On September 30, the US House of Representatives approved a bipartisan short-term funding bill, known as a continuing resolution. The bill, which was approved by the US Senate and signed into law by President Joe Biden, provides the necessary funding to keep the federal government in operation for an additional 45 days, buying Congress more time to pass long-term funding legislation. However, UO leadership continues to monitor the situation. If long-term funding legislation does not pass by November 17, the narrowly avoided partial government shutdown this past weekend could become reality. The Division of Global Engagement is closely following the situation, and will keep our community updated.
Updated 10/3/2023
This message summarizes potential impacts to international students, scholars and employees should the US government shutdown over federal budget discussions. ISSS will keep campus updated as more guidance becomes available.
While we are not 100% certain what will happen if the US federal government shuts down, prior experience suggests the following higher and lower probably impacts. Please continue to check this page for the most up to date information on government shut down impacts on UO’s international population. It is important that, even if the shutdown occurs, we remain calm. The University of Oregon will continue to support the international community through a government shutdown.
HIGHER PROBABLE IMPACT
Social security numbers
In past government shutdowns, the Social Security Administration did not process Social Security Number (SSN) applications during the shutdown. International students, employees and visitors who need a social security number should contact ISSS for further information.
H1-B, E3 and some permanent residency filings
The US Department of Labor (DOL) has closed during prior government shutdowns. DOL issues Prevailing Wage Determinations and certifies Labor Condition Applications (LCA) and PERM applications. These applications are required for filing H-1B, E-3 and some permanent residency cases with USCIS. A shutdown could mean that DOL will neither accept nor process any pending applications. If a federal government shut down occurs, please contact ISSS with your questions or concerns. If you currently hold H-1B or similar status and/or have an H-1B or similar status renewal approaching this spring or summer, ISSS does not have specific concerns at this time.
Visa services at US embassies overseas
During past shutdowns of short duration, US embassies abroad continued to issue US visas. A longer government shut down may limit these services, and could impact visa applications for international students, scholars, and employees. If a shutdown occurs, all international travelers should contact ISSS prior to travel.
LOWER PROBABLE IMPACT
Most other federal services related to international travel and employment authorization, such as US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Department of State (DOS), are either fee-based, already funded, or considered essential services. Thus, in past shutdowns, the US government continued to issue US passports and US visas as long as there were sufficient funds to support these operations. Passport issuance may experience delay. US citizens are encouraged to plan ahead.
Oregon Driver’s License or State ID: The Department of Motor Vehicles will remain open during a government shutdown because state motor vehicle services do not receive federal funding.
Employment Authorizations
J-1 on-campus work authorization letters are entirely processed and issued by ISSS and will not be impacted by a government shutdown.
F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorizations are entirely processed and issued by ISSS and will not be impacted by a government shutdown.
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorizations are process by USCIS and have not been impacted by previous government shutdowns, as USCIS is funded by user fees.
SEVIS transactions
SEVIS, the database used to manage and process all aspects of an F-1 or J-1 international student or J-1 visiting scholar’s, university immigration record is a fee-based information system considered to be important to national security. Therefore, in previous government shutdowns, SEVIS continued to operate as normal. During a shutdown, the ISSS office will continue offering SEVIS document services to our international students and scholars related to their F or J visa status.
H-1B, O-1, E3, TN, and permanent residency applications
As these services are funded with user-fees paid to USCIS, that agency should continue to process H-1B, O-1, E3, TN, F-1 OPT and permanent residency applications.
Arrival to US Ports of Entry
As essential functions, arrival inspection operations at US borders and ports of entry should continue. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) should continue to process immigration applications at the border.
If you have any questions about how a government shutdown may affect you, please contact the International Student and Scholar Services team.