Check Your I-140 Approvals: USCIS Inventory Backlog 2026 Update

Murthy Law has issued an advisory urging immigration applicants to carefully check their I-140 immigrant petition approvals. This alert is particularly relevant for employment-based green card seekers, including those in the EB-3 category, who rely on approved I-140 petitions to maintain their priority dates and advance through the green card process. With USCIS managing a significant inventory backlog in 2026, ensuring that I-140 approvals are accurate and properly recorded is more important than ever. Errors or discrepancies in approval notices can cause delays or complications when applicants reach the final stages of adjustment of status or consular processing. EB-3 applicants are advised to locate their original I-140 approval notices, verify that all information—including the beneficiary's name, priority date, and preference category—is correct, and address any discrepancies with USCIS promptly. Keeping copies of all approval notices in a secure location is also strongly recommended. For those who have lost or cannot locate their I-140 approval notice, options may include submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to USCIS or working with an immigration attorney to obtain copies of the record. Proactive document management is essential given current processing delays.