Federal Shutdown Averted for Now; Key Immigration Programs Temporarily Reauthorized

United States

A continuing resolution passed by Congress late Wednesday will fund the federal government – including immigration operations – through December 9, while negotiations on the FY 2017 budget continue. 

The interim spending measure also temporarily extends four immigration programs that were set to expire on September 30: the E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification system; the EB-5 Regional Center permanent residence program for foreign investors; the Conrad 30 waiver program for foreign medical graduates who will work in areas of the United States that are underserved by physicians; and the special immigrant non-minister religious worker permanent residence program.

What the Temporary Spending Measure Means for Employers

The passage of the continuing resolution means that there will be no interruption of federal immigration operations for now, but a federal shutdown remains a possibility if there is no agreement on the FY 2017 federal budget by December 9.

To minimize the impact of a potential shutdown in December, employers should work with their Fragomen team to assess their upcoming need for labor condition applications (LCAs), prevailing wage determinations and PERM filings, and submit applications in the coming weeks if possible.If a budget agreement is not reached and a shutdown occurs later this year, Department of Labor functions would be completely suspended, which could impede preparations for the FY 2018 H-1B cap filing season that begins April 3, 2017.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

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