The direct impact of government shutdown in America in the countryImmigrationAnd visa is falling on procedures. Although procedures that operate from the application fee are currently continuing normally, new filing applicants are facing the most difficulties.
Major services of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) such as green cards, citizenship and work permits are working normally, as they are operating fees-based and Congress funding is not directly affected. Similarly, passports and visa services in the US Embassy and Consulate are also undergoing fees. The prescribed appointments are being done, but the lack of staff and administrative obstacles may slow the speed of processing and may increase the obstacles in communication.
The most impact is being seen on the new application of employment-based visas and green cards. The US Labor Department has stopped essential procedures such as Labor Condition Application (LCA), Perm and Prevention Wage. These steps are mandatory for H-1B visa and employment-based green cards. Currently, the USCIS is carrying forward the applications whose labor certification has already been completed, but new applications will remain stuck until funding is restored.
H-1B visa and employment-based green cards are extremely popular among Indian professionals, so the ban on new filing is affecting professionals from many countries. In addition, the e-varify system, which employers use employees to check the work, are closed during shutdowns. Companies now have to adopt the manual process, which may delay the appointments. Some special programs such as Conrad 30 j-1 visa wave and religious activist visa may also be affected at the moment.
There have also been obstacles in the hearing of the immigration court. The hearing of cases related to under house arrest is going on, but the hearing of non-nazoring cases has been postponed. Even before this, thousands of cases have been pending during shutdown, which has increased additional pressure on the judicial system.
Experts say that applicants who have already appointed appointments will continue the process, although it may take more time. At the same time, new applicants or people planned to travel continuously keep an eye on the official embassy channels and be prepared for a possible delay.