US green card approvals for the EB-1A category—intended for people with “extraordinary ability”—drop sharply in FY26, with multiple immigration experts reporting that Indian applicants are hit disproportionately. One outlet cites a steep decline in approval rates and says Indians account for a large share of the reduced outcomes.
The reported changes are attributed to the USCIS raising the evidentiary bar for EB-1A applications. As a result, applicants who previously relied on certain documentation find they need to provide stronger or more specific proof to meet eligibility requirements. Experts cited by outlets also say this environment is prompting some Indian tech professionals to consider alternatives to US residency.
While the sources differ in how they quantify the overall drop, they converge on the same core point: approvals for extraordinary workers are weakening, and the compliance and documentation shift is making it harder for applicants—especially from India—to secure green cards. Both outlets suggest these challenges may continue, affecting prospects for skilled immigrants.
