How a Government Shutdown Could Affect ITIN and Work Permit Applications
Understanding Government Shutdowns and Your Applications
A government shutdown occurs when Congress does not approve the federal budget by a specific deadline, resulting in many government offices operating with reduced staff or limited services. For immigrants and ITIN applicants, this may result in longer processing times for applications.
At Spera Wise, we help you prepare your applications correctly from the start to minimize potential processing delays.
What Is a Government Shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress does not pass funding legislation for federal agencies and departments. When this happens:
• Non-essential federal employees are furloughed (sent home without pay)
• Only essential services continue operating
• Processing times for applications slow down significantly or stop completely
• Customer service lines may be unavailable or have limited hours
How Does It Affect Immigrants and ITIN Applicants?
IRS Services During a Shutdown
• ITIN applications may take significantly longer due to reduced IRS staff
• Tax refund processing could be delayed by weeks or months
• Phone lines for taxpayer assistance may be closed
• Walk-in Taxpayer Assistance Centers might operate on reduced schedules
USCIS Services During a Shutdown
• Work permit applications (Form I-765) processing may slow down
• Green card and visa applications could experience delays
• Biometrics appointments might be rescheduled
• Customer service response times increase significantly
• Online case status updates may be less frequent
What You Can Do to Prepare
Submit Applications Early
Planning ahead is important. Applications submitted before a shutdown have a better chance of being processed during this period. We recommend submitting at least 60-90 days before your deadline.
Double-Check Your Documents
Ensure every document is complete, signed, and accurate. Missing signatures, incorrect addresses, or incomplete forms will cause additional delays—especially during periods when processing times are extended.
Keep Copies of Everything
Maintain copies of all submitted documents, receipts, and confirmation numbers. Having complete records is essential for tracking your application status at all times.
Stay Informed
Monitor official government websites (irs.gov and uscis.gov) for updates on shutdown status and service availability. Sign up for email alerts from both agencies to receive the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my ITIN application be rejected if there's a shutdown?
No, your application won't be rejected due to a shutdown. However, processing will be delayed. Applications are typically processed in the order they were received once operations resume.
Can I still file my taxes during a shutdown?
Yes, you can still file your tax return during a shutdown. However, processing times for refunds and ITIN applications will be significantly delayed.
What happens to my work permit application during a shutdown?
USCIS is primarily fee-funded, so most immigration services continue during shutdowns. However, some delays may occur, especially for applications requiring government coordination.
How long do government shutdowns typically last?
Shutdowns can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 34 days (December 2018 - January 2019).
Need Expert Help?
At Spera Wise, we help you prepare your ITIN and immigration forms correctly to minimize delays and stress—shutdown or not. Our bilingual team ensures your application is complete, accurate, and submitted properly.
✅ Complete ITIN application preparation
✅ Tax return filing for immigrants
✅ Document translation and notarization
✅ Application tracking and status updates
✅ 100% service in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
Note: Spera Wise is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide document preparation and tax services.