🚨 Government Shutdown = Immigration Shutdown (Sort of)

Today’s U.S. government shutdown reminds us of an uncomfortable truth:

➡️ Filing and processing immigration applications isn’t considered “essential.”

What does that mean for you?

✅ What Likely Remains Operational

USCIS

• Because USCIS is primarily fee-funded, it is expected to continue most of its core operations during a shutdown.

• Petitions, applications, adjudications, and status extensions or changes are likely still to be accepted and processed.

• However, certain programs that depend on appropriated funds (not fee revenue) may be suspended. Examples include E-Verify, some J‑1 or religious-worker programs, or others designated in agency guidance.

DOS / Consular Operations

• The State Department’s visa and passport operations are largely fee-funded, so in many cases consulates and embassies may continue processing visas and passports despite a shutdown.

• That said, some consular posts might scale back or limit services if they can’t cover operational costs via fees or if staffing is constrained.

• Visas requiring security clearances or involvement from other agencies may see delays if those agencies are affected by the shutdown.

🚫 What Is Likely Suspended or Delayed

USDOL / Labor-Dependent Filings

• Services tied to appropriated funding, such as FLAG, LCA processing, PERM and DOL prevailing wage determinations, are likely to be suspended or paused.

• New filings to DOL‑administered programs may not be accepted until appropriations are restored.

Other Dependent Functions

• If visa processing depends on interagency referrals or security agency input, those parts may stall if those agencies are furloughed.

• Some consulates that don’t generate sufficient fee revenue or have limited staffing may reduce non-essential services or close temporarily.

🔍 Best Practices & Caveats

• Always check the specific consulate in question — local conditions may differ.

• When dealing with deadlines, file or mail on time, maintain proof (delivery receipts, timestamps), and document the shutdown’s effect.

• Be cautious about assuming downtime gives leeway — agencies may reject submissions as “late” if processed after the deadline.

• For DOL-dependent filings, anticipate pauses and plan accordingly.

• Monitor official agency alerts (USCIS, DOS, DOL) for real-time updates on which services are unaffected, limited, or suspended.