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.

While currently subject to standard DOJ record checks, Colombia's status as a close security ally may eventually lead to the reciprocal exchange of felony records under Section 3, impacting how EB-2 applicants' domestic records are reviewed.

Colombia has seen increased interest in the EB-2 NIW category. The fee hike increases the out-of-pocket expenses for Colombian professionals seeking to expedite their transition to U.S. permanent residency.

The DHS investigation will likely result in a more stringent review process for Colombian professionals seeking EB-2 status. This heightened vetting environment could lead to longer wait times for visa issuance and a higher burden of proof for applicants.

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.

Colombian applicants, especially those in the NIW subcategory, will face more rigorous evaluation of their petitions, leading to longer wait times for final approval.

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.

The fee increase applies to all Colombian nationals filing for EB-2 status. This change impacts the affordability of the green card process for skilled workers and their sponsoring employers.

As Colombian interest in EB-2 visas grows, the court order regarding the 2024 Fee Rule introduces a need for careful filing. The stay on certain fee components means Colombian applicants must confirm the current requirements to ensure successful I-140 submission.

This update requires Colombian applicants to utilize electronic payment portals for their EB-2 petitions. The change is intended to streamline the initial stages of application processing.

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.

The new policy mandates stricter checks on labor certifications to prevent fraud. For Colombian applicants, this means that any inconsistencies in their job offers or employer documentation could lead to significant delays or denials.

Colombian applicants for EB-2 visas will find it harder to meet the new 'high-paid' criteria. This policy change will likely reduce the number of Colombian professionals successfully navigating the PERM process as employers face higher costs.

Colombian applicants will see more intensive reviews of their NIW petitions. The addition of special agents suggests that USCIS will more frequently verify the business plans and professional achievements cited in these applications to prevent fraud.

The transition to electronic funds transfer aligns USCIS processes with modern banking, benefiting Colombian applicants by providing a faster and more secure payment method. This reduces the administrative burden on both the applicant and the agency.

Colombian professionals, who have increasingly utilized the NIW pathway, must ensure all claims of national impact are substantiated. The policy targets the misrepresentation of business success or professional influence in the petition.

For Colombian professionals seeking EB-2 visas, the impact is limited to the broader trend of increased USCIS vetting. No specific targeting of Colombian nationals is expected under the current policy framework.

As Colombian professionals increasingly utilize the EB-2 visa, the global retrogression has introduced new risks for dependents. This policy change allows for earlier age-locking, providing greater peace of mind for applicants.

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.

The fee update increases the cost for Colombian professionals seeking to transition to U.S. permanent residency. Applicants from Colombia are currently subject to the 'Rest of World' priority date cutoffs.

The guidance ensures that Colombian EB-2 petitioners are informed of any derogatory information used by USCIS, facilitating a more predictable and fair adjudication outcome.

Colombian nationals will see a more streamlined process, as they no longer need to worry about the timing of their medical exam relative to their final interview or adjudication date.

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.

Colombian nationals will benefit from a more streamlined medical examination process. By eliminating the COVID-19 vaccine requirement, USCIS has removed a potential delay factor for Colombian applicants seeking to finalize their permanent residency.

Colombian nationals can leverage the clearer NIW guidance to avoid the PERM process. Since the EB-2 priority dates for Colombia are generally current, this update directly translates to a faster overall immigration timeline.

Colombian applicants must adapt to the updated I-140 filing procedures. Given that the EB-2 category is not currently 'current' for any country, filing errors could lead to significant delays in obtaining a green card.

The closure of USCIS offices on Jan. 9 will require Colombian applicants to wait for rescheduled biometrics or interview dates. This represents a minor administrative setback in the overall EB-2 immigration process.

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.