2026 USCIS Update: Processing Holds Lifted for Doctors, Oath Ceremonies & EB-3 Cases

USCIS announced the lifting of processing holds that had been placed on several immigration case categories, including applications filed by foreign physicians and scheduled naturalization oath ceremonies. These holds had been implemented as part of a vetting review tied to the latest travel ban executive actions, causing significant delays for affected applicants. Foreign national doctors who are otherwise subject to the travel ban will now be able to receive exemptions, allowing their cases to move forward through normal processing channels. This is a meaningful development for the medical community, where many physicians rely on employment-based immigration pathways, including EB-2 and EB-3 classifications, to work in the United States. The update was appended to an earlier USCIS alert issued on March 30, 2026, signaling that the agency has completed its review for these specific case types. For EB-3 applicants in related categories, this may indicate a broader resumption of stalled adjudications across employment-based preference classes. Applicants whose cases were on hold due to the travel ban vetting pause should monitor their case status through the USCIS online portal. Those who received hold notices are advised to consult with their immigration attorneys to confirm whether their specific case type is covered by this update and to take any recommended next steps.