Government Shutdown in the United States: Affect on flights to visas for students
The United States of America has officially announced its shutdown for the first time since 2019 due to funding clashes between Trump and other democrats. The potential government shutdown in Washington, the Capital of the United States of America, can impact Indian students indirectly who are seeking studies in USA. On October 1, 2025, US federal government shutdown occurred, which could halt visa, immigration, and travel services. From F‑1 visa interviews getting slowed down or even pausing, to US flight schedules being disrupted, the impact of such a shutdown of US govt can affect Indian students.
This Story also Contains
- US Government Shutdown 2025: Overview
- Impact on Visa Appointments for F1 Interviews?
- Flight Delays and Air Travel Chaos Amid United States Federal Government Shutdown
- What to do now amid US Government shutdown as Indian Students?
So, one way or the other, US federal government shutdown affects your student visa, flights, and your study plans. Wondering what could be the implications of such chaos, read the article below for more information on the government shutdown in Washington, the Capital of the United States of America.
Also Read: How Raising Fees on H1B by Trump Will Impact Indian Students?
US Government Shutdown 2025: Overview
On October 1, 2025, the US government has announced its shutdown for the first time since the lockdown (2019). The potential United States shutdown in Washington is the result of Congress's failure to approve a temporary funding deal by the deadline. The main reason behind the shutdown is a disagreement clash on healthcare funding between Donald Trump and other democrats.
With the US govt shutdown in Washington, around 750,000 government workers will be temporarily out of work, leading to a halt or delay in several government services, including immigration services. With the sudden shutdown, Trump has not been prepared much for it, and hence, some of the current temporary job cuts might become permanent. International students on H1B visas in USA are the ones who can be most impacted by such a threat of temporary job losses and permanent ones.
Impact on Visa Appointments for F1 Interviews?
Let us now check whether the ongoing turmoil of the United States federal government shutdown will have any impact on the F1 visa.
The US Embassy in India has said that already scheduled visa and passport services will continue 'as conditions permit' even during the shutdown.
But is it really not going to impact the immigration or consular services? Many backup or non‑essential consular staff may be furloughed, which could slow processing.
In 2025, new student visa appointments were already paused globally due to expanded social media screening rules under Trump’s administration policies.
Indian students now must apply for a student visa in India. Previously, one could apply for the visa from a third country as well, which is set to be banned in 2025. The study visa decision processing time included a waiting period of more than 3 months for Mumbai/Hyderabad, whereas over 9 months for Chennai.
Also Read
Flight Delays and Air Travel Chaos Amid United States Federal Government Shutdown
The air services are questionable, as there is no definite order of stoppages, but it can experience delays, slowdown of processes, and many more.
During US govt shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may furlough around 11,000 employees.
Beyond the furlough of employees in the aviation sector during the shutdown, important functions such as air traffic control, TSA will continue to operate. However, the staff tend to work without pay, leading to reduced capacity.
Airlines in USA have warned that the shutdown of US government from October 1, 2025, can slow down flight operations, cause delays, and reduce airport efficiency.
So even if your US study visa is approved, your flight plans might get derailed last minute because of air travel chaos.
Also Read
What to do now amid US Government shutdown as Indian Students?
In cases where Indian students have already got the admission in US university or college, you can take some important measures to safeguard yourself during this shutdown. Here are some of the things you can do amid the US government shutdown as Indian students:
Do not wait for further implications of the ongoing US government shutdown turmoil. If you have already secured a scheduled visa interview, appear for it without missing it.
Contact the university where you have got the admission. Generally, the international office of the university abroad helps international students in such a crisis through options such as deferred admission or online classes.
Be well updated about the latest immigration and embassy changes.
Avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets as travel plans can be derailed during the US government shutdown.
Related Read
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do shutdowns impact the economy?
A:
With no productivity and work services during the shutdown of US government, it can cost the US economy billions of dollars in terms of money and productivity.
Q: Is TSA affected by the shutdown?
A:
Yes, TSAs in USA are definitely going to be affected by the current US shutdown. However, as TSA officers (airport security) are considered essential, they will continue to work without pay. This leads to situations like staff shortages, longer lines, and flight delays during extended shutdowns.
Q: What gets affected by a government shutdown?
A:
A US government shutdown is most likely to impact anyone who plans to enter the country, especially Indian students. This is because this crisis will slow or even halt services such as visa processing, passport offices, national parks, and federal hiring. Student visa interviews may face delays with visa decision processing, as slow as ever.
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Hope it's helpful for you..
Thank you
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