Can Employers File H-1B Petitions and Lcas During a U.S. Government Shutdown?
A federal shutdown halts H-1B LCAs and E-Verify, creating major hiring delays despite USCIS remaining open. Early 2026…
Articles by & updated by Priya Nair
Do O-1 and P-1 Petitions Still Process During a Shutdown?
USCIS and fee-funded consular services usually continue handling O-1 and P-1 petitions during a shutdown; DOL suspensions do…
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…
Can Employers File New H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions During a Shutdown?
During a government shutdown, the DOL stops LCA certification via FLAG, blocking H‑1B, H‑1B1, and E‑3 petition filings.…
Can L-1A/L-1B Petitions Be Filed During a Government Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, L-1A and L-1B petitions are processed during government shutdowns. They avoid DOL LCAs that…
H-4 EAD During Government Shutdown: Spouse’s H-1B Pending
USCIS, funded by fees, usually continues processing H-1B and H-4 EAD filings during shutdowns. A timely-filed, pending H-1B…
Are F-1 CPT Approvals by DSOs Affected by a Government Shutdown?
CPT is authorized by a school DSO and remains valid during a government shutdown; students with DSO-issued CPT…
H-1B Premium Processing in a Government Shutdown: 15-Day Decision?
USCIS is accepting the $2,805 premium processing fee and promises 15-day adjudication for eligible H-1B filings after receipt…
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…