USCIS Processing Delays 2026: I-140 and I-485 Approval Numbers Drop Sharply

Immigration applicants are raising alarms about a noticeable decline in USCIS case approvals over recent days. Users tracking their cases through the USCIS Case Status Hub have observed that review and approval counts have dropped sharply, affecting multiple form types simultaneously. The forms impacted include I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers), I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence), and I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). This breadth of impact suggests a systemic slowdown rather than an issue isolated to a single processing center or petition category. For EB-3 applicants, delays in I-140 adjudication can have downstream effects on priority date retention and adjustment of status timelines. A slowdown in I-485 processing is particularly significant for those already in the adjustment pipeline, as it directly delays green card issuance. No official statement from USCIS has been issued explaining the cause of the reported slowdown. It is unclear whether the drop reflects a staffing issue, a policy change, a backlog redistribution, or a data reporting anomaly in the Case Status Hub. Applicants experiencing unusual delays are advised to monitor USCIS processing time pages for their specific form and service center, and to consult with an immigration attorney if their case significantly exceeds published timeframes.