USCIS has reported a dramatic decline in approval rates for EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions, dropping from 95.7% in FY2022 to just 35.7% in Q4 2025. This shift is attributed to the stringent application of the Dhanasar framework, which assesses eligibility based on a strict three-prong test. As a result, many skilled professionals seeking a green card without a job offer or employer sponsor are facing increased challenges in their applications.
Key Details:
- Approval rate fell from 95.7% in FY2022 to 35.7% in Q4 2025.
- The Dhanasar framework is the basis for evaluating EB-2 NIW petitions.
- Most denials stem from five common patterns that can be avoided.
- Understanding the reasons for denials is crucial for successful petition submissions.
This significant drop in approval rates highlights the need for applicants to be well-informed and prepared to navigate the complexities of the EB-2 NIW process. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: Jean David Cohen