When the U.S. government shuts down, many wonder what happens to their immigration cases. The truth is, not everything stops.
What keeps running:
USCIS stays open because it’s funded by fees, not Congress. You can still file for green cards, H-1B extensions, EADs, naturalization, and other applications. Visa services at embassies and consulates abroad also continue, and border control operations remain fully active. Student visa systems like SEVIS keep working normally.
What’s affected:
The Department of Labor is completely shut. That means no new PERM labor certifications, LCAs, or wage determinations. Employers can’t use E-Verify to confirm new hires. Immigration courts handle only detained or emergency cases, while others get postponed. The Conrad 30 J-1 waiver program is also on hold.
Visa categories hit hardest:
H-1B and E-3 cases needing new LCAs must wait until DOL reopens. Green card cases that rely on PERM are paused. But EB-1, NIW, EB-5, and family-based petitions continue without interruption.
What you should do:
File what you can, document shutdown-related delays, and get ready to act once systems reopen. Keep in touch with USCIS and your attorney for updates.
In short:
The shutdown slows some immigration processes but doesn’t freeze the system entirely. Stay prepared, stay informed, and keep your paperwork ready for when things restart.
Credit: Blog by Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna, Immigration.com
