- Congress passed funding on April 30, 2026, ending a 76-day DHS shutdown affecting immigration logistics.
- Core USCIS services like green cards and naturalization remained active during the lapse due to fee-funding.
- Applicants should expect prolonged administrative backlogs in records transfers and interagency security checks.
(UNITED STATES) — USCIS case processing continued through the 76-day DHS shutdown, but applicants should still expect slower movement in support functions, appointment logistics, and some related immigration systems as of April 2026.
The immediate turning point came on April 30, 2026, when the House passed a Senate-approved appropriations bill restoring funding for most of the Department of Homeland Security. USCIS did not stop core adjudications during the funding lapse because it is largely fee-funded. That insulated many filings tied to visas, green cards, and naturalization from a full halt.
Even so, a shutdown of this length leaves administrative drag. USCIS field offices stayed open for interviews and biometrics, but broader DHS support systems did not run at normal strength for more than two months. Applicants with pending matters should expect backlogs to remain in place, especially where a case needs records transfers, interagency checks, or follow-up from components outside USCIS.
Core petitions and applications continued moving. That includes Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, and Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. USCIS also continued work tied to employment cases, including H-1B filings. Support programs funded through appropriations, such as E-Verify technical assistance, are now expected to return to full capacity.
Several April announcements also affected filing volume. USCIS said on April 24, 2026, that employment-based adjustment applicants filing in May must use the Final Action Dates chart, which pushed many people to file before the end of April. On April 29, 2026, USCIS also announced it had reached the second allocation cap for returning worker H-2B visas for fiscal year 2026 for start dates from April 1 through April 30.
Asylum processing changed in a separate track. USCIS launched Operation PARRIS on March 30, 2026 to resume certain asylum processing with enhanced vetting, including social media and financial reviews. DHS also announced an interim final rule on April 28, 2026 tied to annual asylum fee requirements under OBBBA. As of April 30, 2026, asylum adjudications remained frozen for nationals of 39 designated high-risk countries.
Enforcement agencies followed a different funding path. ICE and CBP operated during the shutdown using emergency funds tied to OBBBA, and both remained at full operational capacity. The bill passed on April 30 restored broader DHS funding but did not directly fund ICE and CBP, which are still tied to a separate $75 billion enforcement measure that remains pending.
Travel conditions should improve as TSA staffing stabilizes and guaranteed pay resumes. That matters for people with international itineraries, pending immigrant visa travel, or advance planning around adjustment cases. USCIS interviews and biometrics remained on schedule during the shutdown, but local closures still matter. USCIS listed disruptions in places including San Juan and Saipan as of April 30.
Estimated USCIS processing times
USCIS posts processing times as estimates, not guarantees. Times vary by form type, case category, service center, and local field office. Requests for Evidence, interviews, background checks, and security screening can extend a case well past the posted range. Check current data at [egov.uscis.gov processing times](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/).
| Form | Purpose | Typical Processing, as of April 2026 | Fee, as of April 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485 | Adjustment of status | 8 to 14 months | $1,225, biometrics included |
| Form I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | 3 to 7 months | $410 |
| Form N-400 | Naturalization | 5 to 8 months | $760 |
⏱️ Processing Time: Posted USCIS times are estimates as of April 2026. Service center assignments and field office workload can change the range.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Filing with the wrong fee can trigger rejection. Confirm the amount at [USCIS fees](https://www.uscis.gov/fees) before mailing any packet.
How to track a case and reduce delays
Applicants should take four steps. 1. Check case status at [myUSCIS](https://my.uscis.gov). 2. Review current processing times using the USCIS online tool. 3. Watch for Requests for Evidence and answer by the stated deadline. 4. Confirm interview and biometrics appointments, then review the [USCIS office closures page](https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closures) before traveling.
Expedite requests remain limited. USCIS generally considers expedite criteria where there is severe financial loss, urgent humanitarian need, a nonprofit interest, U.S. government interest, or clear agency error. A request should include a receipt number and documents that support the emergency. Shutdown-related inconvenience by itself does not usually qualify.
Fee waivers remain available for eligible applicants through Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, in categories where USCIS permits them. That does not apply to every filing type. Applicants should read each form instruction page carefully before sending payment or waiver requests.
People affected by the DHS shutdown should keep expectations measured. USCIS adjudications continued, but back-office strain, asylum vetting changes, local office disruptions, and filing surges tied to visas and adjustment cases will continue to shape timelines through the coming weeks.
Check updates through the [USCIS Newsroom](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom), DHS press releases, and the USCIS office closure page. Download the correct form edition from [USCIS forms](https://www.uscis.gov/forms), confirm the mailing address in the form instructions, create a USCIS online account at [myUSCIS](https://my.uscis.gov), and verify fees before filing.
📋 Official Resources: Download forms at [USCIS forms](https://www.uscis.gov/forms). Check processing times at [USCIS processing times](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/). Fees and processing times are subject to change; always verify current information at [USCIS](https://www.uscis.gov).
