Visa Bulletin Update: EB-2 NIW and EB-1A Self-Petitioners Face New Opportunities
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin has introduced significant changes for EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) and EB-1A self-petitioners. For applicants from most countries, the EB-2 category is now current on the Final Action Dates chart, eliminating the priority date backlog between an approved I-140 and visa availability. This shift reflects reduced consular processing activity under current immigration policy, although it is not expected to be permanent. The demand for EB-2 NIW filings surged from approximately 22,000 in FY2022 to over 63,000 in FY2024, indicating a growing interest in these visa categories. The Visa Bulletin sets the timeline for when applicants can move forward, and self-petitioners often manage this process independently, although working with an immigration attorney can provide strategic guidance. 
