The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is expected to disrupt a wide range of services, with some federal agencies halting operations, employees placed on unpaid leave, and others working without pay until the government reopens. Among the most impacted are the processing of H-1B visas and green cards — crucial for thousands of Indian professionals, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
Immigration experts highlight that the shutdown has cut funding to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), a key agency in the H-1B and Green Card process. Before sponsoring an H-1B, employers must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the DOL. Without approval of the LCA, petitions cannot move forward with immigration authorities.
The shutdown could freeze H-1B visa and Green Card processing, leaving Indian workers and companies in limbo
This means that unless an LCA was approved before October 1, no new H-1B petitions, transfers, or status changes can proceed until the DOL resumes operations. Reports confirm that all H-1B processing is effectively on hold until further notice.
The U.S. Embassy in India attempted to reassure applicants in a post on X: “At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at US Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits.”
During a shutdown, federal agencies are barred from spending money except on essential functions, forcing nonessential activities to pause until Congress passes a funding bill.
Indians are among the largest beneficiaries of H-1B visas. According to Indian government data, the number of Indians on H-1B visas surged from 94,145 in 2020 to 348,629 in 2024 — a rise of nearly 270%. But with Trump’s new visa policies adding further restrictions, this shutdown could deal another heavy blow to the pipeline of skilled Indian workers headed to the U.S.
