The current lapse in annual appropriated funding for the U.S. government does not affect USCIS’s fee-funded activities including O-1 visa applications. Our offices will remain open, and all individuals should attend interviews and appointments as scheduled. USCIS will continue to accept petitions and applications for benefit requests, except as noted below.
Some USCIS programs, however, will either expire or suspend operations, or be otherwise affected, until they receive appropriated funds or are reauthorized by Congress. These include:
However, consular visa issuance by the U.S. Department of State, while continuing, may become subject to delay as the shutdown continues, so petitioners and artists should be sure to build in extra time, especially in light of the previous Executive Order revocation by the Trump administration that was already increasing wait times at consulates. Consular officers were reportedly instructed last year to take more time with vetting of visa applicants across all classifications, so it is vital to leave more time than usual for the consular process.
For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.
Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Some USCIS programs, however, will either expire or suspend operations, or be otherwise affected, until they receive appropriated funds or are reauthorized by Congress. These include:
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program (not the EB-5 Program). Regional centers are a public or private economic unit in the U.S. that promotes economic growth. USCIS designates regional centers for participation in the Immigrant Investor Program. The EB-5 Program will continue to operate.
- E-Verify. This free internet-based system allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S.
- Conrad 30 Waiver Program for J-1 medical doctors. This program allows J-1 doctors to apply for a waiver of the two-year residence requirement after completing the J-1 exchange visitor program. The expiration only affects the date by which the J-1 doctor must have entered the U.S.; it is not a shutdown of the Conrad 30 program entirely.
- Non-minister religious workers. This special immigrant category allows non-ministers in religious vocations and occupations to immigrate or adjust to permanent resident status in the U.S. to perform religious work in a full-time, compensated position.
However, consular visa issuance by the U.S. Department of State, while continuing, may become subject to delay as the shutdown continues, so petitioners and artists should be sure to build in extra time, especially in light of the previous Executive Order revocation by the Trump administration that was already increasing wait times at consulates. Consular officers were reportedly instructed last year to take more time with vetting of visa applicants across all classifications, so it is vital to leave more time than usual for the consular process.
For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.
Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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