Visa work unaffected by shutdown: U.S. Embassy

Centres that host events and run libraries will remain shut

Running down: The consulates will issue visas, but their cultural arm will be closed. File

Visa services will be operational at the U.S. Embassy here and the consulates, though the American centres functioning in a few cities will be closed because of the U.S. government shutdown .

“If you have a scheduled visa interview or American Citizen Services appointment, please arrive at the embassy at your designated time,” said the U.S. Embassy spokesperson on Sunday evening, confirming that services will “continue to function during the lapse in Congressional appropriations”.

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The Trump administration, which marked one year in office, was paralysed from Friday midnight after the U.S. Senate failed to clear a funding Bill to finance the government, after a bitter standoff between Republicans and Democrats over immigration and spending could not be resolved in time.

Shortly after the shutdown was declared, the American centre in Delhi and those in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai, which host cultural events and operate libraries, put out statements announcing that they would “remain closed until further notice”.

Flights not affected

Officials set a rest speculation that consular and visas services were also affected. Flights to and from the U.S. will also not be affected, but travellers may face longer visa processing time if the shutdown were to be prolonged. During the shutdown, essential U.S. federal services and military operations will continue, but thousands of workers will be suspended from government jobs, until the government is able to reach a deal with the Opposition.