What are the retrogression limits for EB-2?

There is no fixed numerical limit for retrogression in the EB-2 category, including the NIW path. It is not a set value, but rather a movement of priority dates that can occur when demand for green cards exceeds the supply of available visas in a given category.

When this happens, the cutoff dates published in the State Department’s Visa Bulletin may move back relative to a prior month. As a result, even an eligible applicant with a ‘current’ date at a given moment may need to wait longer before advancing to the final step, particularly when they come from high-demand countries that tend to have their own separate dates.

This is why it does not make sense to speak of a fixed ‘limit’: the cutoffs adjust periodically based on availability and the volume of requests. The safe approach is to follow each new edition of the bulletin to know the current date for your category and country of chargeability.

Because rules and dates change frequently, always consult official sources, such as the Visa Bulletin and USCIS, and, if needed, a specialist to interpret the bulletin as it applies to your specific case.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.