USCIS Backlog Grows to 12 Million Cases, Lawmakers Demand Answers

USCIS Faces Growing Backlog as Lawmakers Demand Answers

As of May 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is grappling with a significant increase in its pending workload. Lawmakers are raising concerns about the growing backlog, which has reached nearly 12 million cases, and are questioning how the agency is using its fee revenue and congressional funding. This situation is impacting various immigration processes, including those for green cards and work permits, leading to prolonged waiting times for applicants.

Understanding the USCIS Backlog and Frontlog

The term “backlog” in USCIS practice refers to pending cases that have already passed their normal processing windows. Alongside this, there is also a “frontlog,” which describes the large volume of newly filed applications waiting to be processed. Together, these accumulated cases contribute to the extended wait times for applicants, affecting everything from receiving receipt notices and biometrics appointments to interviews and final approvals.

Congressional Scrutiny Over Delays and Funding

A group of 18 Democratic lawmakers has formally requested answers from the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS leadership regarding the agency’s pending case numbers. They note that the number of pending cases has increased by nearly 2 million since January 2025, reaching approximately 12 million. The lawmakers are seeking to understand why processing times have worsened despite USCIS collecting more fee revenue and receiving additional congressional support.

Their inquiry also focuses on how USCIS allocates its fee revenue. Specifically, they want to know the proportion of funds directed towards direct case adjudications compared to non-adjudicative tasks. Additionally, the lawmakers are investigating whether any USCIS staff, funds, or contracts have been diverted since January 2025 to enforcement activities or other Department of Homeland Security priorities that fall outside the agency’s core benefits mission.

Identifying Causes of Processing Delays

The congressional letter also asks USCIS to pinpoint any policy or procedural changes implemented since January 2025 that may have contributed to slower adjudication times. This could include modifications to intake procedures, the introduction of additional screening steps, limitations on interview scheduling, new rules for submitting evidence, or shifts in staffing across different form types. To date, USCIS has not publicly attributed the entire increase in pending cases to a single specific change.

Impact on Key Immigration Forms

The delays affect a wide range of critical immigration applications. This includes family-based adjustment of status cases filed on Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and naturalization applications submitted on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Processing times for work permits on Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and travel documents on Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, are also experiencing significant and uneven delays across different service centers.

Typical Processing Times and Fees (May 2026 Estimates)

USCIS processing times are estimates and can vary based on the specific service center, local field office, and the type of case. Factors such as requests for evidence, interviews, background checks, and file transfers can add considerable time to the overall processing duration. Cases handled by the National Benefits Center may also face delays waiting for interview availability at a local field office before a final decision can be made.

Form / Center	Purpose	Typical Processing	Fee (as of May 2026)
Form I-485 at NBC/local field office	Adjustment of status	About 8 to 14 months	$1,440
Form I-765 at TSC/NSC/CSC	Employment authorization	About 3 to 7 months	$520 (paper), $470 (online)
Form I-131 at NBC/TSC	Travel document	About 6 to 14 months	Varies by category
Form N-400 at local field office	Naturalization	About 5 to 8 months	$760 (paper), $710 (online)

Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current fee information on the official USCIS website.

Checking Case Status and Inquiries

Applicants can check their pending case status by following a three-step process. First, locate the receipt number on Form I-797, Notice of Action. Second, check the case status online through the USCIS website. Third, compare the filing date with the posted processing time for the relevant office. If a case falls outside the normal processing time, an online inquiry can be submitted, or USCIS can be contacted at 1-800-375-5283.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

A frequent mistake applicants make is comparing their case to the wrong office or category, leading to inaccurate assessments of delays and failed service requests. For those filing adjustment packages, it is important to monitor linked benefits, as a pending Form I-485 often includes applications for Form I-765 and Form I-131. Delays in one application can affect work authorization or travel plans. It is also critical to remember that leaving the United States without approved advance parole can create significant issues for many adjustment of status cases.

Applicants waiting for a USCIS decision should ensure their mailing address is up to date, respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) by the specified deadline, and keep all receipt notices. Downloading the correct form edition from the official USCIS website and carefully reviewing filing instructions for the appropriate lockbox or online submission option are essential steps before submitting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions