What does the potential government shut down mean for us?

[geohi 0]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any insight on what the "potential" government shut down might mean for us in the USCIS, NVC, or even Embassy/Consulate stages of the immigration process.

I just spoke to my buddy at the SSA, and he says he's on furlough (unpaid but still has to work to keep his job) until a budget is approved and/or decision on shut down is resolved.

Are the aforementioned departments affected by this?

Thanks

[Amhara 460]

The SSA shouldn't be on furlough until October 1st. If Congress passes a continuing resolution (like a temporary budget for a short period of time) on or before September 30th, there shouldn't be a shut down.

The USCIS may be affected, and I think they would cease. However, the foreign employees at the USEM's may still work. I know some foreign service jobs require you to still work, even during a shut down. If it lasts only two days, it's impractical to bring all the employees from all over the world back to US, only to send them back again. The NVC, on the other hand, gosh, I don't know.

What's supposed to happen is that everyone that is not considered "essential" will be furloughed. "Essential" means protecting life and/or property. So TSA would still work because they are protecting US stuff. But I did read that the SEC would keep working, even if they are shut down.

[geohi 0]

The SSA shouldn't be on furlough until October 1st. If Congress passes a continuing resolution (like a temporary budget for a short period of time) on or before September 30th, there shouldn't be a shut down.

The USCIS may be affected, and I think they would cease. However, the foreign employees at the USEM's may still work. I know some foreign service jobs require you to still work, even during a shut down. If it lasts only two days, it's impractical to bring all the employees from all over the world back to US, only to send them back again. The NVC, on the other hand, gosh, I don't know.

What's supposed to happen is that everyone that is not considered "essential" will be furloughed. "Essential" means protecting life and/or property. So TSA would still work because they are protecting US stuff. But I did read that the SEC would keep working, even if they are shut down.

Yes. He did say it would begin on Oct 1st.

What a bummer.. i could vent and rant right now but i'll save it... so frustrating.

thanks for the info, Amhara!

[Hypnos 6,578]

USCIS is largely self-funded (by application fees), so shutdowns do not affect it nearly as much as other federal agencies. That being said, I'm sure it will have some repercussions somewhere - if it happens.

[geohi 0]

USCIS is largely self-funded (by application fees), so shutdowns do not affect it nearly as much as other federal agencies. That being said, I'm sure it will have some repercussions somewhere - if it happens.

I hope so... we're on the last leg before our interview date (CC, but waiting at NVC still)... so not looking forward to any more delay!

[saddlepatch 6]

If the government shuts down, will it effect those who have been approved getting their Visas back to them through LOOMIS? I just was approved on Friday and waiting for my VISA to come in the courier in London, ON.

Where do our passports even go? Is the VISA put in at the Consulate or are they sent off somewhere else? (Like I know here in Ontario, most of our passport stuff goes to Thunder Bay)

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

Like she said immigration is funded by our fees not the government budget

Problem is if government shuts down many USCIS offices, etc are in Federal buildings and are affected by the building itself being locked / this has happened twice while my application was in process / but not for longer than a few days

[Hypnos 6,578]

we're on the last leg before our interview date (CC, but waiting at NVC still)

Then you're past the USCIS stage and are in the hands of the State Department, and they are very much funded by taxpayers. Visas are not usually designated as "essential services" that must proceed even in the case of a shutdown.

[boy15 23]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any insight on what the "potential" government shut down might mean for us in the USCIS, NVC, or even Embassy/Consulate stages of the immigration process.

I just spoke to my buddy at the SSA, and he says he's on furlough (unpaid but still has to work to keep his job) until a budget is approved and/or decision on shut down is resolved.

Are the aforementioned departments affected by this?

Thanks

I can say USCIS would be affected somehow. However, please remember that, U.S Congress does not provide fund for USCIS for them to work. They get paid base on the fees that you paid for them whenever you submit a form, such as green card, fingerprinting, and citizenship, etc. Embassy/Consulate may still open but very limited.

[geohi 0]

I can say USCIS would be affected somehow. However, please remember that, U.S Congress does not provide fund for USCIS for them to work. They get paid base on the fees that you paid for them whenever you submit a form, such as green card, fingerprinting, and citizenship, etc. Embassy/Consulate may still open but very limited.

interesting...

i wonder how we could find out just how much this impacts us...

[Ryan H 3,834]

Moved from US Citizenship Discussion to General Immigration-Related Discussion.

[geohi 0]

Then you're past the USCIS stage and are in the hands of the State Department, and they are very much funded by taxpayers. Visas are not usually designated as "essential services" that must proceed even in the case of a shutdown.

i feared this... thanks

[WandY 430]

Highly unlikely that a shutdown will occur because there will soon be a change of command in Congress. With a new Speaker of the House coming soon, the Congress will not shut down. The funding issue concerning Planned Parenthood is just a big show - no shutdown. It's a bluff - same as usual. Don't worry about it.

[Hypnos 6,578]

The Speaker isn't leaving until the end of October - after the proposed shutdown.

You're right though - the shutdown is very unlikely.

[Shauneg 762]

Senate passed a budget today, it will pass the other side soon. Don't worry about a shutdown.....