US H-1B visa processing frozen: How US government shutdown risks legal status for Indian and other international tech workers in America

The US government shutdown that began October 1 has brought H-1B visa processing to a standstill, dealing a severe blow to Indian professionals who represent over 71% of H-1B beneficiaries. The Department of Labor, which issues critical Labour Condition Applications (LCAs) required before any H-1B petition can proceed, has stopped operations due to the funding lapse.

Immigration attorneys warn that no new H-1B visas can be issued, employer transfers cannot be processed, and status changes are impossible unless workers already secured LCA approval before the shutdown.