Talk of a government shutdown has increased in the last 24-hours after President Trump announced that he would be proud to shut down the government over border security. What does this mean for the EB-5 Regional Center Program if a shutdown does occur?

The EB-5 Regional Center Program is one of several programs that could be affected by the government shutdown. It could prevent USCIS from processing pending applications until the program receives appropriated funding. Adjudication would resume after reauthorization.

USCIS is a fee-based agency, so it will continue to run despite part of its staff being furloughed. However, some of their programs including myE-Verify and the online Case Tracker would be unavailable.

In the last two days a Continuing Resolution has been drafted, altered and sent between the House and Senate without full approval. The EB-5 Regional Center Program needs approval in order to be reauthorized. Congress has until midnight tonight to pass the bill and send it to the President for his signature or the government could face a partial shutdown.

Visit here to see the January 2018 EB-5 Regional Center Visa Bulletin. Final action dates for all countries for the EB-5 Regional Center Program are listed as ‘U’ or unauthorized.

Investors with pending applications who plan to travel abroad to secure their visa during this time may want to consult with an immigration attorney first.

For more information, send us a message. In the event that a shutdown is averted, find out below if you’re eligible for EB-5: