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.

Nigerian EB-2 applicants will undergo more rigorous background checks as DHS accesses CHRI from the DOJ. This is part of a broader effort to standardize vetting across all immigrant categories to identify potential public safety threats.

The DHS investigation will likely result in a more stringent review process for Nigerian 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.

Nigeria is a top sender of EB-2 NIW applicants from Africa. The fee hike increases the financial hurdle for these individuals, many of whom rely on premium processing to secure employment authorization more quickly.

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.

Under Section 5(j), the proclamation suspends the entry of Nigerian nationals as immigrants. This creates a total barrier for EB-2 applicants from Nigeria, as the administration cites vetting difficulties and the presence of terrorist groups as justification for the suspension.

Nigerian EB-2 applicants, particularly those utilizing the NIW pathway, will see increased scrutiny of their qualifications and the potential impact of their work in the U.S., leading to longer wait times.

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.

Nigeria is a major source of EB-2 and NIW applicants from Africa. The fee hike increases the financial burden on these applicants, many of whom are self-funding their petitions through the National Interest Waiver program.

With a growing number of Nigerian professionals seeking EB-2 visas, the court-ordered stay on the 2024 Fee Rule introduces a risk of petition rejection for incorrect fee amounts. This is particularly relevant for Nigerian healthcare and tech workers sponsored by U.S. firms.

The mandate for electronic payments requires Nigerian applicants to have access to international payment cards or U.S. banking. This procedural update is intended to speed up the intake process at USCIS lockboxes.

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.

With the implementation of Operation Twin Shield, Nigerian nationals in the EB-2 category will likely encounter more frequent audits of their labor certifications. This is intended to ensure that job offers are genuine and not part of fraudulent schemes.

Nigeria is a top source of African talent in the U.S. Higher wage requirements for PERM will create a significant hurdle for Nigerian experts, particularly those working in regional or smaller institutions that cannot afford the mandated 'high-paid' salary levels.

Nigerian applicants have shown increasing interest in the NIW pathway. The new policy means that USCIS will more aggressively investigate the authenticity of Nigerian academic transcripts and the actual impact of the applicant's proposed endeavor in the U.S.

Electronic payment modernization addresses common issues faced by international applicants regarding the procurement of valid U.S. currency instruments. This change facilitates a smoother submission process for Nigerian professionals seeking EB-2 classification.

As a major source of STEM and healthcare talent, Nigerian applicants frequently utilize the NIW pathway. USCIS enforcement will focus heavily on verifying the authenticity of foreign degrees and professional achievements to prevent the use of fraudulent credentials.

As Nigeria continues to be a top source of EB-2 NIW applicants from Africa, individuals will need to be aware of how their public profiles are perceived. The policy adds a minor layer of risk to the discretionary portion of the adjudication process.

With increasing numbers of Nigerian applicants in the EB-2 category, the global retrogression has become a concern. This policy change mitigates the impact of processing delays on family unity.

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.

Nigeria is a top sender of EB-2 NIW applicants from Africa. The fee update increases the cost of entry for Nigerian professionals who are already navigating the complexities of the 'Rest of World' visa queue.

Nigerian professionals will see a more predictable adjudication process as USCIS must now follow clarified steps when disclosing derogatory information to the petitioner.

Nigerian EB-2 applicants often face lengthy administrative processing or background checks. Indefinite medical validity ensures that these delays do not result in the added cost of a new medical exam.

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.

Nigerian nationals applying for adjustment of status in the EB-2 category will face fewer administrative requirements during their medical exams. The removal of the vaccine mandate simplifies the documentation needed for a successful I-485 filing.

The policy update clarifies how Nigerian professionals in fields of national importance can qualify for a waiver. Given that Nigeria does not currently face severe EB-2 retrogression, this guidance simplifies the fastest route to permanent residency for qualified individuals.

There is an increasing trend of Nigerian advanced degree holders applying for National Interest Waivers. These applicants must now ensure their I-140 filings comply with the updated USCIS procedures to avoid rejections that could impact their priority date standing.

The office closure affects Nigerian nationals currently navigating the final stages of the EB-2 process within the U.S. Rescheduling will occur automatically, but it may push back final approval by several weeks depending on local office availability.

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.