Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011...udget-deadlock

Anyone have any insight into whether this will affect overseas embassies and visa processing?

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

I've been concerned about this too. I read that during the 1995 shut down some 80,000 visas were delayed. I assume it would affect the London embassy but not those at NVC stage?

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

I read this on an immigration forum:
While the diplomatic and security aspects of the Department of State (DOS) operations would continue, visa applications would likely not be processed in the event of a shutdown. It is anticipated that the consulates will not be open for visa appointments and processing. Thus, depending upon the duration of such an event, individuals could be stranded abroad with no way of obtaining required travel documents. The same is true for the processing of U.S. passports.

Let's all hope this doesn't happen :(

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

Yeah seriously... That would be the icing on the cake of the whole visa process...

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

it would seem the shutdowns typically last for a couple of days (according to an article I read) but the last one in '95 lasted 21 days!
I dread to think how many months that would set back our visa applications?!

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

Hi Everyone,

I was doing some reading on this in my lunch hour and sacrificed a glorious afternoon in the park enjoying the sun.

Anyway....looks worth while as I found this article interesting and hopefully restores some hope that if this goes ahead USCIS will remain functioning. Have a read see what you guys think?

USCIS – USCIS has announced that, because it is funded by filing fees, it should remain open during a government shutdown. The operations of the four Service Centers should remain largely unaffected. Local USCIS District Offices should also remain open.


http://global-immigration-news.total...-consequences/

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

yeah, I did read that too, but then I read that consulates would be part of the shutdown, and I filed DCF. hmm, will have to wait and see.....

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

Yeah I guess we just have to wait and see, I think I am in exactly the same position you are, filed DCF in london with date Dec 9th....the fact the website hasn't moved again all week does not fill me with Joy either. But on a positive note the sun is shining I suppose.

Keep me posted with your progress as we are 'Filing Sisters' :)

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

Would there be an effect on citizenship applications too?

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

N-400's are processed by USCIS, so if USCIS does not shut down, then no.

Rene

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

That's what i thought. Time to start putting my paperwork together then!

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

I hope it won't happen but isn't it really the worst case scenario and not very likely to affect us, considering that it has only happened once in the past that it shut down for more than a few days? And even if it is for a couple of days what difference is this going to make to our pending applications? They shut down for holidays too. At least I hope it won't be so bad, I really don't want to be pessimistic any more...

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

The issue is an interesting one. It pays to note that "DCF" is actually a misnoemer when it comes to London. A true "DCF" is when the "consular officer" adjudicates an I-130. ConOffs do not have DCF where there is a DHS office within the overseas post -- such as London.

Now, will the DHS office be affected by a shut-down in light of user fees? I have no idea.

BTW, the immigration courts were shut down in 1995 other than for emergency services for which a duty judge would be available. This actually made a lot of aliens happy. :)

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

Well after 16 months my CR-1 interview is scheduled at London in 3 weeks time.
So here's hoping for no closures or shutdowns or any other weird occurrences...

Re: Consequences of possible US government shutdown...
 

phew! they didn't shut it down after all:) yay!