Government Shutdown - Services Status
Congress did not pass a funding bill by September 30, 2025, so parts of the U.S. government has shut down. Past shutdowns show that some services continue, while others stop until funding is restored. Here is a summation of the status of certain impacted government agencies for your quick reference.
| Agency / Service | Status During Shutdown | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Consulates (Visa Services) | Likely reduced / Closed | Visa appointments, interviews, and issuance may be delayed or canceled; new arrivals may need to adjust travel plans. |
| Dept. of State – J-1 Waiver Division | Likely Closed | Waiver applications delayed; change of status for those under 2-year home rule cannot proceed. |
| Social Security Administration (SSA) | Closed | No new Social Security number applications for students/scholars. |
| E-Verify | Unavailable | Employers must use alternate I-9 verification process. |
| Dept. of Labor – Labor Condition Applications (LCA) | Closed | H-1B/E-1 petitions cannot be filed without approved LCA. |
| Dept. of Labor – PERM Labor Certification | Closed | Permanent residence cases requiring PERM will pause. |
| U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) | Open (fee-funded) | H-1B, O-1, E-1, F-1 OPT/STEM OPT, status changes, and green card processing continue, but delays are possible if security checks depend on closed agencies. |
| U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) | Open (essential service) | Ports of entry and airport inspections continue. |
| Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Open (state agency) | Licenses, permits, and registrations remain available. |