Immigration Lawyer Blog

The New USCIS Memo MESSED UP Most Green Card Applications in America – What You Must Know Now

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:00:30 +0000

On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, signaling a major change in how green card applications filed inside the United States (known as Adjustment of Status) may be reviewed. The memo emphasizes that Adjustment of Status (AOS) is not an automatic benefit, even when an applicant meets all legal eligibility requirements.

Instead, USCIS officers are instructed to conduct a broader discretionary review known as a “totality of the circumstances” evaluation to consider whether the applicant should complete the immigrant visa process abroad through a U.S. consulate instead.

The policy effectively shifts AOS from being viewed as a routine pathway for eligible applicants to being treated as an “extraordinary” discretionary form of relief.

What’s changed: USCIS officers are directed to weigh both positive and negative factors on a case-by-case basis when deciding whether to approve a green card application.

The memo will lead to increased scrutiny at green card interviews, and the issuance of more requests for evidence. Certain applicants may even be forced to pursue consular processing abroad rather than adjusting status from within the United States.

Who is Not Impacted

If you are applying for adjustment of status under one of the following classifications, you are generally not impacted by these changes:

Refugees
NACARA applicants
VAWA
U visa
T visa
Asylum
Special Juvenile Immigrant
Employment-based fourth preference immigrant visa

Discretionary Factors in Adjustment of Status Determinations

When evaluating an adjustment of status application, USCIS officers may consider a variety of discretionary factors, including the applicant’s family ties in the United States, the potential hardship that a denial may cause to close family members such as a spouse or children, the applicant’s immigration history, moral character, and other relevant circumstances.

Factors that may weigh against a favorable exercise of discretion include immigration status violations, fraud or misrepresentation, false statements to immigration or other government officials, prior violations of immigration laws, failure to depart the United States upon the expiration of authorized stay and conduct inconsistent with the stated purpose of entering or remaining in the country.

Bottom line

Meeting the statutory requirements for a green card may no longer be enough by itself. USCIS has instructed officers to apply increased discretion and may more frequently favor consular processing over adjustment of status.

A green card application that may have been considered strong in the past could now require more extensive supporting evidence, including documentation of community involvement, compliance with the law, and other materials demonstrating the applicant’s positive contributions and favorable equities.

Accordingly, it is more important than ever for applicants to work with an immigration attorney when preparing their green card applications.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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The Death of Adjustment of Status? New May 2026 USCIS Memo EXPOSED

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:27:39 +0000

If you’re in the United States on a temporary visa and hope to become a permanent resident, recent changes in how USCIS reviews green card applications could impact your case.

On May 22, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that temporary visa holders seeking green cards should leave the United States and complete their immigration process through consular processing in their home countries, instead of applying for adjustment of status.

Does this mean adjustment of status is no longer an option? No. Although the government has emphasized that individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States should generally obtain immigrant visas through consular processing abroad, adjustment of status remains available as a discretionary pathway to lawful permanent residence.

What is Adjustment of Status?

For years, adjustment of status has been one of the most commonly used and reliable pathways for immigrants already living in the United States to apply for a green card. The process typically involves filing Form I-485, remaining in the United States while the application is pending, attending an interview, and ultimately receiving a final decision.

With limited exceptions, adjustment of status is generally not available for those who entered the country illegally.

USCIS’ announcement has not eliminated the ability to apply for adjustment of status, but the agency has created new obstacles for green card holders to obtain approval.

Totality of the Circumstances Analysis

What’s changed?

When someone files an adjustment of status application, USCIS officers will conduct a totality of the circumstances analysis, considering both positive and negative factors before making a final decision to approve an application.

Among the factors officers must consider include the applicant’s family ties in the U.S., hardships to close family members in the U.S. such as spouse and children, immigration history, moral character, and other relevant circumstances.

Negative factors that may weigh against approval include immigration status violations, fraud or misrepresentation, false statements made to immigration or government officials, prior immigration law violations, failure to depart the U.S. at the end of your authorized stay, and conduct inconsistent with the stated purpose for entering or remaining in the United States.

USCIS Begins Requesting Additional Evidence

USCIS has already begun issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) in some adjustment of status cases, seeking additional documentation to support favorable discretionary factors.

These RFEs may request evidence of family ties, community involvement, employment history, good moral character, or other equities that demonstrate why the applicant merits a favorable exercise of discretion. As a result, applicants should be prepared to provide comprehensive evidence highlighting the positive factors in their case.

At green card interviews, USCIS officers have also started asking applicants why they did not pursue consular processing abroad. In cases involving overstays, officers are inquiring about the reasons applicants remained in the United States after their authorized period of stay expired. Applicants have also been asked to provide documentation demonstrating potential hardships to qualifying family members such as U.S. Citizen spouses and children.

What this means for applicants

A green card case that was previously a strong filing will now require more evidence of your positive contributions moving forward, including documentation of community involvement, family ties, and compliance with all applicable laws.

Officers may look back at your full immigration history—how you entered the country, what you disclosed during consular processing, any gaps in status, unauthorized employment, changes in visa type that may raise concerns, and any inconsistencies or misrepresentations, even if they occurred long ago. Such factors may determine whether your application is approved or denied.

