Oliver Mercer
Are VWP and ESTA Still Valid During a U.S. Government Shutdown?
ESTA authorizations and the VWP remain operational during a U.S. government shutdown because CBP and DHS deem them…
Can Canadians Apply for TN Status at Ports During a Shutdown?
During the October 2025 shutdown, CBP continues TN processing at ports and preclearance for Canadians; Mexicans still need…
Will the Visa Bulletin Be Released During a Government Shutdown?
The Visa Bulletin usually continues during shutdowns, keeping filing and priority dates public. But DOL pauses on LCAs…
Are Combo EAD and Advance Parole Cards Still Issued During Shutdowns?
USCIS stopped combo cards in July 2025 and issues separate EADs and Advance Parole documents. Fee funding lets…
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…