diff --git a/ayon_server/graphql/resolvers/kanban.py b/ayon_server/graphql/resolvers/kanban.py
index aca47503..9a1455f5 100644
--- a/ayon_server/graphql/resolvers/kanban.py
+++ b/ayon_server/graphql/resolvers/kanban.py
@@ -80,15 +80,15 @@ async def get_kanban(
     async for row in Postgres.iterate(q):
         project_data.append(row)
 
-    if not project_data:
-        return KanbanConnection(edges=[])
-
     if not user.is_manager:
         assignees_any = [user.name]
         project_data = [p for p in project_data if user_has_access(user, p["name"])]
     elif assignees_any:
         validate_name_list(assignees_any)
 
+    if not project_data:
+        return KanbanConnection(edges=[])
+
     # Sub-query conditions
 
     sub_query_conds = []