E-Verify shutdown causes delays for US work permit authorisations

Prospective migrants to the USA are being advised to file their applications as soon as possible in case the government shutdown suspends visa applications.

Immigrants who have filed for work permits are already being affected as the E-Verify authorisation process centrally funded by the government has now closed down. Those applying for visas to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services are in a better position as the service is entirely funded by processing fees and is expected to stay open, at least temporarily.

A spokesperson for the Department of Labor, also mostly self-funded, stated that visas will continue to be processed and consulates are not expected to close, but added that a slowdown at government offices may result in a backlog. Applicants required security clearance many also be affected, as the process involves a number of separate departments.

It’s hoped that Congress will introduce and pass a temporary bill funding the government, which would allow the budget debate to run its full course. However, the question of backlogs due to processing delays and the time taken to clear them is seen as a cause for concern amongst immigration experts.

According to a New York-based expat affected by the shutdown, the excess amount of bureaucracy involved in processing work permits and visas makes it impossible to find out which government agencies need to provide input. The government closure came about during the budget debate, when Republicans blocked the funding legislation in the hope of derailing the completely unrelated Obamacare heath bill.