USCIS Reverses Green Card Pause for Physicians: New 2026 AOS Review Rules

On April 30, 2026, USCIS updated its 'Strengthened Screening and Vetting' policy alert to add 'applications associated with medical physicians' to the list of categories eligible to have their adjudication holds lifted. This reversal affects physicians from countries previously subject to the Trump Administration's immigration benefits pause and was made without any formal public announcement. The policy change is seen as a relief measure that allows U.S. hospitals and medical systems to better address the ongoing physician shortage, particularly in underserved communities. Foreign medical professionals who qualify under this category may now resume filing applications and request adjudication under the updated policy. However, USCIS has not yet clarified whether it will proactively resume processing previously paused and pending applications, or whether applicants must submit a separate request. Complicating the picture, USCIS issued a policy memorandum on May 22, 2026, signaling a shift toward stricter discretionary review of all adjustment of status (AOS) applications — a benefit the agency now characterizes as 'extraordinary.' This heightened scrutiny introduces new uncertainty for physicians whose AOS applications were paused and remain pending. For EB-3 applicants and other employment-based green card seekers, this development has dual implications. The lift of the pause is positive for physician-category applicants, but the new AOS discretionary review policy may affect approval rates and timelines across the board. Applicants from affected countries should consult with an immigration attorney to assess how both policy changes impact their specific situation. Those with pending AOS applications are advised to monitor USCIS announcements closely, as further guidance on proactive processing resumption is expected but has not yet been issued.