Are US visa applications still being processed under a partial government shutdown?
Currently, the federal US government is in a partial shutdown. How does this affect visa applications and applications for ESTA/Visa Waivers?
According to BBC News:
Under the shutdown, (...), and visa and passport applications will go unprocessed.
However, according to Wikipedia, which cites a Foreign Policy article that is behind a paywall:
The United States Department of State will continue to process visa and passport applications, using funds from fees.
The two are contradictory. Are visa applications still being processed, or are they not?
Best Answer
This is from a law firm's news letter:
Fee-Paying Services
As a fee-based agency, USCIS will continue to accept and process applications and petitions. However, we expect there to be delays in processing, as some support staff may be furloughed and USCIS depends on non-essential agencies for services.
E-Verify will be shut down. According to the Department of Homeland Security, “citizens and U.S. businesses will not be able to access E-Verify, the Internet based system that allows employers to voluntarily determine the eligibility of prospective employees to work in the United States.”
The Department of State confirmed that consular operations domestically and overseas will remain 100% operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations. However, this is only expected to last for a few days, after which consular posts will focus solely on diplomatic services and emergency services for American citizens. We expect delays in processing visas, and if there is a prolonged shut down, we expect a cessation of visa processing. During previous shutdowns, business reasons have not qualified for emergency visa processing.
Pictures about "Are US visa applications still being processed under a partial government shutdown?"
Is USCIS processing cases during government shutdown?
USCIS is OPEN in Government Shutdown. USCIS has most of its services funded by the fees that they charge from applicants. Hence, the government shutdown does not affect them. USCIS premium processing including RFE cases is also processed.Will govt shutdown affect PERM processing?
No PERMs, labor condition applications, prevailing wage requests or applications for temporary labor certification will be processed during this time.Is NVC scheduling interviews 2022?
After reviewing your application, the NVC will schedule your immigrant visa interview. As of April 25, 2022, the NVC is reviewing documents submitted on or before February 4, 2022. Applicants must still complete all necessary formalities for their applications before the NVC reviews their case.US Visa Case Status CEAC Changed to Refused from Administrative Processing
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska