USCIS has announced significant changes to the National Interest Waiver (NIW) immigration process, with approval rates dropping to between 55% and 67% as of the 2026 fiscal year. This shift comes amid heightened scrutiny and a surge in Requests for Evidence (RFE), affecting applicants’ chances of success.
Key Details:
- NIW approval rates have decreased from previous years, with RFE rates exceeding 40% for standard applications.
- The backlog for EB-2 (including NIW) applicants from mainland China remains high, with no movement in priority dates since January 2026.
- The USCIS is now prioritizing applications that demonstrate clear industry value and contributions to U.S. national interests.
- Applicants are advised to strengthen their submissions by providing robust evidence of their unique contributions and the impact of their work.
The tightening of NIW standards means that applicants must adapt their strategies to meet the new requirements effectively. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: 1Point3Acres User