By now, you’ve probably notices the term “government shutdown” all over the news, and if you’re in the process of renewing your H1B visa, it’s understandable to feel a bit uneasy.
For those who submitted their passports at the U.S. consulate in Chennai via the drop box on December 10, the pressing question is: will the shutdown disrupt the timelines?
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This is the situation. A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to reach an agreement on the budget. Without a resolution, federal operations can slow down or come to a halt.
The complicated part is that while U.S. consulates, including the one in Chennai, continue to function, thanks to unending from visa fees – there’s still a chance of delays die to the broader impacts.
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For instance, the Department of Labor might suspend certain services, which could indirectly influence the visa process.
Typically, it takes around 12 days for drop box applicants to be processed in Chennai. However, with the shutdown potentially extending, the processing time could go up.
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Employers in the U.S. may not always be sympathetic to these delays, particularly if they have strict policies regarding leave or remote work.
People are currently caught in this frustrating middle ground, just waiting and hoping it doesn’t disrupt their lives too much.
The shutdown may end soon, or it could take weeks. Either way, this kind of uncertainty makes it hard to stay calm. There’s no simple solution, but staying informed and preparing for longer wait is the best anyone can do at this moment.
