Policy Updates

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.

Brazilian applicants will see their vetting process integrated with DOJ databases. As Brazil has sought closer security cooperation with the US, they may eventually be subject to the reciprocal sharing agreements mentioned in Section 3.

Brazil has seen a surge in EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) filings. The fee increase directly impacts these self-petitioning professionals who often pay these costs out-of-pocket to avoid lengthy standard processing times.

The investigation into EB-2 fraud will likely lead to a more conservative adjudication environment for all applicants, including those from Brazil. This may result in longer processing times as USCIS officers perform more thorough background checks on sponsoring employers.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2026-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2024-02-01 to 2024-04-01 in the 2026-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Brazil has seen a surge in EB-2 NIW applications. More thorough vetting will lead to longer adjudication times for I-140 petitions and higher evidentiary standards for demonstrating national importance.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2025-12)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-12-01 to 2024-02-01 in the 2025-12 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Brazil has seen a surge in EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) applications in recent years. The fee increase directly impacts these self-petitioning professionals who often bear the full cost of the filing fees themselves.

Brazil has seen a surge in EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions. The court order regarding the 2024 Fee Rule creates a risk of filing errors if the incorrect Asylum Program Fee is applied, potentially delaying the start of the immigration process for Brazilian experts.

This policy change affects the administrative aspect of the EB-2 petition for Brazilian nationals. Applicants should ensure their financial institutions support the required electronic transfer protocols to avoid processing delays.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2025-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-09-01 to 2023-12-01 in the 2025-10 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

As USCIS increases its focus on bona fide job offers, Brazilian applicants, particularly those in specialized technical fields, may see a rise in verification requests. This could lead to longer timelines for visa issuance and a higher burden of proof for employers.

Brazil has seen a rise in EB-2 applications. The directive to prioritize high-wage earners will specifically disadvantage Brazilian professionals in sectors where U.S. market wages are currently lower than the proposed new federal wage floors.

Brazil has recently become one of the top countries for EB-2 NIW applications. Special agents will likely focus on the validity of 'National Interest' claims made by Brazilian business professionals and entrepreneurs, potentially cooling the recent trend of high approval rates from this region.

The introduction of electronic payments reduces the risk of mail-related delays or loss of physical payment instruments. This provides a more secure and traceable method for Brazilian professionals to manage their immigration costs.

Brazil has seen a significant surge in EB-2 NIW applications from business and healthcare professionals. Strict enforcement against misrepresentation in 'exceptional ability' claims will likely lead to higher Request for Evidence (RFE) rates and potential fraud investigations for this specific demographic.

Brazil has seen a surge in EB-2 NIW applications; while not a high-risk country, applicants must now be more cautious about public expressions of political views. The impact is largely administrative rather than a targeted restriction.

As Brazil falls under the 'Rest of World' category, which is currently experiencing cut-off dates, this policy allows families to lock in children's ages earlier in the process. This is particularly relevant for high-skilled professionals with teenage dependents.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-2 Rest of World (2025-08)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-10-15 to 2023-09-01 in the 2025-08 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Brazil has seen a surge in EB-2 National Interest Waiver applications in recent years. The fee update increases the financial commitment required for Brazilian high-skilled workers during a time when the 'Rest of World' category is experiencing wait times.

Brazilian applicants will benefit from clearer USCIS communication regarding adverse evidence. This allows for more effective responses to Requests for Evidence (RFE) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID).

As Brazil falls under the 'Rest of World' category, which is currently experiencing retrogression, applicants may see their I-485s pending for over 24 months. Indefinite validity removes the risk of medical exam expiration during these delays.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2025-06)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-06-22 to 2023-10-15 in the 2025-06 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2025-04)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-05-15 to 2023-06-22 in the 2025-04 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2025-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-01 to 2023-05-15 in the 2025-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Brazilian professionals applying for EB-2 visas will find the adjustment of status process slightly more efficient. The elimination of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement removes a procedural step in the civil surgeon's evaluation, potentially speeding up the completion of Form I-693.

For Brazilian professionals, the NIW is a preferred route to bypass employer sponsorship. With clearer guidance, applicants can more reliably secure EB-2 status, and since Brazil falls under the 'Rest of World' visa availability, the path to a green card is significantly faster than for backlogged countries.

Brazil has seen a surge in EB-2 NIW petitions; updated filing procedures require careful attention to avoid processing delays. As EB-2 'Rest of World' dates are currently retrogressed, filing accuracy is essential to maintain a favorable position in the visa queue.

The closure will impact Brazilian nationals currently in the adjustment of status phase. While not facing the same backlog as high-demand countries, the rescheduling process adds to the overall administrative burden for these applicants.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2025-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-03-15 to 2023-04-01 in the 2025-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2024-07)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-01-15 to 2023-03-15 in the 2024-07 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2024-04)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-22 to 2023-01-15 in the 2024-04 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2024-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-15 to 2022-11-22 in the 2024-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2024-02)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-01 to 2022-11-15 in the 2024-02 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2024-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-07-15 to 2022-11-01 in the 2024-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2023-11)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-07-08 to 2022-07-15 in the 2023-11 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2023-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-07-01 to 2022-07-08 in the 2023-10 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2023-09)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-04-01 to 2022-07-01 in the 2023-09 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-2 Rest of World (2023-08)

The Department of State advanced the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-02-15 to 2022-04-01 in the 2023-08 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-2 Rest of World (2023-05)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-07-01 to 2022-02-15 in the 2023-05 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-2 Rest of World (2023-04)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-2 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-01 to 2022-07-01 in the 2023-04 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.