An H-1B visa holder is facing a difficult situation as the government shutdown blocks their visa extension. Their employer cannot file the extension because the Labour Condition Application (LCA) system is currently suspended.
Visa Extension Delays During Shutdown
With their visa expiring in a few weeks, the applicant is under intense pressure. Once it expires, they will lose legal status in the US, which can have serious consequences. The uncertainty has left them searching for options to stay compliant.
USCIS Response Offers Limited Relief
USCIS has stated that it will accept late H-1B filings. The agency will treat the shutdown as an “extraordinary circumstance” and excuse delayed applications. However, this relief still leaves many unsure about their legal standing during the shutdown itself.
Considering Temporary Alternatives
Some are exploring a temporary switch to a B1/B2 visa to maintain legal status. Immigration experts caution that this is a risky approach, as the legal outcomes are unclear and depend on future government updates.
Lack of Official Guidance Adds Stress
Experts confirm there are no official directives for maintaining status during a shutdown. This gap leaves professional workers vulnerable. Their ability to live and work in the US depends entirely on their visa, making political disruptions deeply unsettling.
