EB-3 Visa Update April 2026: Never Skip USCIS Appointments or Immigration Hearings

A growing concern has emerged in online immigration communities, where some individuals are reportedly advising applicants to skip their USCIS appointments and immigration court hearings amid the current enforcement climate. This advice is being called out as dangerously incorrect by those familiar with immigration law and procedure. Missing an immigration court hearing results in an automatic order of removal in absentia — meaning a judge can order deportation without the applicant present to defend themselves. This outcome can be extremely difficult or impossible to reverse and has permanent consequences for an individual's immigration record. Similarly, failing to appear for scheduled USCIS appointments — such as biometrics, interviews, or Request for Evidence responses — can result in the abandonment of pending petitions. These petitions often represent thousands of dollars in filing fees and attorney costs, as well as years of waiting time lost. While immigration enforcement activities have intensified in 2026, the correct response is not to avoid official proceedings. Applicants should consult with a qualified immigration attorney if they have safety concerns, but skipping hearings is almost never the right legal strategy. Attorneys can request postponements or accommodations through proper legal channels when warranted. EB-3 applicants and all immigration petitioners are strongly encouraged to attend every scheduled appointment and hearing, and to seek professional legal counsel rather than relying on unverified advice from social media or online forums.