Government Shutdown Halts E-Verify and Slows Visa Processing as New Fiscal Year Begins - VisaHQ
Key Takeaways
- It has been reported that the government shutdown has halted E-Verify checks, creating immediate problems for employers who rely on the system to confirm new hires' work eligibility.
- Visa adjudication and consular services have slowed, affecting both nonimmigrant (H‑1B, F‑1, L‑1) and immigrant visa applicants; routine appointments and background checks are reported to be delayed.
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and the State Department face reduced staffing; some essential services may continue but with longer processing times and uncertainty.
- Affected people should monitor official agency guidance, preserve documentation of lawful status and I‑9 records, and contact immigration counsel or employers to discuss contingency plans.
Background
As the new fiscal year began without full appropriations, it has been reported that certain federal immigration functions stalled. E‑Verify — the Department of Homeland Security’s online system that many employers use to confirm a new hire’s authorization to work — was reportedly taken offline or limited because personnel who operate and oversee parts of the program were furloughed. At the same time, visa processing at domestic USCIS offices and overseas consular posts has slowed, according to reports, as reduced staffing affects interview scheduling, security checks and routine adjudication work.
What’s affected and why it matters
E‑Verify is used by employers to electronically check employees’ I‑9 information against government records. A halt or slowdown can leave employers unable to complete electronic verification for new hires who otherwise must be legally authorized to work. For visa applicants, a slowdown in USCIS and Department of State (DOS) operations can delay petition approvals, change of status adjudications, biometrics appointments, and consular visa interviews — impacting H‑1B start dates, family‑based immigrant visa travel, student visa overseas stamping, and other time‑sensitive transitions.
USCIS is largely fee‑funded and in some past lapses continued limited operations, while DOS and other agencies rely on annual appropriations. However, it has been reported that even fee‑funded activity can be disrupted when key staff are unavailable or when interagency checks (such as background investigations) are paused. That means premium processing, biometrics, and security clearances may take longer than normal.
Human impact and practical steps
For individuals and employers, the immediate effects are real: delayed job start dates, uncertainty for students awaiting travel signatures or OPT (optional practical training) processing, and longer family reunification waits. Practical steps include keeping copies of all immigration and employment documents, communicating with employers about possible delayed start dates or remote work contingencies, and contacting immigration counsel for case‑specific advice. Employers who are contractually required to complete E‑Verify for new hires should document attempts to comply and monitor the E‑Verify and USCIS websites for official notices.
What to watch next: Congress must pass appropriations or a continuing resolution to restore full staffing and routine immigration operations. Until then, expect irregular service levels and check official agency sites for real‑time updates. For anyone with an imminent immigration deadline, contacting your lawyer or the relevant agency for status confirmation is prudent.
Source: Original Article