USCIS Background Check Delays in 2026: New Vetting Process May Pause Immigration Case Approvals

A new USCIS security vetting process implemented in late April 2026 may delay approvals in adjustment of status, asylum, naturalization, and other immigration cases requiring fingerprint-based background checks. Although USCIS has stated that processing delays should be temporary, immigration attorneys across the country are reporting that adjudications are being placed on hold while updated security checks are completed.

What Changed at USCIS?

According to reports from immigration attorneys and national immigration organizations, USCIS implemented a new vetting process beginning on April 27, 2026. The process reportedly requires many pending cases to undergo updated FBI fingerprint and name checks before an approval can be issued.

In most cases, applicants should not need to attend a new biometrics appointment. USCIS is reportedly able to reuse fingerprints already on file. However, cases with fingerprint checks completed before April 27, 2026 may need to be resubmitted through the updated system before adjudications can proceed.

Reports also indicate that USCIS may continue conducting already scheduled interviews while separately completing the updated background check process.

Which Immigration Cases May Be Affected?

Reports suggest the updated vetting process may affect a broad range of immigration cases that require fingerprint-based security checks, including:

• Adjustment of status applications
• Marriage-based green card cases
• Naturalization applications
• Family-sponsored immigration petitions
• Asylum applications
• Certain humanitarian applications

Applicants pursuing marriage-based adjustment of status or other family-based immigration benefits may therefore experience approval delays even after interviews are completed.

Why the New Vetting Process Matters

Public reporting indicates that the updated process may provide USCIS with expanded access to FBI criminal history databases following recent federal directives related to information sharing between federal agencies.

As a result, applicants should expect increased scrutiny involving:

• Arrests that did not result in convictions
• Expunged or sealed criminal records
• Juvenile matters
• Prior immigration-related incidents

Individuals with any criminal history — even cases dismissed years ago — should take requests for evidence or notices of intent to deny seriously. Criminal and immigration issues frequently overlap in complicated ways, particularly in cases involving criminal inadmissibility.

How Long Could USCIS Delays Last?

USCIS has reportedly stated that any delays should be temporary. However, delays could become substantial depending on how quickly USCIS completes updated background checks across pending applications.

Because the updated process may affect a very large number of pending cases simultaneously, some applicants could experience delays even after:

• Completing biometrics appointments
• Attending USCIS interviews
• Receiving otherwise positive indications from officers

Delays alone do not necessarily indicate that a case has problems or is likely to be denied.

Questions About a Delayed USCIS Case?

If your adjustment of status, asylum, naturalization, or other immigration case appears stalled following biometrics or an interview, the delay may be related to updated USCIS security checks. Our office handles family-based immigration matters, inadmissibility issues, waivers, and complex immigration cases involving prior arrests or records concerns.

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