The pause on final decisions for nationals of countries listed in Presidential Proclamation 10998 remains in effect. A quiet update made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on April 30, 2026 added a single category to the list of cases eligible for lifted holds. For everyone else from a listed country, the framework continues to operate exactly as it has since January.
How We Got Here
USCIS PM-602-0194, issued January 1, 2026, instructs the agency to place holds on all pending benefit applications for nationals of countries listed in Presidential Proclamation 10998, regardless of entry date, pending comprehensive review. The memo also directs a full review of all policies, procedures, and screening processes for these benefit requests, and a re review of approved benefits issued on or after January 20, 2021.
Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, expanded the framework originally established under Proclamation 10949 and Executive Order 14161. It restricts entry from 39 countries identified as having inadequate screening and vetting infrastructure, divided into full ban and partial ban tiers.
The March 30, 2026 USCIS Alert
On March 30, 2026, USCIS issued its “Update on USCIS’ Strengthened Screening and Vetting” outlining expanded national security screening and new holds on benefit adjudications. The holds apply to final decisions only. The agency may continue to issue requests for evidence and schedule interviews despite the pause. USCIS
The alert summarized updated screening and vetting practices, including shortened validity periods for certain Employment Authorization Documents, strengthened identity verification through updated photograph reuse policies, expanded social media and financial vetting, the launch of Operation PARRIS for additional background checks and re interviews, new system connectivity for automatic biometric and criminal information notifications, and required final arrest encounter and Consular Consolidated Database checks before adjudication.
What the April 30, 2026 Update Adds
On April 30, 2026, USCIS quietly added language under the Internal Review Process subheading. The agency confirmed that there is currently no external process for individuals, outside offices, or organizations to request an exception to the hold. Exceptions are determined exclusively by USCIS during the standard review of the benefit request. USCIS
The categories eligible for lifted holds now include individuals vetted through Operation PARRIS, certain petitions filed by U.S. citizens, intercountry adoption forms, certain rescheduled oath ceremonies, statutory and regulatory decision issuance, refugee registrations for South African nationals, certain special immigrant visa petitions, certain employment authorization documents, asylum applications from non high risk countries, and now applications associated with medical physicians.
What ALO Recommends Right Now
A hold pauses the final decision. It does not pause your underlying nonimmigrant status. File timely extensions. Track every expiration date on your I-94, EAD, and approval notices. Document U.S. national interest considerations directly within the petition file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the pause apply to all pending applications?
The pause applies to final decisions for nationals of Proclamation 10998 countries. Cases may continue to receive evidence requests and interview notices.
Can I request that my hold be lifted?
No. USCIS has confirmed there is no external request mechanism. Reviews are internal and exceptions are granted only in exceptional circumstances.
What happens if my underlying status expires while my case is on hold?
You may fall out of status. File timely extensions and consult counsel before any expiration date.
Has the list of Proclamation 10998 countries changed?
The Proclamation 10998 list remains as published in December 2025. Operational guidance and exempt categories continue to evolve.
