog impacts several visa categories, cases like the EB2-NIW and EB3 have faced significant delays - especially for applicants from high-demand countries like India, China, and Brazil.
In practical terms, even a highly qualified professional could wait months - or even years - for their case to move forward, depending on the stage of the process.
And the risks are:
Missed professional opportunities
Life and investment plans put on hold
Expired documents or changes in legal status
Emotional exhaustion and discouragement
Here’s the good news: There are ways to reduce these risks and even avoid unnecessary delays.
What Can You Do to Avoid Getting Stuck in the Backlog?
Despite the system’s limitations, there are effective legal and strategic approaches to deal with the backlog.
In some cases, you may be eligible for premium processing, which can significantly speed up certain stages of the process.
Just as important: How your case is presented to USCIS matters. A strong, well-structured petition with clear arguments and strategic documentation can move faster and help avoid RFEs (Requests for Evidence), which only prolong the process.
That’s why we always say: the sooner you submit your case, the sooner you reserve your place in line. And having a qualified legal team on your side - especially one experienced with high-level petitions - can make all the difference.
At Murtaz Law, we carefully analyze each profile to identify faster pathways, smart strategy combinations, and case adjustments that may improve your chances. And it all starts with a simple, no-obligation conversation.
You don’t have to make any decisions today but understanding the landscape, risks, and opportunities could be the key to reaching your goal faster.
Want to find out your chances of getting a Green Card? Talk to our team by clicking here. No cost. No pressure. Just clarity.
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.
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