J G
Feb 12, 2026
Can USCIS Approve an I-140 If the Applicant’s Country Is Under an Immigrant Visa Ban (temporary)?
Very important question to clarify some confusion.
If a country is temporarily banned from immigrant visa issuance at U.S. consulates, can a petitioner still obtain I-140 approval from USCIS?
In other words, does a consular immigrant visa restriction affect USCIS’s adjudication of the I-140 petition itself, or would USCIS still approve the I-140 while visa issuance is simply paused at the consular level?
I would really appreciate input from anyone who has experience or reliable information on this. Thank you.
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J GFeb 12, 2026
@B B Thanks for the clarification
Anonymous petitionerFeb 13, 2026
I think that any case inside the United States will never affect by 75 band countries law. this is because that law for consular process only.
D TFeb 13, 2026
I-140 adjudication appears to be affected. My friend from one of the countries submitted in the last week of December 2025, PP too, and it’s now over 40 days. Status shows it is under review. .
J GFeb 13, 2026
@D T Usually USCIS takes 44 or 45 business days to take a Decision or RFE. let us know please when his case will be updated.
D KFeb 14, 2026
yes, they take 40+ days for PP Cases
Moefefezi LekkiriteFeb 16, 2026
I filed my I485 since September and biometrics in October. it’s still under processing. no update at all
Manifest LawFeb 16, 2026
it depends which ban. If the beneficiary falls within the 19 country list, USCIS has paused all adjudication of all petitions. IF you are refering to the 75 ban, this one only applies for people outside of the US seeking an immigrant visa
- Attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar
(All information shared here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney - client relationship. Your situation may require fact-specific guidance. For personalized legal advice, please consult an immigration attorney directly.)
VM Nov. 2024/TexasFeb 17, 2026
They probably will. The ban hits the I-485 step.
J GFeb 27, 2026
@VM Nov. 2024/Texas Tha ban doesn’t affect the adjustment of status i485.
The ban only affects the consulate processes
