shall ensure that all steps under the control of the United States Government incidental to the approval of such applications, including required screenings and background checks, are completed not later than 2 years after the date on which an eligible applicant submits an application under subsection (a). (2) Exception Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the relevant Federal agencies may take additional time to process applications described in paragraph (1) if satisfaction of national security concerns requires such additional time, provided that the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the designee of the Secretary, has determined that the applicant meets the requirements for status as a special immigrant under this section and has so notified the applicant. 8. Adjustment to lawful permanent resident status of certain nationals of the PRC (a) In general Subject to subsection (c)(1), whenever an alien described in subsection (b) applies for adjustment of status under section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act during the application period (as defined in subsection (e)) the following rules shall apply with respect to such adjustment: (1) The alien shall be deemed to have had a petition approved under section 204(a) of such Act for classification under section 203(b)(3)(A)(i) of such Act. (2) The application shall be considered without regard to whether an immigrant visa number is immediately available at the time the application is filed. (3) In determining the alien’s admissibility as an immigrant, and the alien’s eligibility for an immigrant visa— (A) paragraphs (5) and (7)(A) of section 212(a) and section 212(e) of such Act shall not apply