Visa Sections Will Not Be Effected By The Threat Of US Government Partial Shutdown

03 Oct 2013

A US official said that the partial shutdown of the government of United States will not effect foreign citizens waiting for visas to visit the country.

Jen Psaki, State Department spokeswoman said that the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ activities will continue abroad and domestically, which means visa issuance and passport operations will continue as usual.

Psaki also anticipated that if the shutdown goes into force, there will be menial immediate effect on the State Department's operations and mandatory furloughs will not be given to most of the staff.

She told the reporters that if a government shuts down, initially on a limited basis, USAID and Department of State activities can be sustained for a short period of time.

Psaki didn’t specify the time limit to this, saying it was something ‘our budget wonks are still punching through’.

She also said that the USAID and State Department are national security agencies and they will take measures to continue working to develop the national interest, even in the event of reduced staff and a shutdown.

She said that most of the State Department’s assistance and aid programs were funded over several years, while some programs such as visa services are financed through the fees charged.

Psaki stressed that as they are able to sustain their operations on a limited basis, the broad majority of regular operations and functions will continue.

For more updates follow us @ Facebook