Client Alert!
As of 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, the U.S. Government has shut down. Below is a summary of how you may be affected:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
USCIS is primarily fee-funded and will continue most operations.
Exceptions apply to programs dependent on appropriated funds:
- E-Verify – Suspended during shutdown.
- Special Immigrant Religious Worker Program – Scheduled to sunset September 30, 2025, unless extended.
- Conrad 30 J-1 Physicians – Impacted.
EB-5 Regional Center Program – Not affected (authorized through September 30, 2027).
I-9 Remote Verification – Employers may continue using the alternate document review process if E-Verify is unavailable.
Late I-129 Filings – In past shutdowns, USCIS accepted late filings if the delay was directly due to the shutdown.
Department of Labor (DOL) & Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC)
The OFLC will cease processing applications.
FLAG system and DOL websites will be deactivated. BALCA and DOL ALJ dockets will be paused.
USCIS should still be able to access certain data uploaded to VIBE prior to the shutdown for H-2 and PERM-related petitions.
U.S. Consulates & Embassies
Consular Affairs is largely fee-funded, so visa services should continue.
However, depending on the duration of the shutdown, applicants may experience slower visa processing and reduced appointment availability.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP functions are deemed essential and will continue, though longer wait times at ports of entry are possible.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
SSA will continue processing Social Security number applications, but expect delays.