USCIS Policy Changes on All Pending Immigration Applications

USCIS Policy Changes on All Pending Immigration Applications

Effective April 27, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing a new security vetting protocol, enhanced background checks, which requires extensive FBI background checks for all pending immigration applications. Specifically, this policy reflects on all pending immigration applications such as a fingerprint-based applications including lawful permanent residency, citizenship, asylum application and work permit applications which will undergo deeper screening through expanded access to federal criminal databases.

 According to this policy changes, USCIS will review and resubmit fingerprints for all pending cases where the initial finger print check was completed before April 27, 2026. Due to this policy, it could be affected all pending cases until these thorough checks are cleared and completed. As stated above, USCIS processing on each impacted case could be significantly slowdown with some cases may take a weeks or months longer to finalize. In addition, USCIS has increased mainly focus on social media and other reliable sources for certain immigration applicants.

What Applicants Should Do?

USCIS officers are resubmitting existing fingerprints already on file. The applicant only needs to act if they receive a new official biometrics appointment notice or a specific Request for Evidence (RFE). Please note that this re-vetting protocol is separate from the “Travel Ban Adjudication Hold” implemented in January 2026, which specifically targets nationals from 39 high-risk countries for individuals born in or nationals of one of the travelled ban countries.

Note: This information is for generally educational or informational purposes only and it does not constitute legal advice.