Those with a complex immigration history may need to carefully assess whether pursuing an immigrant visa through consular processing in their home country is a more appropriate option, given the increased scrutiny of applications.

That said, eligible applicants can still pursue adjustment of status. Officers are required to provide written reasons for any denial, and applicants are still entitled to due process.

The Bottom Line

Before submitting an application, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney to help you prepare a strong filing and assess any potential risks associated with applying for adjustment of status in the United States.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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USCIS Just Unfroze Green Cards some Immigrants- But Left Everyone Else Waiting

Jacob Sapochnick — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:00:46 +0000

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently announced that it will lift holds on the adjudication of green cards and other immigration-benefit requests for a select group of individuals.

As part of these exemptions, USCIS has lifted holds on some family petitions filed by U.S. citizens, intercountry adoptions, rescheduled naturalization oath ceremonies, asylum applications from lower-risk countries, work authorization requests, special immigrant visas, refugee registrations for South African nationals, applications associated with medical physicians, and cases that completed enhanced security vetting through Operation PARRIS.

This means that nationals who were previously subject to the “75-country pause” are no longer affected by the suspension and may resume normal processing of their immigration applications if they fall within one of the above categories.

Unfortunately, if you do not fall within one of the exempted categories, the adjudication of your green card and immigrant visa application will remain on hold.

The 75-Country Pause Explained

The policy—an indefinite suspension imposed by the Department of State—had temporarily halted the issuance of immigrant visas and green cards for individuals from 75 designated countries, although applicants were still permitted to attend already scheduled interviews.

With the pause lifted for these affected nationals, cases can now move forward through the remaining stages of adjudication, including final review and visa issuance, where applicable, without the prior restriction on approval and processing.

Medical Doctors Exempted from Visa Hold

This announcement is great news for medical doctors with pending green card applications at USCIS or those awaiting immigrant visa interviews at U.S. consulates. USCIS and the Department of State are prioritizing physicians due to their critical role in addressing ongoing healthcare workforce shortages, ensuring continuity of patient care, and supporting access to medical services in underserved and high-need areas.

Potential Future Exemptions for Critical Workforce

While not certain, the exemption for medical doctors suggests the government may be open to extending similar relief to other workers in critical occupations, particularly in healthcare and STEM fields.

These may include engineers, nurses, scientists, and innovators, all of whom support essential sectors in the national interest of the United States.

Although current exemptions remain limited, additional professional categories could be added in the future as the government addresses critical shortages and workforce needs across key industries.

Looking Ahead

Applicants who remain subject to the visa pause should continue to monitor official USCIS and Department of State updates, as additional exemptions or policy changes may be announced. Processing timelines for these cases remain uncertain, and movement will depend on future guidance and security vetting outcomes.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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Trump’s $72 Billion Immigration Enforcement Bill Explained: Deportations, Border, and Your Status

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 18 May 2026 23:14:09 +0000

The Republican-backed Senate has just introduced a $72 billion immigration enforcement bill— a massive federal spending package focused on expanding immigration enforcement across the United States.

Republicans are using the budget reconciliation process, allowing the bill to pass with a simple majority vote and avoid a Democratic filibuster. However, the legislation has encountered procedural obstacles after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that parts of the proposal violated Senate reconciliation rules.

The key provisions of the spending proposal include:

Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE): Over $38 billion for ICE operations, expanded detention capacity, deportation flights, and artificial intelligence capabilities.
Customs & Border Protection (CBP): $26 billion for border security and patrol operations.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): $5 billion designated to remove individuals who do not qualify for benefits.
Department of Justice (DOJ): $1.5 billion to hire more judges and increase prosecutions.
White House Upgrades: An additional $1 billion set aside for the Secret Service to make security upgrades for the President and his cabinet

How Could These Provisions Affect Green Card and Immigration Benefit Processing?

1. Increased Enforcement and Deportations

The bill would dramatically expand immigration enforcement across the country. Individuals living in the United States without legal status, those with final removal orders, or immigrants with criminal records — even for relatively minor offenses — could face a higher risk of detention and deportation. With billions in additional funding, immigration agencies would gain more officers, detention space, surveillance tools, and operational resources to carry out large-scale enforcement actions. The proposal also increases detention capacity quotas, signaling a significant rise in arrests and removals.

2. Longer Delays for Visas and Green Cards

The bill does not create any new visas or provide a pathway to legalization. Instead, it heavily prioritizes spending for immigration enforcement. As agencies like USCIS shift personnel and funding toward fraud investigations, compliance reviews, and enforcement operations, fewer resources will be available to process immigration benefits.

Applicants filing forms such as the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, adjustment of status applications, naturalization applications (N-400), and employment-based petitions could face significantly longer processing times. Family-based and business immigration cases inside the United States may move more slowly as adjudication resources are redirected toward enforcement priorities.

Consular processing abroad could also experience delays. While the State Department may receive additional funding, much of it is expected to focus on fraud detection, security screening, and enforcement-related initiatives such as investment in AI tools, rather than speeding up visa approvals and interviews.

