As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government has officially shut down due to Congress’s failure to pass a budget. For Canadians pursuing work or immigrant visas for the United States, such as TN visas, L-1 visas, E-2 investor visas, or immigrant visas processed through the U.S. Consulate in Montreal, this shutdown could cause delays and disruptions in certain immigration services.
This post explains what Canadian applicants need to know about how the shutdown affects key immigration agencies and visa processes.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Most of DHS’s operations are classified as essential and will continue without interruption. Canadians traveling to or working in the United States will still be inspected at ports of entry.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
USCIS will remain open because it is primarily funded by application fees. Canadians applying for green cards (immigrant visas) or adjusting status within the U.S. can expect USCIS to continue processing petitions. However, programs funded by Congress, such as E-Verify, are unavailable during the shutdown, which may impact U.S. employers verifying new hires.
U.S. Consulate in Montreal (Immigrant Visas)
The U.S. Consulate in Montreal, which handles all immigrant visa processing for Canada, will remain open as long as there is sufficient fee-based funding. However, if the shutdown is prolonged, visa appointments could become limited to urgent cases, such as life-or-death emergencies or certain diplomatic needs. Applicants should prepare for possible delays in interviews and visa issuance.
Department of State (DOS) – TN, L-1, and E-2 Visas
Canadians applying for TN, L-1, or E-2 visas at U.S. consulates in Canada (including Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary) will generally continue to be processed. If the shutdown persists for an extended period, consulates may prioritize urgent cases and delay routine visa services.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ports of entry at the Canada-U.S. border will remain open, and most CBP operations will continue. Canadians applying for TN or L-1 status directly at the border should still be able to do so. However, depending on local staffing and priorities, some applicants could face longer wait times or reduced appointment availability.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
ICE enforcement and removal operations will continue during the shutdown. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will also remain open, which is relevant for Canadians on study or exchange programs in the U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL)
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) at DOL will halt all operations during the shutdown. This is especially important for Canadians applying for L-1 or E-2 visas that may require prevailing wage determinations or labor certifications. Employers cannot submit new applications or access the Foreign Labor Gateway (FLAG) system until funding is restored, potentially delaying some employment-based petitions.
Impact on Canadians
- TN Visa Applicants: Border adjudications continue, but expect potential delays at ports of entry.
- L-1 Visa Applicants: Border applications continue, but cases requiring labor certification may face delays.
- E-2 Investor Visa Applicants: Consulates continue to process cases, but services may slow if the shutdown is prolonged.
- Immigrant Visa Applicants in Montreal: Interviews and visa issuance continue for now, but delays are possible if the shutdown extends.
Practical Guidance for Canadians
We encourage Canadian applicants to monitor developments closely and plan for possible delays, particularly if their applications involve DOL certifications or depend on U.S. consulate services.
Our team at Richards and Jurusik is closely tracking the situation and remains available to assist Canadians with TN, L-1, E-2, and immigrant visa matters during the shutdown.
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If you have questions regarding an immigration matter, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
