Immigration
Policy changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments shaping U.S. immigration in 2026. From executive orders and congressional bills to USCIS processing updates — analysis that cuts through the noise.
Do J-1 Visa Stamp Appointments Cancel During a U.S. Shutdown?
J-1 visa stamp appointments continue during the 2025 shutdown because consular services are fee-funded. Valid J-1 stamps allow travel and re-entry. Those without a stamp should avoid nonessential travel unless…
L-1 Blanket Approvals and Consular Appointments During a Shutdown
USCIS will likely keep processing L-1 Blanket Petitions during a shutdown because it’s fee-funded, but expect slower timelines.…
Will Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permits Be Processed During Shutdown?
USCIS will continue processing Form I-131 (Advance Parole and Re-Entry Permits) during a funding lapse because it is…
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…
Are Pending I-539 Status Changes Processed During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, Form I-539 filings generally continue during federal shutdowns: new and pending cases are processed,…
Can I File Form I-130 During a Government Shutdown? USCIS Continues
During the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues fee-funded I-130 processing, while E-Verify and DOL functions (PERM, LCAs)…
F-1 Visa Appointments in a Shutdown and Spring Return Guidance
A government shutdown usually doesn’t halt F-1 visa processing because it’s fee-funded, but expect delays, fewer slots, and…
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…