Resubmission of Fingerprints Effective April 27, 2026

Posted on by Susan Lane

ENHANCED SECURITY CHECKS EFFECTIVE APRIL 27, 2026 REQUIRING RESUBMISSION OF FINGERPRINTS

President Donald Trump’s administration has mandated what it calls “enhanced” security checks for immigration applicants, following an executive order Trump signed in February which directed that “DHS immigration authorities must access criminal history record information (CHRI) in the custody of federal criminal justice agencies to the maximum extent permitted by law.”

Effective April 27, 2026, USCIS officers are directed to resubmit fingerprints for pending cases if the FBI information for those cases was received prior to April 27, 2026. USCIS said that “any delay in decision issuance should be brief and resolved shortly.” The enhanced checks will affect pending applications for which immigrants submit fingerprints, such as applications for permanent residence and naturalization. In some cases, it may be necessary for the applicant to be scheduled for another biometrics appointment.

CONSULAR POSTS ARE RESCHEDULING H-1B AND H-4 VISA APPOINTMENTS DUE TO EXTRA VETTING NOW REQUIRED

Posted on by Susan Lane

Posts in India (including Hyderabad and Chennai), Ireland and Vietnam thus far have been unilaterally rescheduling visa appointments currently scheduled on or after December 15, 2025, many to March 2026 or later.

 

Limited Rescheduling: Applicants who cannot attend on the new date may reschedule online, but are limited to one opportunity to reschedule. Fee receipts older than one year are considered expired and cannot be used to reschedule. Missing or canceling the rescheduled appointment may result in forfeiture of the fee.

 

If you travel abroad in anticipation of a visa appointment, be prepared to remain abroad for an extended period of time.  Monitor your appointment portals for any updated appointment letters or other notifications.