Important Updates
Important Updates
September 10, 2025 | Denmark, Norway, SwedenFragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics
September 12, 2025 | IndiaIndia: “Fast Track” Trusted Traveler Program Implemented
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 11, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Significant Increase in Employer Sponsor License Revocations
September 10, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Labour Market Impact Assessment Advertising Rule
September 10, 2025 | Denmark, Norway, SwedenFragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics
September 12, 2025 | IndiaIndia: “Fast Track” Trusted Traveler Program Implemented
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 11, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Significant Increase in Employer Sponsor License Revocations
September 10, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Labour Market Impact Assessment Advertising Rule
September 10, 2025 | Denmark, Norway, SwedenFragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Some Immigration Operations Suspended After Federal Shutdown Takes Effect

January 22, 2018

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a glance

  • DOL immigration operations were suspended and the E-Verify and EB-5 Regional Center programs expired early Saturday after Congress failed to reach an agreement on the FY 2018 budget and relief for DACA beneficiaries.

  • Case processing at USCIS, CBP and U.S. consulates continues.

  • The Senate is expected to vote today on a measure to fund the government through February 8.


The federal shutdown enters its first business day with some immigration functions suspended, as negotiations continue on the FY 2018 budget and relief for beneficiaries of the DACA program. The Senate is expected to vote today on a temporary measure to fund the government through February 8.

The following is the latest information on case processing and other immigration operations. Fragomen will provide updates as developments occur.

Department of Labor: DOL's foreign labor certification operations are suspended for the duration of the shutdown. No PERM, labor condition application (LCA), temporary labor certification or prevailing wage determination requests are being accepted. The PERM and iCERT systems were taken offline shortly after 12:01am EST on Saturday and will remain inaccessible until federal operations resume.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: USCIS continues to process applications and petitions for immigration benefits, though processing delays could occur if adjudication of a case is dependent on support from government functions that are suspended – for example, a security clearance from an agency that is affected by the shutdown. Because DOL LCA operations are suspended, employers may be unable to file H-1B, E-3 or H-1B1 extensions or changes of employer unless they already have a valid certified LCA in hand.  Appointments at USCIS local offices and Application Support Centers are not affected by the shutdown. 

Department of State: DOS will process visa applications as long as filing fees remain available to fund consular operations. If the shutdown is lengthy and fee funding is depleted, the agency could suspend visa processing or limit it to emergency cases only. As noted above, because DOL LCA operations are suspended, applicants may not be able to obtain an E-3 or H-1B1 visa unless their employer already has a valid certified LCA to support the visa application.  Passport services continue, though some passport offices may be affected if they are located in federal buildings that are closed due to the shutdown.

Customs and Border Protection: Inspection functions at U.S. borders and ports of entry remain in operation. CBP continues to process immigration applications at the border.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement: ICE enforcement activities and operations of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) continue.

E-Verify: Congressional authorization for E-Verify has expired. Employers will not be able to initiate E-Verify queries or resolve tentative nonconfirmations, and will not be expected to meet the usual E-Verify deadlines until the program is reauthorized. However, employers must not take any adverse action against an employee whose employment eligibility verification cannot be confirmed in E-Verify due to the shutdown. All employers remain subject to Form I-9 obligations and deadlines as usual.

Other Expired Immigration Programs: Congressional authorization for the EB-5 Regional Center, Conrad 30 and Non-Minister Religious Worker programs has expired.  USCIS and U.S. consulates will not accept permanent residence applications under the EB-5 Regional Center Program or the Non-Minister Religious Worker Program until they are reauthorized by Congress. Until the Conrad 30 program is reauthorized, DOS and USCIS will not consider waiver applications from J-1 foreign physicians who have received a recommendation from their state of employment for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement.

Social Security Administration: SSA will not process applications for Social Security Numbers or replacement cards during the shutdown. This could delay an individual’s ability to obtain benefits and services for which an SSN is required, such as driver’s licenses and bank accounts.

SAVE System: SAVE is the database used by government agencies – including state motor vehicle departments – to verify an applicant’s immigration status when processing applications for benefits. SAVE remains in operation.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about the effect of the shutdown on your organization, please contact your designated Fragomen representative.
 

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.