TLDR;
Faye D'Souza answers questions about the US government shutdown and its impact on H1B visa processes. Due to a failure in passing the funding bill, non-essential services, including parts of the Labor Department, are shutting down, which will freeze H1B processing. Visa services at the US Embassy in India will continue, but with limited social media updates. This shutdown will extend wait times for H1B applicants, and everyone is waiting for Congress to reach a consensus.
- US government shutdown affects H1B visa processing.
- Labor Department shutdown stalls new applications and transfers.
- Visa services at US Embassy in India continue with limitations.
US Government Shutdown and H1B Visas: An Update [0:00]
Faye is addressing concerns about the US government shutdown and its effects on H1B visas. As of midnight on October 1st, the US government has shut down because Republicans and Democrats in the Senate haven't passed a funding bill. This isn't new; it's happened 21 times since 1977, with the longest shutdown lasting 35 days.
Impact of the Shutdown [0:50]
During the shutdown, essential services like social security, air traffic control, police, FBI, and postal services continue without pay. Non-essential services are put on furlow, meaning employees are on leave without pay. Reuters reports that 750,000 federal workers will be furlowed, costing the American economy about $400 million daily. Non-essential services like the Center for Disease Control, national parks, and health institutes will shut down, and air traffic will operate with fewer staff.
H1B Visa Implications [1:30]
The shutdown impacts H1B visas because the Labor Department, which plays a key role in processing, will be shut down. This means no new H1Bs will be filed, and job or employer changes won't be possible. Green card perm certifications are also stalled. According to an Indian newspaper quoting an immigration attorney, no one can get a new H1B, transfer employers, or change their status if their LCA wasn't approved before October 1st.
Visa Services and the Bigger Picture [2:12]
Immigration services are still running, but without Labor Department approval, it doesn't mean much. The H1B application pipeline is stalled, causing further delays, especially for new applications and those seeking immediate talent transfers. The US Embassy in India will continue visa services, but their social media updates will be limited, as those employees are considered non-essential.
Indefinite Freeze and What's Next [2:49]
The H1B application pipeline is facing an indefinite freeze, which will extend wait times for everyone. All eyes are on Congress to see if they can reach a consensus. Until then, everyone waits in limbo. If you have more visa-related questions, leave them in the comment section for clarification or potential answers from an immigration lawyer.