Robert Pyne
USCIS Highlights Twin Shield Surge in Minneapolis Fraud Cases
Operation Twin Shield (Sept. 19–28, 2025) saw USCIS, FBI, and ICE review 1,000+ cases in Minneapolis–St. Paul, flagging…
EAD Expiring During a Shutdown: Renewal Pending, What Then?
A 2024 USCIS rule allows up to a 540-day automatic extension of work authorization for timely-filed EAD renewals…
Can I File I-140 and I-485 Simultaneously During a Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, it continues to accept concurrent I-140 and I-485 filings during shutdowns. Eligible U.S.-based applicants…
Can Family-Based Green Card Interviews Occur During a Shutdown?
A shutdown on October 1, 2025 could delay or cancel family-based green card consular interviews. More applicants need…
H-1B Approved During a Shutdown: Will My Visa Interview Be Canceled?
USCIS usually continues H-1B approvals during shutdowns because of fee funding, but consular visa interviews may be delayed,…
Can J-1 Academic Training Be Authorized During a Government Shutdown?
Academic Training for J-1 students continues during shutdowns because RO/ARO approvals are school-managed and SEVIS remains fee-funded. Students…
Can You File Form I-539 to Change Status During a Government Shutdown?
Because USCIS is largely fee-funded, it continues accepting Form I-539 during shutdowns. File before your status expires to…
L-1 Blanket Approvals and Consular Appointments During a Shutdown
USCIS will likely keep processing L-1 Blanket Petitions during a shutdown because it’s fee-funded, but expect slower timelines.…
Can I Work If My H-4 EAD Expires During a Shutdown?
If an H-4 EAD expires during a shutdown, you can only keep working under a 180-day automatic extension…
E-2 Spouses: No EAD During Shutdown; I-94 E-2S Authorization
If an E-2 spouse’s I-94 shows “E-2S,” they are authorized to work incident to status and generally do…
Can Sports Teams File P-1, P-2, or P-3 Petitions During a Shutdown?
USCIS remains open during a shutdown, so P-1/P-2/P-3 petitions can be filed and processed. Main risk: slower consular…
N-400 During a Federal Shutdown: Do Permanent Residents Qualify
USCIS remains operational during shutdowns and will accept Form N-400 filings because it is fee-funded. Core services like…
Can Employers Withdraw H-1B Petitions During a Government Shutdown?
A shutdown pauses DOL LCA certifications, blocking new H-1B filings that need an LCA, while USCIS usually continues…
Will an H-4 Visa Stamp Appointment Be Honoured During a Shutdown?
The Oct 1, 2025 U.S. shutdown may slow consular services for H-4 applicants. Fee-funded visa work should largely…
Do O-1 and P-1 Petitions Still Process During a Shutdown?
USCIS and fee-funded consular services usually continue handling O-1 and P-1 petitions during a shutdown; DOL suspensions do…