3. Stricter Border Enforcement and Asylum Restrictions

The bill could significantly expand border security through increased surveillance technology, screening measures, and enforcement operations, making it more difficult for migrants to enter the United States — even for the purpose of seeking asylum. Because asylum claims generally must be made while physically present in the United States or at a U.S. port of entry, tighter border controls could reduce access to humanitarian protections.

At the same time, visa applicants abroad may face heightened scrutiny during consular interviews. Applicants could be questioned about whether they have experienced persecution or fear returning to their home country. If they answer yes, their visa application could be denied. But if they answer no and later seek asylum in the United States, immigration authorities may later use those prior statements to challenge the credibility of their asylum claim.

Overall, this could make asylum claims far more difficult to pursue successfully.

4. Legal Immigrant Sponsors Could Face More Scrutiny

Families and employers sponsoring immigrants should expect tougher enforcement measures. Public charge rules for green card applicants could expand, while companies sponsoring workers on H-1B, L-1, and other employment visas may face increased audits, fraud investigations, workplace inspections, and immigration raids.

5. Funding Locked In Through 2029

The proposal would provide immigration enforcement agencies with funding through 2029, allowing expanded deportation operations and border enforcement efforts to continue for years with reduced congressional oversight.

The Bottom Line

If passed, Trump’s $72 billion immigration enforcement bill could divert resources toward enforcement for years to come. A simple majority vote is all that is needed, which could occur in the months ahead.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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USCIS Just FROZE Thousands of Green Cards & Asylum Cases – What’s Really Happening

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:00:57 +0000

Starting April 27, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a new enhanced FBI security screening process that is affecting the adjudication of immigration benefit requests that require finger-print based background checks. The update requires USCIS officers to conduct additional background vetting before approving eligible cases.

Under the new policy, officers must resubmit certain pending applications for expanded FBI fingerprint and criminal history checks and place cases on hold until the updated review is completed. The change is expected to impact a range of immigration filings, including adjustment of status (green card) applications, asylum cases, naturalization applications, employment authorization documents, and some family-based petitions.

Who is Impacted

The temporary delays primarily affect applicants whose fingerprints were submitted before April 27, as USCIS is now reprocessing those records through the updated vetting system. Newly filed applications may also experience longer processing times while the agency works through the increased review requirements.

USCIS has stated that the enhanced screening measures are part of broader national security and fraud prevention efforts. The agency is coordinating closely with the FBI to expand background checks and ensure additional review of immigration applicants before final decisions are issued.

While USCIS has indicated the pauses are temporary, expect the additional screening requirements to create processing delays across several immigration categories in the coming months.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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39-Country Ban? What USCIS Isn’t Telling You (April 2026 Update)

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:00:48 +0000

USCIS may not be denying your green card case — but it may be quietly putting it on hold.

As of December 2, 2025, USCIS and the State Department began a new “hold and review” process for certain immigration applications filed by individuals from 39 countries – suspending the issuance of visas and green cards for all applicants for an uncertain period of time. Under this policy, officers are expected to pause final decisions while enhanced security vetting processes are established by the government.

For applicants, that means one thing: more delays and uncertainty.

If your case was moving forward, your fingerprints were already taken, or you were expecting an interview soon, this sudden pause could explain why everything has gone silent.

In this update, we break down what USCIS’s “hold and review” policy means, who may be affected, whether you need to take action, and what applicants should watch for next.

Why is there a “hold and review” policy?

In June and December 2025, the President issued various executive orders, imposing immigration restrictions affecting individuals from 39 countries. The ban affects their ability to enter the United States, receive U.S. visas, and obtain immigration benefits through agencies like USCIS and the Department of State via Consular processing.

The affected countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents.

“Born In” USCIS Policy

Unfortunately, USCIS has adopted a “born in” rule, meaning it may consider not only a person’s current citizenship or nationality, but also their country of birth, when determining whether the person is restricted from receiving immigration benefits.

So under the hold-and-review policy, a person may be affected if they were born in one of the listed travel-ban/high-risk countries, even if they are now a citizen of another country. In other words, the trigger is broader than nationality alone.

Example: someone born in Iran, Syria, Haiti, Venezuela, Nigeria, or another listed country could be flagged for hold-and-review even if they later became a Canadian, British, French, or other nationality.

The State Department has not adopted the “born in” rule.

When Will the 39-Country Hold and Review Policy End?

There is a good chance the “hold and review” policy will be lifted for individuals who successfully pass enhanced security vetting. The purpose of the pause is additional review, not a permanent denial of immigration benefits.

Once the government completes its background checks and determines that no security, fraud, or public-safety concerns exist, USCIS may resume adjudication and move the case forward for those affected.

Are there National Interest Exceptions to the Hold and Review Policy?

The “hold and review” policy is not automatically lifted. Instead, USCIS appears to lift the pause only on a case-by-case basis, based on the government’s internal discretion.

In limited situations, affected nationals may request that USCIS lift the suspension and adjudicate the pending application if it is in the national interest. The government has not clearly explained what qualifies as a national interest exception, making it difficult for applicants to know whether they are eligible to request relief.

Although there does not appear to be a clear public policy explaining exactly how these requests should be filed, our office has had success submitting these requests in compelling cases, including for a nurse working in an ICU unit who was waiting for her green card to be adjudicated so she could work on a U.S. military base.

