As of October 1, the U.S. government has shut down. Key agencies that Harvard international students, scholars, and employees interact with will be affected until the shutdown resolves. Many are fee-funded and should generally remain operational, but delays are possible.  

• Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP): Oversees SEVIS records for F-1 and J-1 visa holders; should operate as usual since it is fee-funded. 
• Department of State (Consular Services/Visas): Handles visa issuance at consulates; generally should continue operating, but delays may occur if services rely on closed agencies or underfunded consulates limit activity. 
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Processes immigration petitions and applications; most services will continue, but some delays are possible. 
• E-Verify: Used by employers to confirm work eligibility; will be unavailable during shutdown. Employers cannot process E-Verify checks. 
• Department of Labor: Will not process Labor Condition Applications, wage requests, or PERM applications — this will delay related H visa filings. 
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Should continue normal operations, though some processing may be delayed. 
• Social Security Administration (SSA): Partially closed. Some offices may process SSN applications, but delays or suspended services are possible. 

For concerns related to your immigration status or applications, please contact the HIO.