Policy Updates

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-06-01 to 2023-10-01 in the 2026-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Because the US lacks a reciprocal data-sharing agreement with Iran, verifying criminal history to the new standard will be difficult. This is likely to result in prolonged 'Section 221(g)' administrative processing for Iranian EB-3 applicants as DHS seeks alternative verification methods.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-02)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-22 to 2023-06-01 in the 2026-02 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Iranian nationals already undergo significant security vetting; the addition of more rigorous EB-3 fraud oversight will likely extend total processing times. USCIS will likely perform more deep-dive reviews into the sponsoring companies for these applicants.

While Iranian applicants often face additional security screening, the EB-3 premium processing fee increase is a separate administrative cost. It adds to the financial complexity of their immigration journey.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2026-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-15 to 2023-04-22 in the 2026-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Section 2(h) continues the full suspension of immigrant entry for Iranian nationals. While there is a categorical exception for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution, the vast majority of EB-3 employment-based applicants will be barred from entry and visa issuance.

Increased screening protocols often trigger additional Security Advisory Opinions (SAOs) for Iranian nationals. This policy will likely extend the duration of administrative processing at consular stages.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-12)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-04-01 to 2023-04-15 in the 2025-12 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

The inflation-adjusted fee increase applies to Iranian nationals, adding to the financial requirements for U.S. employers. This change is consistent with the general fee updates for all EB-3 filings.

Iranian applicants face standard EB-3 processing. The court order provides temporary uncertainty or relief regarding the increased filing fees and the new Asylum Program Fee for their sponsors.

While Iranian applicants face unique vetting processes, the payment mandate is a standard procedural update. It requires that all filing fees be processed through the USCIS electronic portal, moving away from traditional paper-based methods.

Iranian applicants often face additional administrative processing; the new audit risks from Operation Twin Shield will likely add another layer of scrutiny to their EB-3 petitions, potentially extending wait times.

While many Iranian applicants are highly skilled, the new prioritization of 'high-paid' aliens and the $100,000 H-1B entry fee create substantial financial hurdles. These changes will likely reduce the number of US employers willing to navigate the complex sponsorship process for Iranian nationals.

Iranian applicants, who already face significant vetting, will see additional layers of scrutiny regarding their sponsors. Law enforcement agents will likely verify that the sponsoring entity is not a shell company used solely for immigration purposes.

While Iranian applicants face various vetting hurdles, the modernization of fee payments standardizes the intake process. Electronic funds transfers offer a more efficient way to handle the financial requirements of the EB-3 petition.

Iranian applicants already face significant administrative processing; this policy adds a layer of scrutiny regarding the authenticity of private-sector work experience. Falsification will lead to permanent inadmissibility under Section 212(a)(6)(C)(i).

Iranian applicants frequently undergo lengthy administrative processing (Section 221(g)). This policy formalizes a subjective standard that may be disproportionately applied to applicants from nations with adversarial diplomatic relations with the U.S.

Iranian applicants often face extended administrative processing; this policy helps ensure that such delays do not cause children to age out if a filing date is technically available.

Iranian nationals seeking EB-3 visas must comply with the new fee schedule. While they may face additional administrative processing (SAO), the fee increase itself is a standard update affecting all applicants globally.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-07)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-02-08 to 2023-04-01 in the 2025-07 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Iranian nationals often undergo rigorous background checks; this policy ensures that if derogatory information is found, the petitioner is notified and given a chance to respond, which is critical given the complexities of Iranian immigration cases.

Iranian applicants often face extended administrative processing and security checks. Indefinite medical validity ensures their exams do not expire while these background checks are being completed.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-06)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2023-01-01 to 2023-02-08 in the 2025-06 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-04)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-12-01 to 2023-01-01 in the 2025-04 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Iranian applicants, who often face rigorous background checks, will at least see a simplification in their medical requirements. The removal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate reduces the administrative burden on the applicant and the civil surgeon.

The procedural update affects the administrative handling of I-140 petitions. For Iranian applicants, this is a standard update that does not change the existing security screening or visa availability landscape.

Iranian applicants with appointments on Jan. 9, 2025, will face rescheduling. This affects those currently in the U.S. navigating the final steps of the employment-based green card process.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2025-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-15 to 2022-12-01 in the 2025-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2020-12-01 to 2022-11-15 in the 2024-10 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-09)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2021-12-01 to 2020-12-01 in the 2024-09 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-07)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-11-22 to 2021-12-01 in the 2024-07 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-04)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-09-08 to 2022-11-22 in the 2024-04 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-03)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-09-01 to 2022-09-08 in the 2024-03 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-02)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-08-01 to 2022-09-01 in the 2024-02 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2024-01)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2021-12-01 to 2022-08-01 in the 2024-01 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2020-05-01 to 2021-12-01 in the 2023-10 bulletin. This may allow additional applicants to proceed with their petitions.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-08)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-02-01 to 2020-05-01 in the 2023-08 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.

Visa Bulletin Retrogression: EB-3 Rest of World (2023-07)

The Department of State retrogressed the EB-3 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability from 2022-06-01 to 2022-02-01 in the 2023-07 bulletin. Some applicants who were previously eligible may need to wait longer.