If you believe your work serves an important U.S. national interest, you should seek legal guidance to determine whether you may qualify to submit a request.

Highlights – Things to Watch for:

How Operation PARRIS is Affecting Refugees

Operation PARRIS, short for Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening, is a DHS/USCIS initiative to re-review certain refugee cases after admission to the United States.

The program may require additional background checks, reinterviews, and renewed review of refugee claims, with an initial focus reportedly placed on thousands of refugees in Minnesota who had not yet become lawful permanent residents.

PARRIS appears to be part of the government’s broader enhanced vetting and “hold and review” framework, meaning some cases may be paused, reexamined, or subject to additional security screening before USCIS moves forward.

Affected individuals should seek immediate legal assistance if contacted by USCIS.

USCIS Work Permits Expiring Sooner

USCIS shortened work permit validity periods in late 2025, reducing many EAD validity periods from up to five years to 18 months for applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025.

The shorter work permit validity periods were adopted to allow for more frequent screening and vetting, with the goal of identifying fraud, public-safety risks, and national-security concerns before employment authorization is extended.

Applicants may file Form I-765 to renew an Employment Authorization Document up to 180 days (6 months) before their current EAD expires.

Enhanced Social Media & Financial Vetting

Immigration agencies are taking a broader look at an applicant’s online presence, financial history, and other background information before approving immigration benefits or issuing visas.

USCIS has described this as part of its strengthened screening and vetting efforts, including increased social media and financial review, community interviews, and additional background checks.

The Department of State has also expanded online-presence review to additional visa categories, meaning applicants may face closer scrutiny of social media accounts, public posts, professional profiles, and other online activity during the visa interview process.

These measures may lead to longer processing times, issuance of more requests for evidence, additional interviews, or delays while the government completes security-related reviews.

Enhanced Biometrics Vetting

USCIS is enhancing security checks for certain immigration applications that require fingerprint-based background checks including green cards. The new process became effective on April 27, 2026, and requires officers to pause or delay final adjudication while pending applications are submitted for enhanced FBI vetting. Affected cases may include adjustment of status, asylum, naturalization, family-based green card petitions, and other immigration benefit requests requiring biometrics.

Stronger Information Sharing with USCIS

USCIS is receiving more direct and timely updates from other government agencies, including law enforcement and security databases. If a noncitizen is arrested, charged with a crime, convicted, or flagged for certain immigration or public-safety violations, that information may be shared with USCIS and considered during the review of a pending or future immigration application. This increased interagency communication may lead to delays, additional questioning, requests for evidence, or further security review before USCIS makes a final decision.

The Bottom Line

The 39-country “hold and review” policy has created a new layer of uncertainty for affected applicants, especially those waiting on green cards, visas, work permits, or other immigration benefits. With enhanced security checks, broader agency information-sharing, shorter EAD validity periods, and little public guidance from the government, applicants cannot afford to simply wait and hope for the best.

If your case has stalled, or you may qualify for a national interest exception, you should speak with an immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your options and protect your case.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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May Visa Bulletin: USCIS to Now Honor Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories, and Continue Dates for Filing for Family-Sponsored Cases

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:47:56 +0000

Are you applying for an immigrant visa and want to know when your priority date will become current? Then you won’t want to miss our analysis of the May 2026 Visa Bulletin.

In this video, attorney Jacob Sapochnick explains what you can expect to see in terms of the movement of the family-sponsored and employment-based visa categories next month.

Highlights of the May 2026 Visa Bulletin

At a Glance

What can we expect to see in the month of May?

Employment-Based Categories

Final Action Advancements

EB-3 Other Workers

Worldwide and Mexico will advance 3 months to February 1, 2022

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

EB-5 China will advance 3 weeks to September 22, 2016

Dates for Filing Advancements

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

EB-5 China will advance 4 months to March 1, 2017

Family-Sponsored Categories

Final Action Advancements

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will advance 5.9 months to August 15, 2007
F1 Worldwide, China, and India will advance 5.9 months to September 1, 2017

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

F2A Mexico will advance 5.9 months to August 1, 2023
F2A All other countries will advance 6 months to August 1, 2024

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Philippines will advance 4.7 months to November 22, 2005
F3 Worldwide, China, India will advance 1.8 months to February 15, 2012

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Philippines will advance 5.4 months to July 15, 2007
F4 Worldwide and China will advance 3.3 months to September 15, 2008

Dates for Filing Advancements

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will advance 5.6 months to October 1, 2008
F-1 Worldwide, China, India will advance 7 months to October 1, 2018

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

All countries will remain current

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Worldwide, China, India will advance 4.8 months to January 1, 2018

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Mexico will advance 2 weeks to July 15, 2001
F3 Philippines will advance 3.4 weeks to August 8, 2006
F3 All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 2 weeks to December 8, 2012

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 (Worldwide and China) will advance 3.6 months to September 1, 2009

Now let’s dive into our analysis.

Employment-Based Categories

FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

The following Final Action cutoff dates will apply for employment-based categories in the month of May.

