I-485 Update 2026: Rising RFEs, Interviews & Delays Affecting EB-3 Applicants

Current I-485 trends reveal a notable shift in USCIS adjudication patterns, with immigration attorneys reporting a significant uptick in interview scheduling for employment-based adjustment of status cases. This marks a departure from the interview-waiver practices that were more common in recent years, adding months to already lengthy processing timelines. Requests for Evidence (RFEs) have also increased across I-485 filings, with officers requesting additional documentation on topics including job offer continuity, employer ability to pay, and priority date validity. EB-3 applicants are advised to maintain updated employment verification letters and ensure all supporting documents remain current throughout the adjudication period. Processing delays are compounding the challenges, with some field offices reporting I-485 adjudication timelines extending well beyond published processing time estimates. The combination of increased interviews and RFEs means applicants should be prepared for a longer adjustment process than historical norms suggest. For EB-3 applicants currently awaiting I-485 adjudication, practitioners recommend proactively gathering updated employer letters, recent tax records, and evidence of maintained lawful status. Monitoring USCIS processing time updates for your specific field office is also essential to manage expectations. Applicants who receive an interview notice or RFE should respond promptly and thoroughly, as delays in response can further extend processing. Consulting with an immigration attorney when navigating RFEs is strongly recommended given the complexity of current adjudication trends.