New USCIS Data: EB-1A and EB-2 NIW Approvals Hold Steady in Q2 2025

For the second consecutive quarter, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has denied more EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions than EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) petitions. 

In our previous news update about EB-1 and EB-2 NIW denial rates, we highlighted this significant shift in the first quarter of 2025. In previous years, the EB-2 NIW was seen as a more readily accessible pathway for professionals to obtain a Green Card, particularly because it offers a broader set of criteria.

However, according to USCIS data released for FY2025 Quarter 2, EB-1A petitions continued to have a higher approval rate than EB-2 NIW petitions.

Key Finding: EB-2 NIW Denials Continue to Surpass EB-1A

The latest figures, covering Q2, show that USCIS is continuing the trend seen in Q1 of applying tougher standards to EB-2 NIW petitions than EB-1A. This reinforces that USCIS is no longer treating EB-2 NIW as a more flexible or forgiving option compared to EB-1A.

Here’s how EB-1A and EB-2 NIW petitions performed from January to March 2025 (FY Q1):

Note: In FY Q2, as in FY Q1, USCIS received more petitions than it approved or denied. The agency adjudicated just over half the petitions received in these two categories. This backlog of pending petitions could contribute to longer wait times for decisions.

What’s Changed Since Q1 2025?

EB-2 NIW Saw Small Gain in Approval Rate, But Still Lags EB-1A

The approval rate for EB-2 NIW petitions rose slightly from 62.7% in Q1 2025 to 67.3% in Q 2025.  Consequently, the denial rate dipped a bit from 37.2% in Q1 to 32.7% in Q2. 

While this marks a positive shift for those pursuing EB-2 NIW visas, it still underscores the continued heightened scrutiny applied to these petitions and emphasizes the need for robust evidence to demonstrate national interest.

EB-1A Performance Remained Strong in Q2

For petitions in Q2 2025, the EB-1A approval rate was approximately 72.7%. 

This is a slight drop compared to the 74.86% approval rate in Q1, but it remains consistent with the overall 2024 approval rate of 72.2% for adjudicated cases. 

The denial rate for EB-1A in Q2 of 2025 is 27.3%, a marginal increase from 25.14% in Q1, but still largely in line with the 27.8% seen in 2024. 

➡️ The key takeaway here is that USCIS is largely holding steady in its adjudication of EB-1A cases, indicating there is not a significant slowdown in approvals for truly extraordinary individuals.

What the Trend Tells Us So Far

The Q2 data suggest a minor recalibration, with the EB-2 NIW approval rate improving and its denial rate declining. However, the EB-1A category generally maintained a higher approval rate in Q2. 

The initial finding that EB-2 NIW denials had outpaced EB-1A denials in Q1 remains a significant benchmark; however, Q2 saw NIW denial rates decrease slightly. 

USCIS is still receiving more EB-2 NIW than EB-1A petitions. That, coupled with greater scrutiny and a higher denial rate, makes the EB-2 NIW category more challenging than it was a couple of years ago.

While the specific percentages fluctuate between quarters and over the years, it’s clear that both EB Green Card categories are still being evaluated rigorously, particularly for demonstrating “national interest” in EB-2 NIW.

For further context, here’s a quick look at EB-1A and EB-2 denial rates over the years:

Source: USCIS I-140 RADP Summary Tables (2022–2025 Q2)

What Does This Mean for Applicants?

The trends so far in 2025 USCIS decisions carry important implications for anyone planning to pursue a Green Card.

If You’re Applying for EB-2 NIW: 

• It may no longer be the “easier” route it was once considered to be.
• Be prepared to show concrete, national-level impact. That might include metrics, publications, endorsements, or wide adoption of your work.
• Make your evidence count. You’ll need to connect every piece of documentation directly to the national interest.
• Be sure your work clearly meets all three prongs of the Dhanasar framework:

1. National importance of the work
2. Your qualifications to advance it
3. Why waiving the labor certification benefits the U.S.

If You’re Applying for EB-1A: 

• Your bar is still high, but the standards haven’t changed much recently.
• If you’ve published extensively, received notable recognition, or led important projects, don’t rule yourself out.
• Organize your petition like a compelling portfolio, and align your achievements with USCIS’s criteria.

General Advice for Both Categories:

As we’ve seen already in 2025, immigration policies can change at any minute, which means that approval trends can change quickly, too. 

No matter the category, strong evidence and a well-organized petition are more important than ever. Consulting with experienced immigration counsel remains crucial to navigate these complexities, create the strongest petition possible, and adapt strategies based on the latest USCIS trends and policies.

The 2025 Q2 data confirms that USCIS is maintaining a steady, but more demanding, approach to I-140 petitions across both the EB-2 NIW and EB-1A categories. While there may be minor changes from one quarter to the next, the overarching message for applicants is clear: exceptional preparation and a deep understanding of USCIS expectations are key.

How Manifest Law Can Help

At Manifest Law, we help professionals, founders, researchers, and creatives present their work in the strongest possible light. We know how to build compelling EB-1A and EB-2 NIW petitions that align with the latest USCIS trends and expectations.

We’ll work with you to:

• Identify the strongest category for your case
• Develop a personalized evidence strategy
• Translate your impact into a petition that speaks USCIS’s language

Ready to explore your options? Request a consultation with Manifest Law today.