EB-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

EB-1 India and China remain at April 1, 2023
All other countries will remain current

EB-2 Members of the Professions and Aliens of Exceptional Ability

EB-2 India will remain at July 15, 2014
EB-2 China will remain at September 1, 2021
All other countries (Worldwide, Mexico, Philippines) will remain current

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

EB-3 India will remain at November 15, 2013
EB-3 China will remain at June 15, 2021
EB-3 Philippines will remain at August 1, 2023
All other countries (Worldwide and Mexico) will remain at June 1, 2024

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 India will remain at November 15, 2013
EB-3 China will remain at February 1, 2019
EB-3 Philippines will remain at November 1, 2021
All other countries (Worldwide, Mexico) will advance 3 months to February 1, 2022

EB-4 Special Immigrants and Religious Workers

All countries will remain at July 15, 2022

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

EB-5 India will remain at May 1, 2022
EB-5 China will advance 3 weeks to September 22, 2016
All other countries will remain current

EB-5 Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will remain current

*The bold represents the Visa Bulletin advancements

Employment- based	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
1st	C	01APR23	01APR23	C	C
2nd	C	01SEP21	15JUL14	C	C
3rd	01JUN24	15JUN21	15NOV13	01JUN24	01AUG23
Other Workers	01FEB22	01FEB19	15NOV13	01FEB22	01NOV21
4th	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22
Certain Religious Workers	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22
5th Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU)	C	22SEP16	01MAY22	C	C
5th Set Aside: Rural (20%, including NR, RR)	C	C	C	C	C
5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%, including NH, RH)	C	C	C	C	C
5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%, including RI)	C	C	C	C	C

DATES FOR FILING FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

The following Dates for Filing cutoff dates will apply in May.

EB-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

EB-1 India and China will remain at December 1, 2023
All other countries will remain current

EB-2 Members of the Professions and Aliens of Exceptional Ability

EB-2 India will remain at January 15, 2015
EB-2 China will remain at January 1, 2022
All other countries will remain current

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

EB-3 India will remain at January 15, 2015
EB-3 China will remain at January 1, 2022
EB-3 Philippines will remain at January 1, 2024
All other countries (Worldwide and Mexico) will remain current

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 India will remain at January 15, 2015
EB-3 China will remain at October 1, 2019
All other countries (Worldwide, Mexico, and Philippines) will remain at August 1, 2022

EB-4 Special Immigrants and Religious Workers

EB-4 will remain at January 1, 2023

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

EB-5 India will remain at May 1, 2024
EB-5 China will advance 4 months to March 1, 2017
All other countries will remain current

EB-5 Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will also remain current

*The bold represents the Visa Bulletin advancements

Employment- based	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
1st	C	01DEC23	01DEC23	C	C
2nd	C	01JAN22	15JAN15	C	C
3rd	C	01JAN22	15JAN15	C	01JAN24
Other Workers	01AUG22	01OCT19	15JAN15	01AUG22	01AUG22
4th	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23
Certain Religious Workers	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23
5th Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5)	C	01MAR17	01MAY24	C	C
5th Set Aside: (Rural: NR, RR – 20%)	C	C	C	C	C
5th Set Aside: (High Unemployment: NH, RH – 10%)	C	C	C	C	C
5th Set Aside: (Infrastructure: RI – 2%)	C	C	C	C	C

FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

The following Final Action cutoff dates will apply for family-sponsored categories in the month of May.

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will advance 5.9 months to August 15, 2007
F1 Philippines will remain at May 1, 2013
F1 All other countries (Worldwide, China, and India) will advance 5.9 months to September 1, 2017

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

F2A Mexico will advance 5.9 months to August 1, 2023
F2A All other countries will advance 6 months to August 1, 2024

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Mexico will remain at February 15, 2009
F2B Philippines will remain at April 8, 2013
F2B All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will remain at May 22, 2017

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Mexico will remain at May 1, 2001
F3 Philippines will advance 4.7 months to November 22, 2005
F3 All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 1.8 months to February 15, 2012

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Mexico will remain at April 8, 2001
F4 Philippines will advance 5.4 months to July 15, 2007
F4 India will remain at November 1, 2006
F4 All other countries (Worldwide and China) will advance 3.3 months to September 15, 2008

*The bold represents the Visa Bulletin advancements

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	15AUG07	01MAY13
F2A	01AUG24	01AUG24	01AUG24	01AUG23	01AUG24
F2B	22MAY17	22MAY17	22MAY17	15FEB09	08APR13
F3	15FEB12	15FEB12	15FEB12	01MAY01	22NOV05
F4	15SEP08	15SEP08	01NOV06	08APR01	15JUL07

DATES FOR FILING FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

The following Dates for Filing cutoff dates will apply for family-sponsored categories in the month of May.

