Oliver Mercer
F-1 OPT EAD Expiry During a Shutdown: Grace Period and Extensions
Shutdowns do not change OPT rules: students get a nonworking 60-day grace period after EAD expiry. Timely STEM…
Can We File L-1 Blanket Renewal During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS will process L-1 Blanket renewals during the October 1, 2025 shutdown because it’s fee-funded. DOL immigration services…
Can F-1 Students Apply for OPT or STEM OPT During a Shutdown?
USCIS remains open to OPT and STEM OPT filings during a shutdown and will issue EADs, thanks to…
Can I-131 Re-Entry Permits Be Filed During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, Form I-131 Re-Entry Permit filings and biometrics continue during a shutdown. Applicants must file…
Will My Visa Appointment Be Cancelled During a U.S. Government Shutdown?
Consular operations continue in many locations during the shutdown because of user‑fee funding, but service levels vary. Appointments…
E-3D Employment Authorization During Government Shutdown: What Happens
A government shutdown deactivates FLAG and stops LCA certifications, pausing E-3D work authorizations. USCIS stays open but cannot…
What Happens to R-1 Extension Petitions in a Federal Shutdown?
A federal shutdown halts DOL LCA processing and the FLAG portal, stalling R-1 extensions that need new certifications.…
Are USCIS Fees Processed During Government Shutdowns? Fee-Funded
Because USCIS is about 96% fee-funded, it continues core processing—accepting filings, taking fees, scheduling biometrics and interviews—during government…
Are E-2C CNMI-Only Investor Applications Processed During Shutdown?
USCIS remains open for fee-funded E-2C CNMI-Only filings as of October 1, 2025; file Form I-129 with Supplement…
Can Treaty Investors File E-2 Petitions or Extensions During Shutdown?
E-2 visas are issued at consulates, not by USCIS. During the 2025 shutdown most E-2 interviews continue, but…
What Happens to H-1B Cap-Exempt Petitions During a Government Shutdown
During a federal shutdown USCIS continues H-1B processing, but the Department of Labor pauses LCA certification. New cap-exempt…
Can F-1 Reinstatement Be Filed During a Government Shutdown?
With a possible government shutdown as of October 1, 2025, USCIS usually continues fee-funded I-539 processing, but expect…
Can F-1 Students Change to H-1B During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS remains operational in a shutdown, but DOL stops certifying LCAs, preventing new H-1B change-of-status filings without approved…
Do Government Shutdowns Affect EB-5 Applications and I-829?
USCIS generally continues adjudicating EB-5 Form I-526 and I-829 during shutdowns because it is fee-funded, but Form I-924…
Traveling on a Valid Visa During a Government Shutdown: Re-entry Tips
During a shutdown, valid U.S. visas generally allow re-entry because CBP remains operational and issues I-94 admission records.…