The United States government officially entered a “partial shutdown” on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
This happened because the US Congress could not agree on a spending bill before the midnight deadline. While shutdowns often sound scary, this one is unique because it started over a weekend, and a solution is already on the table. However, for Indians—especially those on H-1B visas, students, and investors—it is important to understand what is happening.
Here is a simple, detailed breakdown of the situation, why it happened, and how it impacts India.
What Just Happened?
At 12:01 AM on Saturday (January 31), funding for several key US government departments expired. This means these agencies technically do not have the money to operate.
The main reason for this shutdown is a disagreement over immigration policy.
- The Conflict: Lawmakers are arguing over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This follows a controversial incident in Minneapolis involving federal agents, which led to protests.
- The Delay: The US Senate (Upper House) has already passed a deal to fund most agencies and provide temporary money for DHS.
- The Problem: The House of Representatives (Lower House) was not in session when the deadline passed. They are scheduled to return on Monday, February 2, 2026, to vote on the deal.
Because of this schedule gap, the government is “technically” shut down over the weekend.
Read more: Calicut University News
Which Departments Are Affected?
This is a partial shutdown, not a full one. However, nearly 75% of the government is waiting for funding. This includes:
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Department of Labor (DOL)
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Department of Education
- Department of Defense
Important: “Essential” services do not stop. The military, air traffic control, and border protection continue to work, though staff may not get paid immediately.
Impact on India: Visas, Travel, and Trade
For Indian citizens, the biggest concern during any US shutdown is usually immigration and travel. Here is the current status:
1. H-1B and Green Card Processing
- Good News: The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is mostly funded by user fees, not government budget. This means H-1B petitions, Green Card applications, and other forms generally continue to be processed.
- The Risk: The Department of Labor (DOL) is affected. The DOL handles “Labor Condition Applications” (LCA) and PERM certifications, which are mandatory for H-1B visas and Green Cards.
- If the shutdown ends by Monday/Tuesday: There will be no impact.
- If the shutdown drags on: The DOL portal may go offline, meaning companies cannot file new H-1B applications.
2. US Student Visas (F-1/M-1)
- US Consulates and Embassies in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata) usually stay open during short shutdowns because they use collected visa fees to run operations.
- Existing students in the US are safe. Their status does not change.
3. Travel and Airports
- Flights to and from the US are operating normally.
- TSA agents (security checks) and Air Traffic Controllers are “essential workers.” They must work even during a shutdown.
- Warning: If a shutdown lasts a long time, some agents might call in sick, causing longer queues at US airports. Since this is expected to be short, travel should be smooth.
Why Did This Happen? (The Background)
The shutdown is not just about money; it is political. Recent tensions rose after an incident in Minneapolis where two US citizens were killed during an operation by immigration agents.
This caused Democratic lawmakers to demand strict changes to how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operates. They refused to approve full funding until new rules for agent conduct were included. To prevent a crisis, the Senate created a temporary compromise, but the House was away on recess, leaving a gap of two days.
What Happens Next?
This shutdown is expected to be very short.
- Monday, Feb 2, 2026: The House of Representatives will return to Washington, D.C.
- The Vote: They are expected to quickly vote on the bill passed by the Senate.
- The Result: If passed, the bill goes to the President for a signature, and the government reopens immediately.
Most experts believe the shutdown will end by early next week. However, if political arguments flare up again on Monday, it could extend by a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will my US visa interview be cancelled?
Likely not. US Consulates typically remain open during short shutdowns as they are funded by visa fees. However, check your email for official updates just in case.
Q: Is the US dollar affecting the Indian Rupee due to this?
Monday markets may see slight fluctuation, but since a deal is expected quickly, major currency crashes are unlikely.
Q: Can I still apply for a new H-1B visa right now?
You can submit petitions to USCIS. However, if you need a new Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor, you might face a delay until the government reopens.
Q: Will US government websites stop working?
Some non-essential websites might not be updated or could show a “maintenance” message, but essential portals usually stay active.
Q: Do federal employees get paid?
They will not get paid for the days of the shutdown until it ends. Once the government reopens, they usually receive “back pay” (payment for the missed days).