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will advance 5.6 months to October 1, 2008
F1 Philippines will remain at April 22, 2015
All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 7 months to October 1, 2018

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

All countries will remain current

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Mexico will remain at May 15, 2010
F2B Philippines will remain at October 1, 2013
F2B All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 4.8 months to January 1, 2018

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Mexico will advance 2 weeks to July 15, 2001
F3 Philippines will advance 3.4 weeks to August 8, 2006
F3 All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 2 weeks to December 8, 2012

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Mexico will remain at April 30, 2001
F4 Philippines will remain at March 22, 2008
F4 India will remain at December 15, 2006
All other countries (Worldwide and China) will advance 3.6 months to September 1, 2009

*The bold represents the Visa Bulletin advancements

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01OCT18	01OCT18	01OCT18	01OCT08	22APR15
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	15MAY10	01OCT13
F3	08DEC12	08DEC12	08DEC12	15JUL01	08AUG06
F4	01SEP09	01SEP09	15DEC06	30APR01	22MAR08

Conclusion

In summary, for employment-based categories, USCIS will now use the Final Action Dates Chart, and continue to honor the Dates for Filing Chart for family-sponsored categories only.

For the most part, the employment-based categories are holding steady with modest movement in the family-sponsored categories.

The May visa bulletin includes a note indicating that visa issuance for certain countries has decreased due to the Presidential Proclamations, allowing visa dates to advance for applicants from other countries in FY 2026. However, as demand increases, retrogression (date setbacks) may occur later in the fiscal year to stay within annual limits.

For India’s EB-5 unreserved category, high demand may lead to retrogression or even temporary unavailability to remain within the FY 2026 cap.

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Green Card Interview: Exactly What Happens and What They Ask

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:09 +0000

If you’ve made it to the green card interview stage, you’re closer than ever to becoming a lawful permanent resident—but it’s also the part that makes many applicants the most nervous. What actually happens in that room? What kinds of questions will they ask?

The green card interview is a chance for immigration officers to verify your application, confirm your eligibility, and ensure everything checks out. Still, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what happens during a green card interview, from the moment you arrive to the types of questions you’ll be asked. Whether your application is based on marriage, family, or employment, understanding the process can help you feel more confident, prepared, and in control on the big day.

Importance of the Green Card Interview

The green card interview is one of the most critical steps in the immigration process because it’s where your entire application is reviewed face-to-face by an immigration officer. Up until this point, decisions are largely based on paperwork, but the interview allows the officer to verify your identity, confirm the accuracy of your information, and assess your eligibility in real time.

It’s also an opportunity for them to detect inconsistencies, clarify details, and, in certain cases—such as marriage-based applications—determine whether your relationship is genuine. A successful interview can lead directly to approval, while red flags or incomplete answers may delay your case or even result in denial, making preparation and honesty essential.

Nearly All Green Card Cases Require an Interview in 2026

As of 2026, the vast majority of green card applications now require a mandatory in-person interview as part of the application process. While some categories were previously eligible for interview waivers, changing immigration policies have made in-person review the standard rather than the exception.

This shift allows immigration officers to more thoroughly verify applicant information, assess eligibility, and detect potential inconsistencies or fraud. As a result, applicants across family-based, employment-based, and other categories should plan for an interview and prepare accordingly, treating it as a central step in securing permanent residency.

What Happens on the Day of Your USCIS Interview?

1. Arrival and Security Check

On the day of your interview, plan to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early to the USCIS office. You’ll go through a security screening similar to an airport, so bring only necessary items such as your appointment notice and original required documents.

2. Check-In and Waiting

After clearing security, you’ll check in at the front desk and be directed to a waiting area. You’ll remain there until an immigration officer calls your name.

3. Being Sworn In

Once you’re called in, the officer will verify your identification and place you under oath, meaning you must answer all questions truthfully.

4. Application Review and Questions

The officer will go through your application—often line by line—asking questions to confirm your personal information, immigration history, and eligibility. You may also need to present original documents or additional evidence. If you need to make changes to your submitted forms, you must inform the officer at the start of your interview.

Both Spouses Must Be Present for Marriage-Based Interviews

In marriage-based green card interviews, both spouses are required to attend and are interviewed together to answer questions about their relationship and shared life. The officer will look for consistency and authenticity in your responses, focusing on details such as how you met, your daily routines, and future plans.

In some cases, if the officer has concerns or wants to verify the legitimacy of the marriage more closely, the couple may be separated and questioned individually. During this, each spouse is asked similar questions, and their answers are compared for consistency.

5. Decision or Next Steps

At the end of the interview, the officer may approve your case on the spot, request more evidence (RFE), or inform you that your application will undergo further review before a final decision is made.

What Documents Should I Bring?

1. Required Identification

Bring your interview notice, along with a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or state ID. You should also bring your passport, including any expired passports with legal entry stamps (I-94 arrival/departure record). F-1 visa holders must bring the Form I-20, while J-1 visa holders must bring the Form DS-2019.

2. Civil Documents

Be prepared with original versions of key civil documents, including your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and any divorce decrees or death certificates from all your prior marriages.

3. Application-Related Records

Carry copies of your filed application and any supporting forms, as the officer may reference them during the interview. Even though USCIS already has these, having your own copies helps you follow along and answer accurately.

4. Supporting Financial Evidence

Bring additional documentation that supports your case, such as employment verification, tax returns, or financial records. For marriage-based cases, include proof of a shared life—like joint bank statements, leases, insurance policies, birth certificates of children, and photos together.

