The April 2026 Visa Bulletin brought welcome movement in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories for India, making many long-pending adjustment of status (I-485) applications current again under the Final Action Dates chart. As discussed in our prior update on this movement, this has created a significant opportunity for many applicants who have been waiting, sometimes for years, for their cases to move forward.

But an important question follows: what happens next, and is there anything you should do to move your case forward?

What USCIS Is Supposed to Do

In theory, once your priority date becomes current, USCIS should automatically identify your case, pull your file, and move it toward final adjudication. These cases were often previously “pre-adjudicated” and simply waiting for a visa number to become available.

However, in practice, this process is not always automatic or timely. We frequently see cases remain pending even after becoming current, with no clear movement for months. Because of this, some applicants choose to take proactive steps to increase the chances of their case being reviewed.

Step 1: Consider Obtaining a New Medical Exam (Form I-693)

If your I-485 has been pending for a long time, there is a very high likelihood that your previously submitted medical exam has expired.

USCIS cannot approve the I-485 without a valid Form I-693, and while they will typically issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) for a new medical exam, there is no guarantee when that RFE will arrive.

One strategy some applicants consider:

• Obtain a new I-693 medical exam from a civil surgeon
• Request two original signed copies, each in a sealed envelope (note: this may involve additional cost)
• Keep one copy for a future RFE response
• Proactively send the second copy to USCIS for potential matching with your pending file

You can follow the process outlined here.

Important considerations:

• There is no guarantee USCIS will match the medical exam to your file.
• Even if you send it, USCIS may still issue an RFE later.
• This is a discretionary, optional step for those willing to incur the extra cost.

Step 2: If You Changed Employers – Consider Filing the I-485 Supplement J

If you are no longer working for your original I-140 petitioning employer, USCIS will typically require confirmation that you have a qualifying job offer under AC21 portability. This is done through Form I-485 Supplement J. While the Supplement J is often requested via RFE, some applicants choose to submit it proactively once their priority date becomes current.

Potential benefits:

• It may prompt USCIS to pull and review the case.
• It can reduce delays if USCIS was going to request it anyway.

If you choose to proceed:

• Confirm the correct filing address at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485supj.
• You may include the medical exam (I-693) in the same submission to maximize the chance that both documents are added to your file together.

As with medical interfiling, this approach is not guaranteed to prevent an RFE, especially if your file has been transferred to another office without notice.

Addressing Employer Concerns

Some employers may hesitate to sign the Supplement J. It may help to clarify:

• The Supplement J is not a visa petition.
• It does not create sponsorship obligations.
• It is essentially an employment verification confirming a qualifying job offer.

Timing Matters – Do Not Send Anything Early

Any proactive submissions (medical exam and/or Supplement J) should only be sent once your priority date is actually current, meaning on or after April 1, 2026 (not before). Sending documents early can result in rejection or misplacement.

If There Is Still No Movement

If your case remains pending despite becoming current, and especially if there are no RFEs or updates, you may consider stronger action. One option is federal litigation (mandamus) to compel USCIS to act on the case. You can learn more here.

Final Thoughts

Becoming current is a major milestone, but unfortunately it does not always lead to immediate approval. For long-pending cases, proactive steps like updating your medical exam and submitting a Supplement J (if applicable) can sometimes help trigger movement, but they are not guaranteed solutions. If your case has been pending for an extended period after becoming current, it may be worth discussing a strategy with immigration counsel to determine the best next steps.

By: Rebecca Chen

Rebecca Chen is a Partner at Reddy Neumann Brown. Her representation includes advising clients throughout the non-immigrant and immigrant visa application process, from initial filing, responding to various requests for evidence, and processing at overseas consulates. Her years of experience in the immigration field have made her a knowledgeable resource for complex business immigration matters.