The US faces a possible government shutdown in four days, which could impact immigration services. Although US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is funded differently, certain immigration processes may still be affected. Here’s what could be at risk:
Labour Department Processing: Services for visas like H-1B and E-3, handled by the US Department of Labour (DOL), may see delays. This includes labour condition applications and wage processing.
Visa and Passport Operations: The State Department’s visa and passport operations may face disruptions due to office closures. Some services may only be available for diplomatic visas and extreme emergencies.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP): SEVP offices for visas like F-1 and J-1, funded by fees, are likely to stay open.
Immigration Review: Immigration court cases may proceed as scheduled for detained cases, but non-detained cases might be rescheduled.
CIS Ombudsman: The CIS Ombudsman’s office will close and stop taking inquiries during a government shutdown.
While USCIS aims to minimize issues, the shutdown raises concerns about potential immigration process delays, affecting individuals and employers.