USCIS Alert 2026: I-130 Consular Processing Completely Halted for 3 Months

Data analysis from the immigration community reveals a striking halt in USCIS adjudication of I-130 consular processing cases. Since February 16, 2026, USCIS has not approved a single consular processing case filed after February 25, 2025 — a complete stop, not merely a slowdown, now lasting nearly three months. The timing is particularly notable given that USCIS had just reached record processing speeds in January and February 2026, with median times dropping to 12 months and the agency advancing approximately two months' worth of cases per month. That momentum abruptly ended on February 16th with no official explanation. Critically, this freeze appears to affect only consular processing (CP) cases. Adjustment of Status (AOS) cases — where applicants are already in the United States — continue to be adjudicated and approved. This distinction suggests a deliberate policy decision rather than a systemic processing backlog. For EB-3 applicants abroad pursuing consular processing, this freeze has serious implications. Those waiting for I-130 approval as a prerequisite to NVC processing, interview scheduling, or visa issuance face indefinite delays with no transparency from USCIS on when adjudications will resume. Applicants are advised to monitor USCIS announcements closely, consult with immigration attorneys about whether switching to AOS is viable, and document all pending petition timelines carefully in the event future legal remedies such as a writ of mandamus become necessary.