Immigration law in the United States continues to shift rapidly, and staying informed about current policies is essential for anyone navigating the visa or green card process. Whether you are an employer sponsoring a foreign worker, a family member petitioning for a relative, or an individual pursuing permanent residency, the rules that applied even a year ago may no longer be accurate. Lawyers USA works with immigration attorneys across the country who stay on top of these changes daily.
Processing Times and Backlogs
One of the most significant challenges facing applicants in 2026 is the ongoing backlog at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Processing times for many application types remain substantially longer than historical averages, with some employment-based green card categories experiencing multi-year waits. Family-sponsored petitions in certain preference categories continue to face even longer delays depending on the applicant’s country of birth.
These delays have practical consequences beyond simple inconvenience. Applicants waiting for adjustment of status may face restrictions on travel and employment authorization renewals. Employers sponsoring workers must plan further ahead than ever to ensure continuity of employment authorization. Understanding current processing timelines is critical for making informed decisions about when to file and what interim measures to pursue.
Employment-Based Immigration Updates
The employment-based immigration system has seen notable changes in how applications are adjudicated and what documentation is required. Premium processing has expanded to cover additional petition types, offering faster decisions for those willing to pay the additional filing fee. However, the increased scrutiny of certain visa categories means that thorough preparation and documentation are more important than ever.
H-1B visa holders should be aware of evolving requirements around specialty occupation definitions and wage level compliance. Employers must demonstrate that positions genuinely require specialized knowledge and that compensation meets prevailing wage standards. Requests for evidence have become more common, and incomplete responses remain a leading cause of petition denials.
For those pursuing permanent residency through employment, the labor certification process continues to require careful attention to recruitment procedures and prevailing wage determinations. Any errors in this process can result in months of delay and the need to restart the application entirely.
Family-Based Immigration Considerations
Family-based immigration remains the primary pathway to permanent residency for many applicants. Immediate relatives of United States citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, continue to have visa numbers immediately available. However, other family preference categories remain subject to per-country caps that create significant disparities in wait times based on nationality.
The affidavit of support requirements continue to apply to most family-sponsored immigrants, requiring the petitioning relative to demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support the incoming family member. Changes in how income is calculated and what documentation is accepted make it important to prepare these financial documents carefully with professional guidance.
Protect Yourself With Qualified Legal Help
Immigration law is one of the most complex areas of legal practice, and the consequences of mistakes are severe. A denied petition can result in deportation proceedings, bars on future applications, and separation from family members. Working with an experienced immigration attorney dramatically improves your chances of a successful outcome and helps you avoid the common errors that derail applications. The Lawyers USA directory includes immigration law firms that can guide you through every step of the process.