Jim Grey
Australian E-3 Visa at U.S. Consulates During a Government Shutdown
During a shutdown, the Department of Labor suspends LCA processing, blocking new E-3 consular visas unless the LCA…
Are Pending I-539 Status Changes Processed During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, Form I-539 filings generally continue during federal shutdowns: new and pending cases are processed,…
Can I File Form I-130 During a Government Shutdown? USCIS Continues
During the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues fee-funded I-130 processing, while E-Verify and DOL functions (PERM, LCAs)…
Can J-2 Dependents Apply for EAD During a Government Shutdown?
Despite the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues to process J-2 EAD applications because it’s fee-funded. J-2s can…
Can You Re-Enter the U.S. with Advance Parole During a Shutdown?
During a government shutdown, Advance Parole holders can request re-entry but CBP decides admission. Ports stay open, yet…
Are L-1 Extension Petitions Processed During a Federal Shutdown?
USCIS usually continues processing L-1 extension petitions during shutdowns because it is fee-funded and L-1s don't require a…
Can You Request Expedited Immigration During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS generally continues operations during shutdowns because it is fee-funded, and applicants may request discretionary expedite processing with…
USCIS Processing During Shutdown: Which Services Remain Available
Although a federal shutdown begins October 1, 2025, USCIS will largely keep processing applications due to fee funding.…
What Happens to P Visa Appointments During a Federal Shutdown
P visa interviews usually continue during the October 1, 2025 federal shutdown because fees fund operations, but reduced…
Are O-2 Support Staff Petitions Processed During Government Shutdown?
Despite the October 1, 2025 government shutdown, USCIS continues processing O-1 and O-2 petitions because it is fee-funded.…
H-4 EAD During Government Shutdown: Spouse’s H-1B Pending
USCIS, funded by fees, usually continues processing H-1B and H-4 EAD filings during shutdowns. A timely-filed, pending H-1B…
SEVP and SEVIS Operational During Shutdown: Can DSOs Issue I-20s?
During the October 1, 2025 partial shutdown, fee-funded SEVP and SEVIS stayed operational, so DSOs can issue and…
H-1B Premium Processing in a Government Shutdown: 15-Day Decision?
USCIS is accepting the $2,805 premium processing fee and promises 15-day adjudication for eligible H-1B filings after receipt…
Are F-1 CPT Approvals by DSOs Affected by a Government Shutdown?
CPT is authorized by a school DSO and remains valid during a government shutdown; students with DSO-issued CPT…
Can U.S. Citizens File I-129F for K-1 During a Shutdown?
USCIS will accept I-129F petitions during the October 1, 2025 shutdown due to fee-based funding. The main risk…