Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:17pm on 27 Sep 2023,Wednesday International
While USCIS visa operations are fee-funded and may continue, a shutdown can cause delays in services like H-1B extensions. Visa and passport processing through the State Department could be limited as offices remain closed, only providing services for emergencies and diplomatic visas. However, ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for student visas is also fee-funded, so should continue operations. Previously, shutdowns have caused major visa backlogs, with USCIS citing 'shutdown delays' as excusable. Overall, while critical visa services by USCIS and SEVP may continue using fee revenues, processing capacity could be impacted by office closures and staff shortages amid the political turmoil. Applicants should prepare for potential delays due to the disruption.
