Oliver Mercer
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…
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…
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…
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.…
TN Visa at Canadian Border During Shutdown: Are Officers Processing?
After the October 1, 2025 shutdown, CBP continues essential operations so TN processing at ports generally proceeds. Canadians…
Cotton Introduces Legislation to curb H-1B abuses and cap loopholes
Sen. Tom Cotton’s bills would remove H-1B cap exemptions for universities and non-profits and end the advanced-degree preference,…
Turkish Airlines to launch direct flights to Yerevan, Armenia
Turkish Airlines filed Sept. 29, 2025 to add direct flights to Yerevan but set no start date or…
Dublin Diversions: United Flight Engine Issues Trigger Two U-Turns
UA711 (Boeing 757-200, N17133) returned to Dublin on September 17 after an engine issue and was canceled. A…