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…
Articles by Oliver Mercer
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…