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.

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.

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.

Section 2(h) maintains the full suspension of entry for Iranian nationals as immigrants. While there is a narrow exception for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution, the vast majority of EB-2 professional applicants from Iran are barred from entry.

Iranian nationals are historically subject to rigorous Security Advisory Opinions. Increased vetting under this memo will likely result in a higher frequency of 'Administrative Processing' delays for EB-2 and NIW applicants.

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.

Many Iranian nationals utilize the EB-2 NIW category due to high levels of advanced education. The fee increase adds a financial hurdle to an already complex administrative process for these applicants.

Iranian nationals, who often face complex administrative processing, must now also contend with the uncertainty of the I-140 fee stay. Ensuring the correct fee is paid is vital to prevent further delays in an already lengthy immigration journey.

Applicants from Iran may face significant challenges in utilizing electronic payment systems due to ongoing international banking restrictions and sanctions. This procedural shift could create a barrier to entry for EB-2 petitioners who lack access to third-party or U.S.-based financial accounts.

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.

In addition to existing security screenings, Iranian nationals will now face the enhanced labor certification verification protocols of Operation Twin Shield. This will likely extend the already lengthy processing times for these applicants.

Iranian nationals are heavily represented in EB-2 STEM fields. The prioritization of 'high-paid' workers adds a financial layer of difficulty to an already complex immigration process involving security clearances and administrative delays.

Given the high concentration of Iranian applicants in sensitive research and academic fields, the new law enforcement authorities may lead to more intensive verification of academic achievements. This could result in increased administrative processing delays and more rigorous scrutiny of the 'National Interest' waiver merits.

While Iranian applicants face various unique immigration challenges, the modernization of fee payments provides a standardized, digital method for handling petition costs. This reduces the reliance on physical mail for sensitive financial documents.

Many Iranian applicants rely on the NIW category due to high levels of education and research output. Enhanced enforcement against falsified citations or research impact will specifically target this high-volume NIW group, where verification can sometimes be complex due to geopolitical factors.

Applicants from Iran already undergo rigorous security clearances; this policy provides a formal mechanism to deny benefits based on perceived ideological misalignment. This is particularly impactful for Iranian researchers and scientists applying under the EB-2 NIW category.

Iranian applicants often face additional administrative processing; this policy helps ensure that while they wait for visa availability, their children's ages are locked in at the earliest possible date.

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.

Given the high volume of NIW applications from Iranian nationals in STEM fields, the fee increase represents a significant cost hike for this demographic. Applicants must also manage these costs alongside the current worldwide EB-2 retrogression.

Given the complexities often associated with Iranian background checks, this guidance ensures that any derogatory information found is properly disclosed to the petitioner for response.

Due to enhanced vetting, Iranian EB-2 applications often remain pending for extended periods. Indefinite validity of the I-693 prevents the recurring cost and logistical hurdle of obtaining new medicals 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.

Iranian nationals, who often face complex administrative processing, will have one less requirement to fulfill during the medical exam phase of their EB-2 adjustment. This simplifies the path to permanent residency once the applicant is in the U.S.

Iranian nationals frequently use the NIW path because of the high percentage of advanced degree holders among applicants. Clearer guidance helps these individuals navigate the process more effectively, despite other administrative processing hurdles they may face.

Iranian nationals, often applying via the NIW subcategory, must adhere to the new filing procedures. Administrative precision is required to ensure that the I-140 is processed efficiently, especially given the current global EB-2 retrogression.

For Iranian nationals, who often undergo extensive background checks, a one-day closure and subsequent rescheduling of interviews can add to an already lengthy processing time. The impact is primarily on the timing of the in-person components of their application.

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.