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Is there any caveat for those who have citizenship from Iran, Syria, or countries under sanctions?

Citizens of countries under sanctions may face additional scrutiny in the EB-2 NIW visa process, but compliance with laws and expert consultation increase the chances of success.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 4, 2026
2 min read
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The EB-2 NIW visa is an option for professionals with exceptional abilities or advanced achievements in their fields, waiving the need for a job offer if certain requirements are met. However, it is important to know that for people holding citizenship from countries such as Iran, Syria, or others under sanctions, the process may involve additional review steps.

In general, citizens of these countries may face extra scrutiny during the processing of their applications. This increased diligence occurs due to national security reasons and is a practice applied to various visa categories, not exclusive to the EB-2 NIW.

It is crucial to understand that these additional procedures do not by themselves mean that the application will be denied, but that USCIS may conduct background checks and other aspects related to security and compliance with United States laws.

It is also worth emphasizing the importance of strictly following immigration laws and keeping all documentation up to date. Each case is analyzed individually, and any additional information required by the U.S. government must be provided transparently.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult professionals specialized in immigration law so that the specific details of the candidate’s background are carefully evaluated before submitting the application.

Furthermore, always be aware of information and campaigns that promise quick and guaranteed results. The correct path requires caution and full compliance with legal requirements. Being guided by reliable sources and avoiding common pitfalls is essential for a safer and smoother process.

Remembering that every situation is unique, the best way to validate the next steps and clarify specific doubts is through a detailed analysis of your case.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Is there any caveat for those who have citizenship from Iran, Syria, or countries under sanctions?

Citizens of countries under sanctions may face additional scrutiny in the EB-2 NIW visa process, but compliance with laws and expert consultation increase the chances of success.

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