USCIS has released its official I-140 data for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 (FY2025 Q4), revealing alarming declines in approval rates for both the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) and EB-1A categories. The data, covering July through September 2025, shows that approval rates have reached new lows, continuing a troubling trend observed since the current administration took office.
Key Details:
- EB-2 NIW approval rate: 36%, down from a historical average of 75% since FY22.
- EB-1A approval rate: 53%, compared to a historical average of 72%.
- EB-2 NIW processing times increased from 10.5 months in December 2024 to 17.5 months by September 2025.
- EB-1A processing times rose from 16.5 months in September 2025 to an expected 23.5 months by March 2026.
- Pending EB-2 cases surged from approximately 25,000 in early FY23 to over 84,000 currently, while EB-1A pending cases increased from about 6,000 to over 21,000.
These developments signify a growing backlog and longer wait times for immigrants seeking permanent residency through these categories. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: r/eb_1a