NIW filings have stayed high, with USCIS receiving 63,549 petitions in fiscal year 2024, 66,276 in fiscal year 2025 and 40,363 in the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026. The NIW made up about 52 percent of all EB-2 petitions received in that last period (USCIS, Sep 2026).
Older articles, including an earlier version of this one, spoke of a surge in approvals. The data now shows high filings and a lower approved share, so the story has changed.
How many NIW petitions does USCIS receive?
| Period | NIW petitions received |
|---|---|
| FY2024 | 63,549 |
| FY2025 | 66,276 |
| FY2026, Q1 to Q3 | 40,363 |
Source: USCIS Form I-140 by Fiscal Year, Quarter and Case Status. Counts include every petition filed, and one person can file more than one.
How big is the NIW inside EB-2?
In the first three quarters of FY2026, USCIS received 77,716 second-preference petitions, and 40,363 of them were NIW petitions. That is about 52 percent, which makes the NIW the largest single part of the EB-2 category in that period (USCIS, Sep 2026).
What does that mean for you?
- More competition for attention: a large pool of petitions means officers see many files.
- A growing backlog: 96,297 NIW petitions were pending at the end of FY2026 Q3, so waits can grow.
- A lower approved share: it was 49.1 percent for the first three quarters of FY2026.
See the full approval rate tables and the post on denials and the backlog.
How do you stand out?
Step 1: Define one specific endeavor. See how to write it.
Step 2: Prove progress with documents. See prong 2.
Step 3: Check your evidence against common denial gaps.
New to the NIW? Start with the plain guide and the EB-2 NIW page. Canadian citizens can read EB-2 NIW for Canadians.
Frequently asked questions
How many NIW petitions does USCIS receive each year?
USCIS received 63,549 in FY2024 and 66,276 in FY2025 (USCIS, Sep 2026).
What share of EB-2 petitions are NIW?
About 52 percent in the first three quarters of FY2026: 40,363 of 77,716 petitions received (USCIS, Sep 2026).
Are NIW approvals surging?
No. Filings are high, but the approved share fell from 71.0 percent in FY2024 to 49.1 percent in the first three quarters of FY2026.
Why does the backlog matter?
A larger pending count can mean longer waits for a decision. USCIS reported 96,297 pending NIW petitions at the end of FY2026 Q3.
Where is the official data?
USCIS publishes Form I-140 data by fiscal year, quarter and case status on its immigration and citizenship data page.
Where to go from here
To talk through your own case, Book a Strategy Consultation, or start with the U.S. route finder.
Last updated: 15 October 2026.
Amir Ismail leads Amir Ismail & Associates, which has guided clients since 1991 and works with independent U.S. immigration attorneys. AIA is not a law firm. Legal advice and filings are handled by the attorney.
