What does “Additional Review” mean?

Informational
Direct answer

Your case is undergoing additional background or security checks. This is a routine step for some applicants and does not mean your case has a problem.

What comes next

There is nothing you can do to speed this up. Security and background checks typically take 1–6 months. Avoid unnecessary travel during this period.

Typical timeline

Additional review typically takes 1-6 months for most applicants. Security Advisory Opinions (SAOs) required for some nationalities can take 6-18 months.

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If you're stuck on this status

If your case has been in additional review for more than 6 months, consult an immigration attorney. Extremely long delays (12+ months) may warrant a Mandamus lawsuit to compel USCIS to adjudicate your case.

What to do now
  • 1No action needed — this is a routine background/security check
  • 2Avoid unnecessary international travel during this period
  • 3If the check takes more than 6 months, consult an attorney about next steps
When to contact an attorney

You usually do not need an attorney for this status by itself. Consider legal help if your case is outside published processing times, you receive a confusing notice, or your facts are complicated.

Frequently asked questions

What triggers additional review or administrative processing?+
Additional review can be triggered by: (1) certain nationalities or countries of birth, (2) prior military or government service in certain countries, (3) scientific or technical fields of work in sensitive areas, (4) a name that matches watchlist entries (even if cleared after review), or (5) travel to certain countries.
Does additional review mean I'm suspected of something?+
No — additional review is a routine security step applied based on risk-based criteria that have nothing to do with individual suspicion. Many applicants undergo additional review and are approved without issue. It's a precautionary administrative process.
Can I travel while my case is in additional review?+
It depends on your status. If you have a valid visa and no pending I-485, travel is generally possible. If you're in the U.S. on pending status (I-485), traveling without Advance Parole can abandon your case. During additional review, staying in the U.S. is generally advisable.
Will I be notified when the additional review is complete?+
USCIS doesn't send a specific 'additional review cleared' notice. Your case status will simply update to the next processing stage (e.g., interview scheduled, approved). This is why monitoring your case status is important.
What can I do to speed up additional review?+
Very little, unfortunately. Background and security checks have their own timelines controlled by other agencies (FBI, DHS). Congressional inquiries occasionally help. If the delay extends beyond 12 months, an immigration attorney can assess whether a Mandamus lawsuit is appropriate.

Related status messages

On Hold →Outside Normal Processing Time →Expedite Request Was Received →Case Is Taking Longer Than Expected →
Official and related resources
Check your official USCIS case status →Check USCIS processing times →Compare timelines by USCIS form →Browse the USCIS status glossary →

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GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.