Government Shutdown - How does it impact your application?

If Congress doesn’t pass a budget for the government on time, part of the government might stop operating. This is called a “government shutdown.” During a shutdown, only certain government employees can keep working.

Here’s what might happen to immigration-related agencies during a government shutdown:

DHS

Most of DHS’s work is considered essential, so DHS will remain open.

USCIS

USCIS will remain open as it does not rely on Congress for its funding. The few programs that are funded by Congress may be impacted by a government shutdown.

DOS

Visa and passport operations will remain open, however, depending on how long the shutdown lasts, work might become limited to diplomatic visas and life-or-death emergencies.

CBP

Ports of entry will remain open, however, applications that are filed at the border may be impacted.

ICE

ICE enforcement and removal operations will continue. ICE attorneys will typically focus on the cases of detained individuals. The ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) offices will remain open.

EOIR

Immigration court cases for detained individuals (the “detained docket”) will continue during a government shutdown. All other cases will be rescheduled for a later date.

DOL

DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will stop all operations during a government shutdown.

CIS Ombudsman

The DHS Office of the CIS Ombudsman will stop all operations during a government shutdown. Congressional Constituent Services Some congressional offices may be closed during a government shutdown. Please contact the individual office for more information.

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