Despite the federal funding lapse, the US Embassy in India confirms that visa and passport services will remain operational “as resources permit,” even as other US government functions halt.
New Delhi / Washington, D.C. : Monday, October 6, 2025
US government officially enters shutdown
The United States government entered a shutdown at midnight on October 1, 2025, after the US Congress failed to approve a funding bill for the new fiscal year. The deadlock has halted funding for several non-essential government departments, forcing hundreds of thousands of federal workers to either go on unpaid leave or work without pay.
This marks the first major shutdown since 2019, and analysts warn it could have ripple effects on public services, global travel, and diplomatic missions — including those in India.
The impact, however, varies. Essential services like border security, national defense, and air traffic control continue. But many civilian programs, from research grants to consumer protection, have come to a standstill.
US Embassy in India issues reassurance
In a move to allay fears among Indian travelers and visa applicants, the US Embassy in India released an official statement confirming that it will continue providing visa and passport services during the shutdown — at least temporarily.
“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 embassy said in its statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) and its official website.
However, it also clarified that the embassy’s social media accounts would not be updated regularly due to staffing limitations. Only urgent safety and security updates will be posted until funding is restored.
This statement provides relief to thousands of Indians who depend on the US Embassy and consulates in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata for student, business, work, and tourist visas.
Why consular operations continue despite the shutdown
Unlike most US government agencies, consular services such as visa issuance and passport renewals are funded primarily through application fees, not congressional appropriations. This allows these services to continue even during periods of federal funding lapses.
A similar arrangement during previous shutdowns allowed embassies and consulates worldwide to operate for several weeks without interruption — as long as fee collections covered their operating costs.
However, prolonged shutdowns can eventually slow down operations if support systems within other federal agencies — like the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, or background-checking authorities — are affected.
Immigration experts warn that while appointments may not be canceled immediately, delays and backlog buildup are likely if the shutdown continues.
Potential impact on visa categories
The effects of the US government shutdown differ across visa types and agencies involved in their processing:
- H-1B & Work Visas: Applications may face delays since the Department of Labor cannot process Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), which are required for H-1B and other work visa filings.
- Student Visas (F-1, J-1): Embassies may continue interviews, but database updates and security clearance steps could be delayed.
- Tourist and Business Visas (B1/B2): Processing will continue normally, though scheduling new appointments could take longer.
- Green Card and Adjustment of Status: USCIS, which is fee-funded, will keep processing most forms but may face indirect impacts if other departments stall.
According to immigration attorney Vishal Sharma, “The shutdown won’t stop embassy interviews immediately, but it can create invisible choke points — delayed background checks, slow data updates, or late courier dispatches — that add days or even weeks to processing times.”
Wider impact of the US shutdown
The shutdown extends far beyond immigration or consular operations. Across America, government offices, research labs, and museums are shuttered, while federal aid programs and grant-dependent agencies have suspended activity.
Some key effects include:
- Federal employees: Nearly 800,000 government workers face furlough or unpaid work.
- Public services: National parks, museums, and certain medical research institutions have closed.
- Air travel: TSA and air traffic controllers continue to work without pay, increasing stress on the system.
- Economic uncertainty: Prolonged shutdowns can dent GDP growth and investor confidence.
US President Joe Biden blamed the deadlock on partisan gridlock in Congress, saying, “Americans deserve a government that works for them, not one that shuts down because of political games.”
Embassy guidance for Indian applicants
The US Embassy urged all applicants in India to check their email notifications and monitor official embassy websites before arriving for appointments. Applicants are also advised to avoid relying on social media posts or unverified third-party updates about scheduling or cancellations.
“All individuals with confirmed appointments should appear as scheduled unless notified otherwise,” the embassy added.
For those awaiting administrative processing or visa reissuance, the embassy has promised to continue providing updates as operations allow.
The embassy’s consular services include:
- Non-immigrant visa interviews
- Immigrant visa processing
- Passport renewals and replacements
- Notarial services for US citizens in India
- Emergency travel documentation
Applicants have been encouraged to continue using the online appointment system for scheduling and to expect limited customer service responses during the funding lapse.
What happens next
Experts say the shutdown’s ultimate impact depends on how long it lasts. A short shutdown of a few days may have little to no effect on visa operations. But if the standoff drags on for weeks, delays could intensify as administrative reserves deplete.
Additionally, embassy and consulate staff working under reduced budgets may eventually need to scale back non-urgent services if operational funds run low.
For now, however, the embassy’s assurance has brought relief to millions of Indians awaiting US travel and immigration decisions — especially amid record-high visa demand after pandemic-era backlogs.
Past precedent: Lessons from 2018-19 shutdown
During the 2018-19 US government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, US embassies continued limited operations worldwide. While visa services were not halted, turnaround times lengthened, and applicants faced delays in document delivery and case status updates.
That shutdown also exposed how intertwined federal agencies are in global mobility — from the Department of State to DHS and Labor. The current situation, observers say, may mirror that experience if the impasse remains unresolved for weeks.
Looking ahead
- If Congress passes a continuing resolution, normal government funding could resume within days, stabilizing all embassy operations.
- If the shutdown continues, processing slowdowns may begin to affect new visa applications by late October.
- For Indian travelers and professionals, experts recommend maintaining flexible travel plans and preparing for longer wait times for interviews or renewals.
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