Most applicants with scheduled I-485 interviews should expect to attend as planned even during a federal government shutdown, because USCIS interview operations continue for the most part. The agency is mainly funded by application fees, not annual congressional budgets, so it keeps processing I-485 cases and holding interviews. USCIS will only cancel or shift an interview if a local office or Application Support Center (ASC) is closed. If that happens, USCIS will automatically reschedule and mail a new notice.
Without a written notice from USCIS, applicants are expected to show up. Missing an interview without approval to reschedule can lead to serious delays and, in some cases, a denial. During a government shutdown, that baseline remains the same.
USCIS policy during funding lapses — the core message
USCIS has repeated this approach across past lapses in funding: core casework continues. That includes green card applications filed on Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which require an in-person meeting for many applicants.
If your notice lists a date, time, and location and you have not received a closure or reschedule message, plan to be there. Bring your appointment notice, government ID, and any documents listed on the notice. Keep your phone and email handy in case the local office sends an update the morning of the interview.
The key rule is simple and strict: attend your interview unless USCIS tells you in writing not to.
USCIS does not “auto-cancel” I-485 interviews just because Congress has not passed a funding bill. The interview is still a required step toward permanent residence. It is your chance to confirm eligibility, update any changes, and clear any questions the officer has about your case. Skipping it without permission can trigger a no-show record, which may lead to denial for abandonment.
Why interviews generally continue during a shutdown
Applicants sometimes worry that a government shutdown means every federal door is shut. That is not the case with USCIS. The agency’s fee-funded model means that officers keep working and the systems that support interviews and background checks keep running.
- Shutdowns may slow some surrounding agencies, but USCIS interview calendars for adjustment cases largely continue as normal.
- The main exception is a building closure or other office-specific disruption. USCIS posts closures online and updates schedules when needed.
If an office does close, you do not need to call to find a new date. USCIS will automatically reschedule and send a new appointment notice for both interviews and biometrics. Keep your address current so the new letter reaches you. If you moved, file an address update as soon as possible so you don’t miss that notice. You can also check the USCIS Office Closings page for day-of updates and look for alerts in your online account.
What actually changes during a shutdown
While the interview policy is steady, a shutdown can affect the broader immigration system.
- Some partner agencies rely on yearly appropriations and may pause certain functions (for example, the Department of Labor).
- U.S. consulates overseas may limit services depending on local conditions and funding.
- Those issues can affect employment-based cases that need prevailing wage determinations or consular processing.
But for an I-485 interview inside the United States 🇺🇸, the process is mostly the same. The officer will review your file, confirm your identity, go over your answers, and consider new evidence you bring. If extra background checks are needed, the officer will note that and the case will move forward once complete.
Day-of expectations and logistics
This is why your focus should remain on the appointment in your hand.
- If your notice says to come to an ASC for biometrics on a certain date, plan to go.
- If an ASC closes due to a shutdown or weather, USCIS will reissue the appointment and mail a new letter with a new date and time.
- There is no extra fee for an automatic reschedule caused by an office closure.
Applicants sometimes face real emergencies on interview day. USCIS allows rescheduling for medical issues, family crises, or other serious reasons. The key is prompt action.
- Contact the office using the methods listed on your notice or call USCIS as soon as the issue arises.
- If you wait too long or fail to respond to USCIS letters, you risk a denial.
- During a government shutdown, timing matters even more because call centers can be busy and mail can face delays.
Family-based and employment-based specifics
- For family-based applicants, attending the USCIS interview when scheduled helps keep work authorization and travel documents on track. Missing the interview without approval could cause gaps affecting your job or travel.
- For employment-based applicants, the interview verifies ongoing job offers and status updates. If your employer’s plans or job location changed, bring clear letters explaining the change.
Officers expect honest updates at the interview.
How to prepare and what to do if plans change
Preparation is straightforward even in a shutdown. Start with your appointment notice and follow it carefully.
Checklist to bring and do:
1. Confirm your interview location and time the day before. Check USCIS Office Closings for any posted alerts.
2. Bring your appointment letter, government photo ID, and passports (current and expired, if available).
3. Pack the documents listed on your notice, plus any updates since you filed your I-485 (e.g., new job letter, new birth certificate, updated marriage evidence).
4. Include originals where requested and a set of photocopies so the officer can keep them if needed.
5. Place your green card medical exam report (Form I-693), if still valid, on top — officers often ask for it first.
6. Arrive early to clear security, especially in multi-agency buildings.
7. Keep your phone on in case you receive a same-day message from USCIS.
If you receive a written notice that your local office is closed on the interview date, USCIS will handle the change: they will automatically reschedule and mail you a new appointment. You do not need to rebook. If two weeks pass without a new notice, reach out to confirm your address and request an update.
If you are sick on interview day:
– Request a reschedule promptly and provide proof (for example, a doctor’s note).
– Do not simply fail to show up; a no-show without communication risks a finding of abandonment.
Parents with school-age children: follow the appointment notice and local office rules about guests. If a child is a derivative applicant with a separate interview slot, follow instructions for that case as well.
Applicants who filed with a medical exam should:
– Check validity of Form I-693 and bring it if still valid.
– If the notice asks for one and you didn’t submit it, get the civil surgeon to complete it before the interview.
Employers and attorneys: background checks generally continue during shutdowns, though officers may need extra time to resolve new checks. Provide prompt responses to any Requests for Evidence.
Travel plans: the shutdown itself does not change interview expectations. Ask to reschedule as early as possible and supply proof if you have a true conflict.
Official sources and avoiding misinformation
If unsure whether your USCIS interview is on:
– Look for a new appointment notice in your mail and online account.
– Check the office closings page for your city.
– Avoid rumors and social media posts that suggest a blanket cancellation policy.
USCIS does not cancel all I-485 interviews during a government shutdown. The rule is consistent: interviews proceed unless USCIS says otherwise.
According to VisaVerge.com, applicants sometimes confuse USCIS operations with agency partners that do suspend services during funding lapses. That confusion can lead to missed interviews and delayed green cards. The safest path is to keep your interview appointment, prepare your documents, and watch for a written change notice. If you get one, follow the new date and time exactly as listed.
Why USCIS can keep operating
Fee funding gives USCIS a stable stream to pay officers and keep field offices open even when Congress’s budget talks stall. That model shields many day-to-day services from shutdowns. It does not prevent weather closures, building issues, or local emergencies, so automatic rescheduling remains an essential backstop.
When closures occur, USCIS handles logistics and sends new notices so applicants do not lose their place in line.
Helpful resources
- Official Form I-485 and instructions: Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- USCIS Office Closings: USCIS Office Closings
Final practical guidance — quick summary
- Plan to attend your scheduled I-485 interview unless USCIS sends a written cancellation or reschedule.
- Pack originals and copies of the documents listed on your notice and any updates since filing.
- Keep your address current so reschedule notices reach you.
- Request a reschedule promptly for medical or emergency reasons and provide proof.
- Check official USCIS pages and your online account for updates; avoid rumors.
- If a local office or ASC closes, USCIS will automatically reschedule and mail a new appointment notice without extra fee.
In short: plan to attend, prepare carefully, and watch for a written notice if anything changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS generally keeps I-485 interview operations running during federal government shutdowns because it is funded mainly by application fees. Applicants should attend interviews as scheduled unless they receive written notice of a cancellation or reschedule due to a local office or ASC closure. If USCIS closes a facility, it will automatically issue a new appointment notice by mail; applicants should keep their address current and monitor the USCIS Office Closings page and their online account for day-of updates. Missing an interview without approved rescheduling risks delays or denial. For emergencies, request rescheduling promptly and provide supporting documentation.
