For many potential applicants, the 1.8-year wait for the priority date to become available in the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category has been a significant barrier. Many individuals who were considering this route were discouraged by the long wait time and as a result, never started their cases. However, with the latest update from the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, there’s a significant shift that changes everything. The Department of State has moved the EB-2 NIW category to “Current” status, eliminating the wait time and allowing applicants to move forward immediately.
What Does This Mean for You?
For those we have already consulted in the past six months and have been considering EB-2 NIW, the time to act is now.
We can file both the I-140 and Green Card application in the same packet [concurrently], resulting in a decision in less than 1.3 years on your green card! No more waiting for 3-4 years! This is a massive improvement over the previous processing time, which often involved a wait of nearly two years after filing the I-140 before applying for a Green Card.
Additionally, the filing of the Green Card application essentially freezes your legal status, ensuring that you remain legally protected throughout the process.
TPS Holders: Good News for Adjustment of Status
If you have TPS status or are awaiting a TPS extension, you may qualify for Adjustment of Status (AOS) under this new opportunity. We have had clients who received AOS through EB-2 NIW approval after entering with the U4U program and were able to adjust their status based on their TPS status. This is a fantastic opportunity for those currently in TPS status to take advantage of this faster path to permanent residency.
What’s Next?
Now is the time to reach out to those who’ve been considering EB-2 NIW but have been hesitant due to long wait times. Let them know that we can start the process now and file everything in one go, allowing them to receive a decision much faster than previously anticipated.
To further help with attracting new clients, I will also be recording videos that explain the benefits and details of the EB-2 NIW process, helping us expand our reach and educate others about this opportunity.
If you have any questions or need more information, call Shepelsky Law Group today at Tel: 718-769-6352 or book your consultation directly at ShepelskyLaw.Cliogrow.com/Book. We’re ready to guide you through this exciting opportunity and help you achieve your immigration goals.
Let’s make 2026 a year of progress for our clients!