US Government Shutdown Stalls H-1B Visa Processing, Creating Uncertainty for Indian Professionals

The ongoing US government shutdown has significantly impacted various government services, leading to operational halts, furloughs, and unpaid work for many employees. A critical area affected by this shutdown is the processing of H-1B visas and green cards, vital for numerous Indian professionals seeking to work and live in the United States. The Department of Labor, essential for H-1B and green card processing, has ceased operations due to funding restrictions, directly impacting the ability of individuals to obtain these crucial documents. Prior to sponsoring an H-1B visa, companies must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor. Approval of the LCA is a prerequisite for proceeding with immigration applications. The department also handles PERM certifications, a key step for those applying for employment-based green cards. Consequently, applicants whose LCAs were not approved before October 1 are now facing delays. Specifically, this means no new H-1B visas can be issued, nor can employees switch employers or change their status to H-1B until the Labor Department resumes its functions. H-1B processing will remain suspended until the shutdown is resolved and the Labor Department is operational again.