USCIS Backlog Grows in 2026 Despite Fewer Filings: What EB-3 Applicants Must Know

A new report from the American Immigration Council reveals a troubling paradox at USCIS: despite a reduction in the number of applications being filed, the agency's case backlog continues to grow. This counterintuitive trend suggests deeper structural issues within the agency, including staffing shortages, increased case complexity, and administrative bottlenecks that are slowing adjudication across all visa categories. For EB-3 applicants — including skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers seeking employment-based green cards — a growing backlog translates directly into longer waiting periods at every stage of the process, from initial petition review to final adjudication. Even applicants with priority dates that appear current on the Visa Bulletin may experience significant delays before their cases are actually processed. The report highlights that backlog growth during a period of declining filings points to systemic inefficiencies rather than simply an overwhelming volume of new cases. Analysts suggest that policy changes, increased requests for evidence (RFEs), and shifting agency priorities have all contributed to slower processing rates per case, compounding the problem even as raw application numbers fall. For EB-3 applicants and their employers, this situation underscores the importance of proactive case management: ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate at filing to minimize the risk of RFEs, which can add months to a timeline. Applicants should also monitor USCIS processing time dashboards regularly, as reported times may not reflect actual current delays. Immigration advocates are calling on Congress and USCIS leadership to address the structural underfunding and staffing issues that contribute to persistent backlogs. Until systemic reforms are implemented, EB-3 applicants should plan for extended timelines and maintain close communication with their immigration attorneys.