New Enhanced Security Vetting Is Causing Immigration Adjudication Delays & RFEs

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun implementing enhanced security vetting procedures that are expected to delay pending immigration cases. More types of petitions and applications will now require fingerprint-based background checks, and cases that were already cleared may again need to go through additional screening before they can be approved. 

These changes follow Executive Order 14385, issued on February 6, 2026, which directs the Attorney General to give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expanded access to criminal history records for immigration screening and vetting purposes. USCIS has not yet issued detailed public guidance on how the new process will apply across all case types. However, effective April 27, 2026, USCIS began receiving enhanced criminal history information through the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system. USCIS officers have reportedly been directed not to approve certain pending cases until the enhanced checks are complete. Officers must also resubmit fingerprint-based screenings for any case where the FBI information was received before April 27, 2026. It is unknown at this time how long such additional screening will take.  

Who is Impacted? 

• I-485, N-400, I-589, and I-765 applicants with fingerprints submitted before April 27 will need to have their background checks processed again pursuant to the new vetting process, resulting in delays, even after an interview.  

• I-129 and I-140 applicants and beneficiaries may begin receiving  Requests for Evidence (RFEs) requesting biometrics and information regarding prior traffic and criminal matters. 

• All immigration applicants may experience a slowdown in adjudications as USCIS performs additional vetting in many cases.  

Recommendations 

Given the expected delays across many application types, it is recommended that applicants apply as early as legally possible for their immigration benefit. Additionally, applicants should create an account with MyUSCIS in order to receive real-time updates regarding any pending cases in order to monitor issuance of new biometrics appointments and Requests for Evidence (RFEs) seeking information related to arrests. Finally, anyone with a prior arrest, regardless if it occurred inside the U.S. and or outside the U.S., and regardless if it was sealed, expunged or even dismissed, should consult with an immigration attorney in order to understand the consequences on their case.