CBP Remains Operational at Ports During Shutdown; Delays Possible

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will keep working through a federal government shutdown, and travelers will still find ports of entry and airports open. CBP officers are classified as essential personnel, so they continue inspections of people and goods arriving to and departing from the United States 🇺🇸. While the agency’s core border screening does not stop, travelers and businesses should plan for possible delays if staffing is tight or administrative support is reduced during the funding lapse.

What continues during a shutdown

• Inspections of people and goods at airports, land crossings, ferries, and seaports remain in place.
• Cargo examinations, agricultural inspections, and tariff/revenue functions continue as part of essential border operations.
• Ports of entry remain open; the most visible impact is typically slower processing at some locations, not closures.

“CBP’s operations at ports of entry are built to run through interruptions so that national security and international travel do not grind to a halt.”

How immigration processing at the border is handled

CBP inspectors will keep processing noncitizens seeking admission, including:

• Travelers holding visas
• Those applying for admission in work categories that can be adjudicated at the border

Examples and document notes:

• TN professionals (Canada/Mexico): A Canadian TN professional may present required proof at a land border or airport preclearance in Canada 🇨🇦.
• L-1 blanket transferees: Present an approved Form I-129S at inspection.
• When an underlying petition is required, the petition is typically an approved Form I-129.
• While CBP cannot approve a new petition during a shutdown, it can admit someone in a status the law allows to be adjudicated at the border or based on an existing approval notice.

Carry full documentation, including approval notices and employment support letters. For reference:
– Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
– Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition

Staffing, pay, and operational impacts

• CBP officers and many frontline personnel typically work without pay until funding resumes. Pay is issued retroactively once a budget is approved.
• This can strain morale and operations and may contribute to longer lines when traffic is heavy.
• The pace of cargo processing and administrative tasks can vary by location if support staff are reduced.

What travelers will see at ports and airports

• Primary and secondary inspection booths remain open at airports and land ports.
• Domestic flights are not affected by CBP, but international arrivals and departures continue to be processed.
• Preclearance locations abroad also remain operational with CBP officers on duty.
• Any changes in wait times will reflect staffing levels and demand, not closures.

Differences among agencies that affect travel and immigration

• USCIS: Largely fee-funded, so most operations continue.
• Department of State (consular services): Also primarily fee-funded; visa interviews abroad usually proceed while fees support operations.
• Department of Labor: Less fee-funded; certain immigration-related functions (e.g., labor certifications, wage determinations) may stop — potentially affecting future filings even though CBP admissions continue.

Applicants should plan with these agency differences in mind.

Recommended traveler and importer actions

Simple steps to reduce stress during a shutdown:

1. Bring complete paperwork that shows your purpose of travel and, if relevant, employment authorization or petition approval.
2. Allow extra time at ports of entry, especially during peak periods.
3. Check airline and airport guidance and review current CBP travel information before departure.
4. For cargo, coordinate closely with customs brokers, carriers, and bonded facilities in case local staffing affects release times.

Additional document tips for specific categories:

• If you are a Canadian or Mexican national seeking TN status, present:
  • Detailed evidence of your professional role
  • Educational credentials
  • Employer letter matching the treaty profession
• L-1 blanket transferees should carry:
  • Multiple copies of signed Form I-129S
  • The blanket approval notice
  • Supporting corporate documents
• Holders of previously approved petitions should bring:
  • A clear copy of the approval notice
  • A recent employment letter confirming role, worksite, and start date

These practices help speed inspection, especially when staffing is tight.

For employers and logistics managers

• Build flexibility into travel schedules for key employees who may apply at the border or present L-1 blanket paperwork.
• Communicate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to monitor local conditions.
• Expect cargo holds, inspections, and tariff payments to continue, but be aware that minor delays can ripple through supply chains if a port is busier than usual.

Common concerns and key takeaways

• Ports of entry and international arrival checkpoints will not close during a shutdown.
• CBP continues to examine passports, visas, and travel documents, run security checks, and adjudicate admissions.
• You should not cancel travel solely due to a shutdown based on CBP operations alone — unless your plan depends on another agency’s paused service.
• Families, students, and business travelers should expect standard screening, but allow more time for:
  • Complex cases
  • Prior immigration issues
  • Agricultural items or heavy luggage requiring secondary inspection

CBP guidance and official resources

Rely on official sources for updates:

• CBP provides current traveler guidance: CBP travel guidance
• Check airline and airport websites for local wait-time trends
• For visa appointments abroad, check your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate website

Bottom line

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection stays on the job during a federal funding lapse.
• Ports of entry remain open, and inspections continue, though wait times may lengthen if staffing is reduced.
• Build extra time into travel plans, carry complete documents, and expect CBP to keep the border moving safely until regular government funding returns.

VisaVerge.com analysis and past shutdown experience indicate that the primary visible impact is longer lines during peak periods, not closures — reinforcing the expectation of open, working ports even during funding lapses.