Is USCIS Impacted by Government Shutdown? Complete Guide for Applicants and Employers

When the U.S. government faces a funding lapse, federal agencies prepare for shutdowns, furloughs, and service disruptions. This has led many people to ask: is USCIS impacted by government shutdown? The answer is both simple and complex. While the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is unique because it operates primarily on application fees, not congressional appropriations, there are still consequences when Washington fails to agree on a spending plan.

For applicants, families, and employers, understanding how a shutdown affects USCIS is crucial. Delays, suspensions of specific programs, and ripple effects from other agencies can influence everything from green card applications to hiring foreign workers.

Why USCIS Is Different from Other Agencies

Most federal agencies rely on Congress for funding. When Congress fails to pass a budget, these agencies stop most operations until funding is restored. USCIS, however, collects billions of dollars each year in filing fees from applicants, which cover the bulk of its costs.

That fee-based model means:

• Most USCIS staff can continue working.
• Interviews, biometrics, and case adjudications generally continue.
• Shutdowns rarely cause USCIS to fully close.

This structure shields USCIS from the worst shutdown effects, but not entirely. A closer look at which services continue and which may pause reveals why the question is USCIS impacted by government shutdown cannot be answered with a simple “no.”

Core Services That Continue During a Shutdown

For the majority of applicants, USCIS operations will proceed even if other agencies are closed. Here are the services least likely to be disrupted:

• Naturalization (Citizenship) Applications – Interviews and oath ceremonies typically continue on schedule.
• Green Card Processing – Adjustment of status applications and related forms keep moving forward.
• Work Authorization (EADs) – Employment authorization documents are still processed, though delays are possible.
• Biometrics Appointments – Fingerprint and photo collection at application support centers usually remain operational.
• Family-Based Petitions – Petitions filed by U.S. citizens for relatives generally proceed without major interruption.

For many immigrants, this means their personal cases may continue even while other parts of government are on hold.

Programs at Risk During a Shutdown

Some USCIS programs do rely, at least partly, on congressional appropriations. These are most vulnerable to suspension during a shutdown.

• E-Verify: This electronic system employers use to check work authorization often shuts down. Employers must wait until it reopens to finalize verification.
• EB-5 Regional Center Program: Investment-driven green card programs can face pauses.
• Conrad 30 J-1 Waiver Program: Doctors serving underserved communities may see delays in waiver processing.
• Religious Worker Visas: Certain non-minister religious worker categories risk suspension during shutdowns.

For applicants tied to these programs, the shutdown can mean real interruptions.

Ripple Effects from Other Agencies

Another important factor is that USCIS doesn’t work in isolation. Even if USCIS itself continues, it depends on other agencies for many immigration functions.

• Department of Labor (DOL): Employment-based visas often require labor certifications from DOL. If DOL staff are furloughed, those cases stall.
• Department of State (DoS): USCIS may approve petitions, but visas cannot be issued abroad if consulates are understaffed.
• Immigration Courts: Some adjustment-of-status and asylum cases are tied to pending court matters. If immigration courts slow down, USCIS cannot finalize related cases.
• Federal Background Checks: Security screening requires coordination with FBI and DHS. If those agencies cut back, processing times lengthen.

This interconnected system explains why applicants may still feel shutdown delays even if USCIS itself is open.

Impact on Applicants

So, is USCIS impacted by government shutdown in ways that matter for individual applicants? The answer depends on the type of application.

• Citizenship Applicants: Most naturalization steps will continue, but large-scale backlogs may grow if background checks slow down.
• Green Card Applicants: Applications continue, but family members abroad may face longer waits due to consular closures.
• Work Permit Holders: EADs are still issued, but printing and mailing could take longer.
• Asylum Seekers: Cases tied to courts may stall until hearings resume.

Applicants should expect delays, but not a total freeze.

Impact on Employers

Employers are also directly affected by a government shutdown. Businesses that sponsor foreign workers or use employment verification systems must adapt quickly.

• E-Verify Suspension: Employers cannot use the system during a shutdown, but they must still complete I-9 forms and verify workers once E-Verify is restored.
• Visa Sponsorship: Companies hiring foreign workers may face delays if DOL or State Department operations are disrupted.
• Seasonal and Specialized Workers: Shutdowns can interfere with hiring timelines, especially in industries like agriculture, healthcare, and tech.

Employers should plan ahead, keeping clear records and communicating with workers about potential delays.

Practical Steps for Applicants During a Shutdown

If you’re worried about how USCIS services will operate, here are practical steps to take:

• Do not skip scheduled appointments. Unless you receive official notice, interviews and biometrics are still happening.
• Track your case online. Use the USCIS case tracker regularly to stay updated.
• File applications as early as possible. Avoid waiting until deadlines if a shutdown seems likely.
• Prepare for longer waits. Build in extra time when planning for travel, employment, or family reunification.
• Stay informed. Follow official USCIS updates for the latest on suspended programs.

Being proactive minimizes stress and ensures you don’t miss important deadlines.

Table: USCIS Operations During a Shutdown

Long-Term Consequences of Shutdowns

Even short shutdowns add to USCIS backlogs. The agency already manages millions of pending cases, and small delays can snowball into long-term bottlenecks. Applicants waiting months for interviews or approvals may see timelines stretched further.

For employers, repeated shutdowns undermine confidence in the stability of immigration processes, making long-term hiring more complex. For families, the uncertainty adds stress to an already challenging journey.

Key Takeaways

• Is USCIS impacted by government shutdown? Yes, but not as severely as other agencies.
• Most core services continue because USCIS is fee-funded.
• Special programs like E-Verify, EB-5, and some visa waivers may pause.
• Applicants may face longer waits due to ripple effects from other agencies.
• Employers need to plan ahead for verification and sponsorship challenges.

Final Thoughts

The reality is that USCIS is not completely immune to shutdowns. While the agency’s fee-based funding allows most operations to continue, shutdowns bring complications that ripple across the immigration system. Delays, program suspensions, and backlog growth are all real consequences. If you are navigating USCIS services during this period, share your thoughts below and stay connected for the latest updates.