USCIS may place certain immigration cases on hold through an adjudicative policy, temporarily pausing final approvals or denials while continuing case processing. This policy affects applicants from travel-ban or high-risk countries, and can include requests like adjustment of status petitions. While additional evidence may still be requested and interviews scheduled, the final decision is paused until further review.
What is a USCIS “hold”?
USCIS explains that a “hold” allows a case to proceed through processing but pauses issuance of a final decision. In plain English, that usually means USCIS may still keep processing the file, request additional evidence, and schedule (or re-schedule) an interview, but it may pause the final approval or denial.
Who is USCIS applying the hold to?
The hold applies to people with a nationality or country of birth of one of the countries listed below:
Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, The Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Individuals with Palestinian Authority-issued or -endorsed travel documents are subject to the adjudicative hold and re-review policy as well.
What forms does the pause apply to?
USCIS is applying to pause to a broad group of benefit application forms, including the Form I-129, I-140, I-539, I-765, and I-131.
Does this affect adjustment of status?
The hold can apply broadly to immigration benefit requests, including I-485 adjustment of status petitions.
Are any forms or benefit requests exempt?
Yes. There are certain exceptions to the hold (for example, the Form I-90). However, no category of applicant is exempt (such as family-based or employment-based adjustment of status). It is important to not assume your case is exempt just because of the category of your application or visa type. We recommend contacting a qualified immigration lawyer to evaluate your specific facts against the policy.
Final Thoughts
USCIS may continue processing certain cases but pause final approvals or denials through an “adjudicative hold” policy affecting individuals connected to listed travel-ban or high-risk countries.
If you have questions about how a USCIS hold may impact your green card application, adjustment of status, or consular processing, or if you want guidance on the next steps during this period, schedule a consultation with our experienced team to review your case and discuss your options.
