Australian E-3 Visa at U.S. Consulates During a Government Shutdown
During a shutdown, the Department of Labor suspends LCA processing, blocking new E-3 consular visas unless the LCA…
Articles by & updated by Priya Nair
Will USCIS Process H-1B Change-of-Employer Petitions During Shutdown?
USCIS will keep processing H-1B petitions during a shutdown because it’s fee-funded, but new filings needing a DOL-certified…
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…
H-1B 240-Day Rule and Shutdown: Can I Work If My I-94 Expires?
USCIS continues adjudicating fee-funded H-1B extension petitions during a shutdown, preserving the 240-day rule for timely-filed cases. DOL…
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…
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 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 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…