If you’ve been researching the process recently, you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about falling EB2 NIW approval rates—and maybe even started second-guessing whether it’s still worth the effort.
We get it. The numbers have changed. The bar is higher. And USCIS has made it very clear: only the strongest petitions will succeed in 2025.But here’s the truth you won’t always find on forums or YouTube comments:
✅ If you understand what’s behind these approval rate changes and position your petition correctly, you still have a strong shot.
And that’s exactly what this guide will help you figure out.
🔍 What Is the EB2 NIW Approval Rate in 2025?
Let’s start with the number everyone’s talking about.
In FY2024, the EB2 NIW approval rate dropped to 43.31%. That’s a sharp decline from the 80–96% success range we saw just a few years ago.
But here’s something most people miss:
👉 By Q1 of FY2025, approval rates climbed back to around 62.8%. It’s not quite the 90s, but it shows that well-prepared applicants are still getting approved.
So while the bar is higher now, success is absolutely still within reach—you just need to know how to play the game.
Partnering with seasoned consultants like My Green Card Story, will help you cut through the confusion and build petitions that get real results.
📈 What Changed — And Why Are Approval Rates Lower Now?
You’re probably wondering: What caused the drop in the first place?
Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:
1. Massive Surge in Applications
Between 2022 and 2024, NIW filings nearly tripled. That’s great—it means more people are discovering self-petitioning—but it also created a serious backlog.
USCIS is overwhelmed. So now, officers are spending more time reviewing each case. That leads to delays… and higher scrutiny.
2. Stricter Review Standards
In early 2025, USCIS updated their Policy Manual, emphasizing the need for:
- A direct connection between your skills and your proposed endeavor
- Quantifiable national impact—not just nice titles and degrees
- Letters of recommendation from credible, U.S.-based experts
In short: it’s no longer enough to be impressive. You need to prove you’re essential.
3. More RFEs and Denials
USCIS is issuing more Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) than ever before.
We’re seeing it every week from clients who come to us after filing solo or with a generic consultant. Their biggest mistake? Submitting vague, unsubstantiated claims with no clear link to U.S. interests.
🧠 What This Means for You in 2025
This isn’t meant to scare you—it’s meant to prepare you.
If you’re applying for an EB2 NIW in 2025, here’s how to stay ahead:
✅ Be Hyper-Specific USCIS isn’t interested in broad statements like “my work is important.” They want:
- Peer-reviewed publications
- U.S.-based impact
- Industry metrics that tie directly to national priorities
At My Green Card Story, we help you build that kind of evidence—even if you’re not in a STEM field or don’t have a Nobel Prize.
We’ve worked with educators, public health experts, tech entrepreneurs, and more to craft NIW narratives that stand out.
✅ Think Like an Officer
You might think your background speaks for itself, but adjudicators don’t have time to “read between the lines.” That’s why we help clients:
- Connect the dots clearly
- Show exactly how their work benefits the U.S.
- Back it up with facts—not fluff
✅ Consider EB-1A If You Qualify
Here’s something wild: in Q1 FY2025, EB-1A approval rates hit nearly 75%, while EB2 NIW stayed around 63%.If you’ve got publications, patents, awards, or media features, EB-1A might be the better route—or at least a solid Plan B.
📹 Need More Clarity on the Trends? Watch This!
We break down the EB2 NIW vs EB-1A USCIS Approval rates in a quick, beginner-friendly video.
💼 Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve read this far, you’re clearly serious about getting your U.S. green card through EB2 NIW.
But reading about strategy and executing it are two very different things.
That’s where we come in.
At My Green Card Story, we:
✅ Help you identify the strongest version of your story
✅ Provide clarity on what USCIS actually wants
✅ Guide you through the 2025 expectations—without legal jargon
✅ Equip you with expert tools to prepare for RFEs, delays, and shifting visa trends
🧩 Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining a draft, we’ve got you.
👉 Schedule Your Consultation Now
Let’s turn your qualifications into a petition that gets noticed—and approved.
For official EB-2 NIW guidelines, visit the USCIS website.
Disclaimer: We are not immigration attorneys and do not offer legal advice. This content is for informational and strategic planning purposes only. For legal guidance, please consult USCIS or a licensed attorney.
Let’s make Your EB2-NIW & EB1A journey a success! Stay connected with us! Follow My Green Card Story on all our socials for the latest updates, tips, and inspiring success stories. Got questions? We’re here to help!
