USCIS Processing Time Update: Adjudication Hold Lifted for Physician Green Cards 2026

USCIS has officially lifted the adjudication hold that had been placed on green card petitions filed by or on behalf of foreign physicians. This development marks a significant turning point for medical professionals who have experienced delays in their immigration cases due to the hold, which had paused processing while policy or visa availability issues were being resolved. The hold affected physicians pursuing employment-based immigration, including those in the EB-3 category for skilled workers and professionals. With the hold now lifted, USCIS officers can resume adjudicating these pending cases, potentially accelerating approval timelines for affected applicants. For EB-3 physician applicants specifically, this news means their I-140 immigrant petitions and adjustment of status applications may now receive active review. Those who had been waiting in a backlog due to the hold should monitor their case status through the USCIS online portal and consult with their immigration attorneys about next steps. Law firms such as Klasko Law, which specializes in employment-based immigration, have noted that impacted physicians should expect USCIS to begin issuing decisions and potentially Requests for Evidence (RFEs) as cases are reopened. Applicants are advised to ensure their supporting documentation remains current and accurate. This development is a positive signal for the physician immigration community and underscores the importance of staying informed about USCIS policy changes that can directly impact case timelines and outcomes.