USCIS continues to process EB-5 applications and most of its operations are not affected by shutdown or the lapse in federal funding. USCIS offices will remain open, and all individuals should attend interviews and appointments as scheduled.
Please note there is a difference between EB-5 and EB-5 Regional center program. Only regional center program is affected.
Most of USCIS is not affected by the shutdown. Our funding comes from fees, so we can still process applications and conduct interviews. Make sure you attend your scheduled appointments. https://t.co/QDxDkMFUPN
— USCIS (@USCIS) January 18, 2019
Affected operations
Some USCIS programs, however, will either expire or suspend operations, or be otherwise affected, until they receive appropriated funds or are reauthorized by Congress. These include:
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program (not the EB-5 Program). Regional centers are a public or private economic unit in the U.S. that promotes economic growth. USCIS designates regional centers for participation in the Immigrant Investor Program. The EB-5 Program will continue to operate.
- E-Verify. This free internet-based system allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S.
- Conrad 30 Waiver Program for J-1 medical doctors. This program allows J-1 doctors to apply for a waiver of the two-year residence requirement after completing the J-1 exchange visitor program. The expiration only affects the date by which the J-1 doctor must have entered the U.S.; it is not a shutdown of the Conrad 30 program entirely.
- Non-minister religious workers. This special immigrant category allows non-ministers in religious vocations and occupations to immigrate or adjust to permanent resident status in the U.S. to perform religious work in a full-time, compensated position.