Brutal EB-2 Rejection: 660 Days Wasted?

After waiting nearly two years, an EB-2 applicant faced rejection of their I-140 petition. The decision ended months of hope, effort, and expense, leaving the applicant questioning the long and uncertain process they had gone through.

Waiting Led to Frustration

The applicant had followed approval trends and noticed a troubling pattern. The longer USCIS delayed decisions, the slimmer the chances of approval. Watching peers from the same batch get cleared while their case stretched to 660 days made the wait unbearable.

Premium Processing Regret

Skipping premium processing seemed practical at first, but in hindsight, the choice felt costly. The applicant realised even with premium service, USCIS can issue a Request for Evidence at any stage, making faster timelines no guarantee of success.

No Second Attempt

The applicant ruled out refiling, choosing not to spend more time and money on a system that felt hostile to international talent. Instead, they prefer to direct energy towards new opportunities where progress seems more realistic and achievable.

EB-2 NIW Explained

EB-2 NIW stands for National Interest Waiver, a category for people with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. Approval of the I-140 petition allows you to qualify for the category, seek work legally, and move closer to permanent residency in the US.

Time Lost, Lessons Learned

Rejections like this are not uncommon, but the wasted time feels brutal. After a two-year wait, the applicant is left with nothing but lessons about patience, unpredictability, and the challenges of navigating a complex immigration system.