Federal government shutdown could delay ‘crucial’ immigration services, Penn ISSS says

Penn’s International Scholar and Student Services issued guidance on Tuesday outlining the potential effects of the current federal government shutdown on immigration resources, visa applications, and overseas travel.

The United States government has been shut down since Oct. 1 after Congress missed the deadline to approve a funding deal. The shutdown, according to a Sept. 30 update from ISSS, “will have an impact on crucial immigration services” — including application processing times and operations through the Department of Labor.

“If you are currently in the US maintaining a valid immigration status, this government shutdown will not impact your ability to remain in the United States,” ISSS wrote.

The guidance discouraged “unnecessary international travel” for Penn affiliates holding F-1 and J-1 visas due to “possible delays in visa issuance.”