Client Alert: Government Shutdown Will Impact Processing Times of PERM

On October 1, 2025, the federal government shut down. Unlike the shutdown in 2018 to 2019, this includes the Department of Labor, leading to a halting of all current PERM cases. There will likely be delays for H-1B, E-3, and H-1B1 petitions. For H-2 filings, the American Immigration Lawyers Association has outlined some recommendations to avoid complications under heading “DOL” here: https://www.aila.org/library/practice-alert-what-happens-if-the-government-shuts-down-1 

These are unprecedented times. Our firm will continue to diligently update our clients as this issue progresses. 

Sources: 

​​https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/government-shutdown-trump-layoffs-federal-budget-live-updates-rcna234266 

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/us/politics/government-shutdown.html 

https://www.aila.org/library/practice-alert-what-happens-if-the-government-shuts-down-1 

https://www.duanemorris.com/alerts/how_potential_government_shutdown_would_impact_us_immigration_processes_0925.html