USCIS Visa Bulletins, EOIR backlogs, GC re-vetting, signature rules, asylum fees & consular processing mandate
Key Questions
What does the June 2026 Visa Bulletin show for EB and F categories?
F2A became current while India EB dates froze at December 2006; overall EB categories saw limited movement amid backlogs.
Why are signature rules causing more RFEs and denials?
Strict new signature requirements effective July 10 have triggered surges in Requests for Evidence and application denials for incomplete filings.
How is the EOIR backlog expected to change?
DOJ added 82 immigration judges but the backlog is projected to reach 3.5 million cases due to rising filings and processing constraints.
What is the new USCIS policy on adjustment of status versus consular processing?
A policy memo mandates most green card applicants pursue consular processing abroad, limiting adjustment of status to extraordinary circumstances only.
Will the consular processing mandate face legal challenges?
Immigration advocates anticipate lawsuits arguing the policy unlawfully restricts access to adjustment of status for eligible applicants inside the U.S.
How does the memo treat adjustment of status applications?
USCIS reaffirmed that adjustment remains a discretionary benefit, allowing officers broader authority to deny cases even when statutory eligibility exists.
What green card applicants are most affected by the new rules?
Employment-based, family-based, and parole-based applicants currently in the U.S. face the greatest barriers to in-country adjustment.
When did USCIS issue the key adjustment of status policy memo?
The memo was released on May 21, 2026, and immediately began influencing officer training and case adjudications.
June2026 VB: F2A current/India Dec06; EB freezes. Strict signature rules eff July 10 cause denials/RFE surge. DOJ adds 82 immigration judges, backlog to 3.5M. Confirmed USCIS memo mandates most GC applicants use consular processing abroad (adjustment only extraordinary cases); legal challenges expected.