USCIS Implements New Security Vetting Process, Causing Delays in Case Processing

Access Immigration has learned that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently experiencing nationwide delays in issuing decisions across multiple case types due to the rollout of a new security vetting process that took effect on April 27, 2026. According to credible reports shared with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), this new procedure requires USCIS to resubmit fingerprints for nearly all pending applications where biometrics were originally taken before April 27. The only potential exception appears to be naturalization applicants who already have scheduled oath ceremonies.

What This Means for Pending Cases

Under this updated process, USCIS must complete the new round of security checks on older pending cases before it can move forward with fingerprint submissions for newly filed applications. At this time, it is unclear how long these delays will last or how many applicants are affected.

CBS News reports that the change stems from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) granting USCIS “greater access to its criminal history database” following Executive Order 12385. That order requires federal criminal justice agencies to provide the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with criminal history information to the fullest extent permitted by law. As a result, USCIS has begun conducting “enhanced” background checks on all pending applications that require fingerprints, including:

• Adjustment of status applications

• Naturalization applications

• Family-based petitions requiring biometrics

USCIS officers were instructed that resubmission of fingerprints is not required for cases they intend to deny.

USCIS confirmed to CBS News that new security checks have been implemented but stated that case processing is “ongoing” and that delays “should be brief and resolved shortly.”

What Applicants Should Expect

At this stage, applicants may notice:

• Slower-than-usual movement on cases that previously appeared close to decision

• Delays in scheduling or completing biometrics for newly filed applications

• A temporary backlog as USCIS works through the updated security checks

While this change is significant, it does not indicate a problem with any individual case. It reflects a system-wide shift in how background checks are conducted.

Our Office Is Monitoring Developments

We are closely tracking updates from AILA, USCIS, and other reliable sources. As more information becomes available—including any guidance on expected timelines—we will share those updates with our clients and community.

If you have questions about how this change may affect your case, please feel free to contact our office.