EB-2 (NIW) for Iranian Nationals

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2026-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2024-04-01 to 2024-10-15 in the 2026-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Because Iran is unlikely to be considered a 'trusted ally' for reciprocal data sharing, applicants may face significant delays as US authorities perform manual or one-sided vetting. This lack of verifiable foreign data often results in lengthy security clearances for EB-2 professionals.

The investigation into EB-2 fraud adds another layer of vetting for Iranian nationals, who already undergo significant security screenings. This will likely lead to extended processing times and a more complex adjudication process for these applicants.

Due to the difficulty of obtaining employer sponsorship, many Iranian nationals use the EB-2 NIW pathway. The fee increase adds a significant cost to these self-funded petitions, which are often subject to additional administrative processing.