5. Updated or New Documents

If anything has changed since you filed your application, bring updated records to reflect those changes and make sure to make enough copies for the USCIS officer to keep. Never provide USCIS with original documents, only photocopies. Providing current and organized documents will help prevent delays or requests for additional evidence.

What Types of Questions Are Asked?

Most green card interviews are relatively straightforward and typically last between 15 to 25 minutes. The majority of the questions come directly from your Form I-485, as the officer reviews your application with you to confirm that all information is accurate and up to date.

Biographic and Personal Questions

These questions cover basic personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, and family information. Your answers must match exactly what you provided on your application forms.

Immigration History Questions

The officer will ask about how and when you entered the United States, your visa type, and any previous immigration filings or interactions with USCIS or other immigration authorities such as:

When and how did you enter the U.S.
What was your visa
When was the last time you left the U.S.
Have you overstayed your visa
Any denials, are you currently in deportation proceedings?

Employment and Education Questions

You will be asked about your current job, past employment, and educational background to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and consistent.

Officers may also ask whether you have ever worked in the U.S. without authorization.

Eligibility or Inadmissibility Questions

These questions address legal eligibility for a green card, including topics like criminal history, immigration violations, or any issues that could affect admissibility which appear on Section 9 of Form I-485 such as:

Have you been arrested or convicted
Are you a member of the communist party
Have you ever smuggled anyone to the U.S.

Travel and Residency

The officer may also ask about your travel history outside the U.S. and your current and past addresses to verify your continuous residence and physical presence in the country.

When was the last time you traveled abroad
How many times did you travel
What countries did you go visit

Marriage-Based Immigration Questions

Relationship Origin Story

You will be asked how you met, when you started dating, who proposed, details about the engagement ring, your wedding day, and who attended the ceremony.

Daily Life Questions

These questions focus on your routine together, such as who wakes up first, what side of the bed each spouse sleeps on, who handles cooking and chores, and when you last went out together.

Finance and Household

The officer may ask whether you share bank accounts, how you split bills, who pays rent or mortgage, and how you manage household finances.

Family and Friends

You could be asked to name each other’s parents and siblings, identify close friends, and explain what activities you do together with family or social circles.

Red Flags Officer Watch For

Immigration officers pay close attention to red flags such as inconsistent answers between spouses, weak or missing evidence of a shared life, significant age gaps, very quick marriages with little relationship history, and situations where the couple lives apart without a clear and credible explanation.

Employment-Based Green Card Interviews

In employment-based green card interviews, officers focus on verifying the details of your job and sponsorship in the United States. You will be asked whether you are currently working in the position that sponsored your application, if you are actively earning income from that job, and when you started or, if applicable, stopped working there.

If you changed employers or positions during the process, you may also need to explain those changes, including your new role, responsibilities, and whether it aligns with your approved petition. The goal is to confirm that your employment situation still matches the terms of your green card eligibility.

Conclusion

The green card interview is the final step to confirm your eligibility and verify the information in your application. While it may feel stressful, it is usually straightforward if you are well prepared. By reviewing your forms, bringing the correct documents, and answering honestly and consistently, you can go into the interview with confidence and move closer to getting your green card.

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Green Card vs. U.S. Citizenship: 5 Differences That Will Shock You

Jacob Sapochnick — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:51:02 +0000

Imagine building a life in the United States, paying taxes, buying a home, putting down roots, only to have it all put at risk by a single misstep. One arrest. One extended trip abroad. Suddenly, your green card status is on the line. Sound impossible? For thousands of green card holders during the Trump administration, this has become a very real and unsettling reality. By contrast, those who become U.S. citizens can live in the United States with greater security and peace of mind.

In this blog post, we discuss five key differences between green card holders and U.S. citizens that might make you rethink staying a permanent resident.

#1 Deportation Risk

One of the most important differences between green card holders and U.S. citizens is the risk of deportation. Green card holders have the right to live and work in the United States, but their status is not guaranteed forever.

Certain situations can put a green card at risk, including criminal convictions, immigration violations, or even spending too much time outside the U.S. In these cases, a green card holder may be placed in removal proceedings.

By contrast, U.S. citizens cannot be deported even when convicted of a criminal offense. This key difference means that only U.S. citizenship offers permanent protection from deportation.

#2 Freedom to Travel

Green card holders can travel internationally, but their freedom is not unlimited.

Extended trips outside the United States can raise concerns about whether they still intend to maintain permanent residence. In some cases, long absences may lead to questions at the border or even loss of green card status.

U.S. citizens, on the other hand, can travel freely without risking their status. They can live abroad for as long as they want without needing to worry about abandoning their right to return.

This makes citizenship far more secure and flexible when it comes to international travel.

#3 Voting and Political Power

Green card holders do not have the right to vote in federal elections. In most cases, they also cannot vote in state or local elections. They also cannot serve on juries. This means they have limited influence over the laws and leaders that shape their daily lives.

U.S. citizens, however, have full voting rights at the federal, state, and local levels. They can vote for presidents, members of Congress, governors, and local officials. Citizenship also allows individuals to have a direct voice in the democratic process and the direction of the country.

