H-1B Visa Processing Delayed Due to US Government Shutdown: Implications for Indian Workers

The US government shutdown has brought several federal agencies to a standstill, including those responsible for processing H-1B visas and green cards. This disruption has created considerable uncertainty for Indian professionals who depend on these visas to work in the United States. The US Department of Labor, which handles key aspects of the H-1B visa process, including Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) and PERM certifications, has been forced to halt operations. Companies seeking to sponsor H-1B visas must first have an approved LCA from the Department of Labor. The shutdown has halted the processing of these applications, preventing new H-1B approvals and hindering existing visa holders from changing employers or adjusting their status. Individuals whose LCAs were pending approval before the shutdown are now in a holding pattern. The situation will persist until the government reopens and the Department of Labor resumes its normal functions, further impacting the timelines of countless Indian professionals navigating the US immigration system.