Immigration
Immigration central for reliable resources and the latest developments in U.S. immigration laws, policies, and procedures for immigrants worldwide.
Can J-1 Academic Training Be Authorized During a Government Shutdown?
Academic Training for J-1 students continues during shutdowns because RO/ARO approvals are school-managed and SEVIS remains fee-funded. Students must apply before program end dates and receive RO authorization before starting…
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…
Do I-751 Petitions Get Processed During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS is fee-funded and generally continues I-751 processing during shutdowns. Receipt notices extend conditional resident status up to…
O-1A/O-1B Petitions and Premium Processing During a Shutdown
USCIS remains operational during the October 2025 shutdown and continues accepting O-1A/B petitions. Premium processing is active at…
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…
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…
Can I-485 Filings Continue During a Government Shutdown? USCIS Guidance
USCIS, funded mainly by application fees, will accept and process Form I-485 during a government shutdown. Biometrics and…
Can I-485 Filing Use Visa Bulletin Dates for Filing During a Shutdown?
USCIS’s monthly Visa Bulletin chart choice controls whether I-485 filings are allowed during a shutdown. If Dates for…
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 You File Form I-539 to Change Status During a Government Shutdown?
Because USCIS is largely fee-funded, it continues accepting Form I-539 during shutdowns. File before your status expires to…