How Would a Government Shutdown Affect Immigration Cases?--Merged With many many others

[Santianna 1]

If the government shuts down will this effect visa processing? Are USCIS workers considered essential employees?

[TBoneTX 43,018]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to General Immigration Discussion -- topic isn't a K-1 process issue. ***

[Forest Rider 1]

Does anyone happen to know if the USCIS or NVC will be shutdown if the congress and senate still can't agree about what to do with "obama-care"?

[Adrian and Tisha 2]

If there is a government shutdown on October 1^st 2013 all of our applications will sit on a desk until staff are returned to work. According to the Washington Post, During the shutdown, around 20,000 to 30,000 applications from foreigners for visas went unprocessed each day. This will seriously affect how quickly all of our visas are processed. Tisha and I strongly encourage everyone in the States to email their representatives and voice your concerns regarding a government shut down.

Adrian & Tisha

[Peace&Love 26]

Wow, I just read about it blow is how it was stated on NPR news. From the 8 things you should know about government shutdown, visa and passport delays was one of it:

8 Things To Know About A Government Shutdown

Visa and passport delays

Those hoping to enter or leave the country during a shutdown would most likely experience some difficulty. The government was unable to process around 200,000 pending passport applications and a daily average of 30,000 visa and passport applications by foreigners during the 1995-96 shutdowns. This would result not only in a headache for would-be travelers but a loss in millions for the airline and tourism industries.

[Pamala Bull 4]

would this affect green cards?

[Pamala Bull 4]

USCIS Cases

Since USCIS is funded primarily through application fees, it is expected that most of its services and centers would operate normally, perhaps with slightly diminished staff. Because USCIS is a government agency which relies on other government agencies to perform its services, there may be certain disruptions; however, overall, case processing at USCIS is expected to resume. Border processing of immigrants and border enforcement activities would continue as they are deemed “essential.”

[Vanitas 310]

USCIS Cases

Since USCIS is funded primarily through application fees, it is expected that most of its services and centers would operate normally, perhaps with slightly diminished staff. Because USCIS is a government agency which relies on other government agencies to perform its services, there may be certain disruptions; however, overall, case processing at USCIS is expected to resume. Border processing of immigrants and border enforcement activities would continue as they are deemed “essential.”

The Embassies are under the Department of State. Those of us who have cleared USCIS might find that we get stuck for a while maybe at NVC or at our Embassies.

[you & i 16]

USCIS AND NVC shutdown ??? is there any update news about this ?

[k.dlg 297]

Considering that they are funded by applicants ... I don't think they would be affected (I may be wrong), but from what I've heard already, the Senate has already approved to take action to prevent shutdown. Now, if they can get Obama to sign it before October 1st is a different story.

[Peace&Love 26]

I wonder that affected my interview schedule already. I called to set up interview for Havana and they told me they do not have any dates available before the end of January 2014. People who scheduled an interview in July or August they where able to set up date with in a month of NVC approval.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

They are non essential services so they will probably experience work stoppages

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

~ Moved from K-1 Process to General Immigration-Related Forum- topic effects more than just K-1 visas ~

[Spice1473 10]

My embassy said nothing until November.....hopefully ..... Ugh...always a wait!

[Susan53011 14]

When I spoke to NVC last they are contractors so doesnt effect them. DOS said that they have not been preparing for a shut down, and also said that consulates abroad will remain open. Unfortunately I have no idea how this will effect the service centers who process the initial applications. So if you at least have your NAO2 then it hopefully will not effect us