The 2026 fiscal year has begun with the U.S. government shutdown. EB-5 investors should be aware how this event could affect their visa applications.
Petitions currently being processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are unlikely to face additional delays. This is because USCIS is largely self-funded through application fees, making it less dependent on the federal budget. As a result, USCIS is expected to continue processing EB-5 applications during a shutdown.
According to a Department of Homeland Security procedures manual, nearly all of the USCIS employees will be retained during the shutdown.
That said, some delays are still possible. If USCIS needs to consult with another federal agency that relies on government funding, EB-5 petitions could be slowed. Similarly, new applications submitted through an embassy or consulate may be delayed if those offices close, since the Department of State is funded through the federal budget.
Government shutdowns typically occur near the end of a fiscal year. This year, the Office of Management and Budget had instructed federal agencies to prepare for such an event if Congress and President Donald Trump do not reach a short-term funding agreement by Sept. 30.
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