#4 Family Sponsorship

Green card holders can sponsor certain family members, but the process is limited. Typically, they can only petition for a spouse and unmarried children. Even then, the wait times can be very long due to visa caps and backlogs.

U.S. citizens, on the other hand, have much broader family sponsorship options. They can petition for parents, married children, siblings, as well as spouses and unmarried children.

In many of these categories, the process is also faster and more straightforward because there are no numerical limits on visa issuance for U.S. Citizen petitioners.

This makes citizenship a stronger option for those who want to reunite with more family members.

#5 Security and Permanence

Green card holders have permanent residence, but it is not truly permanent in the absolute sense. Their status must be renewed every 10 years. During this time, they must prove that they continue meeting residency requirements to maintain permanent residence. Committing certain violations such as failing to pay child support or income taxes can put your residency at risk.

U.S. citizens, by contrast, have lifelong status that cannot be taken away in normal circumstances.

Once granted, citizenship is permanent and does not require renewals or ongoing conditions. This makes citizenship the highest level of security and stability in the U.S. immigration system.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the differences between a green card and U.S. citizenship come down to security and opportunity. While permanent residents enjoy many rights, their status still comes with limits and risks. U.S. citizenship offers lasting protection, greater freedom, and full participation in American life—making it the strongest and most secure status available.

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Priority Date Becomes Current in April 2026? Prepare These Documents NOW or Risk Massive Delays

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:58:50 +0000

If you are an EB-2 or EB-3 visa holder waiting for your priority date to become current, you have already heard that in April the final action dates will become current for all countries except India and China.

This means that starting April 1^st most individuals residing in the United States will be eligible to file their adjustment of status applications for permanent residence. As part of this process, applicants may file an application for temporary work authorization (Form I-765) or travel authorization (Form I-131). Once your green card application is filed with USCIS, you will not be able to travel abroad unless you have a valid, approved travel permit issued by USCIS.

Gathering Important Documents

Before filing, gather these six documents to avoid delays, minimize RFEs, and be ready to submit your green card application in April before your window of opportunity closes.

#1 Birth Documentation

Green card applicants must submit a birth certificate to USCIS or the National Visa Center that includes their full name, date and place of birth, parents’ names, and an official seal. If the document is not in English, a certified translation is required. You must also bring the original or a certified copy to your interview, if scheduled.

If you do not already have your birth certificate, it is important to obtain it as soon as possible.

Unavailability of Birth Certificate

When a birth certificate is unavailable for immigration purposes, you must obtain an official “Non-Availability Certificate” (NABC) from local authorities, often called a Certificate of No Public Record or “Negative Certification.” This must be accompanied by secondary evidence, such as school records, baptismal certificates, or affidavits from relatives with personal knowledge of the birth (at least two witnesses).

#2 Marriage Certificate

For green card processing based on sponsorship by a U.S. Citizen spouse or child, you must submit a copy of your original marriage certificate (or certified copy) that bears the appropriate seal or stamp from the issuing authority. If you were previously married, you must also provide evidence of the termination of all prior marriages (divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment).

Bring all originals or certified copies to your interview.

Unavailability of Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decrees

If primary documents are unavailable or do not exist, applicants may submit secondary evidence but must first prove the unavailability. This is done with a certification from the appropriate civil authority stating, on official letterhead, that the record does not exist or is unavailable, explaining why, and noting whether similar records are available.

Prepare ahead of time to minimize delays.

#3 Proof of Lawful Status & No Unauthorized Work

Adjustment applicants must provide evidence that they were inspected at a U.S. port of entry also known as “lawful status,” like a passport entry stamp, Form I-94, USCIS-issued I-94, or a parole document (Form I-512/I-512L).

Additionally, most applicants must show they are not barred from adjusting status due to immigration violations such as failing to maintain status, unauthorized work, or other terms of their nonimmigrant status.

For instance, driving for Uber while on an H-1B would be unauthorized employment and may appear on tax returns. Employment-based applicants should ensure they strictly comply with the terms of their nonimmigrant status.

#4 Vaccination Records for the Medical Examination

A medical examination is required for green card applicants during the application process. As part of that examination, the physician will ask the applicant to provide a vaccination record to document completed vaccinations in the home country.

If not completed overseas, the medical examination must be completed by a designated civil surgeon in the United States and submitted with the application as close to filing as possible.

#5 Criminal History Records

Applicants who have been arrested must provide original or certified copies of all arrest records and court dispositions, regardless of where the arrest occurred. These documents must show the outcome of each arrest, detention, or conviction. Minor traffic violations or non-arrest incidents with only small fines or license points are not required.

Submitting these documents in advance allows your attorney to review them and guide you through properly disclosing the information to USCIS. Failure to do so can have serious legal consequences.

#6 Certified Translations of Documents

Applicants must provide certified translations for all foreign-language documents, with the translator certifying their competence and the accuracy of the translation.

Avoid RFEs and delays by preparing certified translations ahead of time.

The Bottom Line

As the April 2026 window approaches, preparation is critical. Having all required documents—accurate, complete, and properly translated—ready in advance will help you file on time, avoid costly delays or RFEs, and stay eligible to move forward once your priority date becomes current. Acting now ensures you are fully prepared to take advantage of this limited opportunity.

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