Many clients have recently contacted our office because their immigration cases appear to be delayed, even after completing interviews, biometrics, or submitting all requested evidence. These delays are not unique to individual cases. USCIS has implemented a nationwide adjudication hold tied to a new biometric re‑screening process, and it is affecting immigration cases across the country.

What is happening at USCIS

In late April 2026, USCIS began implementing an enhanced vetting procedure that requires certain fingerprint‑based background checks to be re‑run through updated federal systems. Under internal USCIS guidance, officers have been instructed not to approve applications that require fingerprint‑based vetting until those checks are completed under the new process.

As a result, many cases that were otherwise ready for approval have been placed on temporary hold while USCIS completes this additional biometric re‑screening. This applies even where applicants previously completed biometrics and cleared background checks earlier in the process.

Which case types are most affected

Based on information published by USCIS and reports from immigration attorneys nationwide, the adjudication holds most commonly affect:

• Adjustment of status applications (Form I‑485)
• Naturalization applications (Form N‑400)
• Asylum applications
• Other benefits that require fingerprint‑based background checks

Some case types that do not involve biometrics appear to be less affected.

There have been reports that certain naturalization applicants with already‑scheduled oath ceremonies may be allowed to proceed, but USCIS has not issued formal, public guidance confirming this as a general policy.

Do applicants need to do anything?

In most cases, no action is required from applicants. USCIS is generally re‑submitting fingerprints that are already on file, and applicants are not typically being asked to attend new biometrics appointments solely because of this change.

Applicants may see prolonged periods with no case status updates. This does not mean there is a problem with the case or that it will be denied. The delay is administrative and systemic.

How long will these holds last?

USCIS has stated publicly that any delay related to the new vetting process should be temporary, but it has not provided a specific timeline or end date.

Immigration attorneys across the country report that delays may range from several weeks to several months depending on case type, field office workload, and background check processing times.

USCIS has not published revised processing times or an official projected end date for the nationwide vetting‑related hold.

Importantly, this biometric re‑screening hold is separate from prior adjudication pauses that applied to applicants from certain countries or under earlier security policies.

USCIS is still accepting new cases

USCIS remains fully open and continues to accept new filings across all benefit categories. Filing a case remains critical to preserving eligibility, securing priority dates, and maintaining lawful status where applicable.

Delaying filing generally does not avoid the vetting hold and may create additional legal risks.

Special information for naturalization applicants: the 120‑day rule

For clients with pending naturalization applications, federal law provides an important protection that applies even during periods of delay.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, USCIS is required to issue a decision on a naturalization application within 120 days after the applicant’s initial naturalization interview. This requirement is found at INA § 336(b), 8 U.S.C. § 1447(b), and is acknowledged in USCIS policy guidance.

The 120‑day period begins on the date of the first naturalization interview, not the filing date of the application and not the date biometrics were taken. The clock continues to run even if USCIS issues a notice indicating the case is being held for further review.

If USCIS does not approve or deny the application within 120 days of the interview, the applicant has the legal right to seek review in federal district court. A federal judge may then either decide the naturalization application or order USCIS to issue a decision within a specified timeframe.

USCIS has not announced any suspension or extension of the 120‑day statutory deadline due to the nationwide biometric re‑screening initiative. Internal vetting procedures do not eliminate this legal requirement.

USCIS has not issued public guidance explaining how it intends to reconcile the new biometric re‑screening process with the 120‑day naturalization adjudication deadline.

What this means in practical terms:

• If you have not yet had your naturalization interview, the 120‑day rule does not apply yet.
• If fewer than 120 days have passed since your interview, USCIS is still within its decision window.
• If more than 120 days have passed since your interview with no decision, you may have legal options available.

Whether court action is appropriate depends on the specific facts of each case and should be evaluated carefully.

What this means for clients overall

If your case is affected by the nationwide USCIS adjudication hold, patience is unfortunately required. These delays are systemic and are not based on the merits of your application.

Our office continues to monitor USCIS announcements, policy updates, and federal court developments closely. If a delay becomes legally unreasonable or creates serious hardship, there may be options available depending on the case.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.