The US government formally shut down on Wednesday because President Donald Trump and Congress couldn’t agree on a budget by the deadline. This meant that hundreds of thousands of federal workers had to take unpaid leave, and many nonessential government services were put on hold.
One big effect is on the H-1B visa program, which US IT businesses use a lot to hire qualified workers from places like India and China. Nicole Gunara, an immigration lawyer, said that H-1B applications that need a Labour Condition Application (LCA) certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) will be put on hold until Congress approves federal funds.
Gunara stated, “Anyone who doesn’t have a certified LCA will have to wait for the government to open again to continue their H-1B processes.” She also said that the DOL can’t process new LCAs without money from Congress, but that USCIS operations paid for by filing fees will keep going. This has an effect on new H-1B applications, transfers, and changes in status.
Because of the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information. pic.twitter.com/CNd6FtVuZh
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) October 1, 2025
After the Trump administration said that applicants would have to pay a $100,000 fee each year, up from the current $215, and suggested getting rid of the present lottery system in favor of a wage-based selection procedure, the H-1B program has come under further scrutiny.
The US Embassy in India announced 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.”
The shutdown will keep affecting nonessential government functions until Congress gives more money, which makes things uncertain for visa applicants, federal workers, and government activities around the world.