As the United States federal government continues to remain shut down, our office is learning first-hand of some of the effects caused by the stalemate in Washington, D.C.  Specifically, some U.S. Embassies and Consular Section may experience shutdowns of their own. On January 2, 2019, prior to the opening of the 116th Congress, our office was informed by one U.S. consular section that due “to the current situation in regards to the Government shutdown, there are no available appointments at the moment. Our Post is awaiting on further instructions.”  Unfortunately, the client was informed that because of the shutdown her consular interview and plans to obtain her working visa was cancelled.

As noted by The Washington Post, “The State Department, for example, said it will keep issuing passports and visas — although it warned that such activities ‘will remain operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations.’”  The U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom notes that “The Federal Government of the United States of America is currently in a Lapse of Appropriations period starting Saturday, December 22, 2018.” This same or similar message appears on other U.S. Embassy websites, including in Germany; Hong Kong and Macau; Mauritius; Estonia; and others. At best, it is a vague warning that funding may run out for U.S. embassies and consulates, or as some shopping promotions state, “while supplies last.” As a result, it will be very important to warn clients that they may experience delays or cancellations of their visa interviews due to the shutdown, and should plan accordingly.