USCIS Enhanced FBI Background Checks Took Effect April 27, 2026: The Immigration Firm Pipeline Playbook for Communicating Delays Without Losing Clients

Starting April 27, 2026, USCIS now requires enhanced FBI background checks on most green card, naturalization, and family petitions — cases cannot be approved until they clear. Firms that don't proactively reset client expectations are watching attrition rise. Here is the pipeline playbook to communicate, bill, and protect the relationship.