TN Visa During the Government Shutdown
The DHS shutdown is the longest in US history. Here's how it affects TN visa applicants.
TN Border Processing Continues
TN visa applications at the border are NOT affected by the shutdown. CBP treats port-of-entry inspections as essential operations. You can still apply.
Current Situation
The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for over 70 days as of April 2026 — the longest DHS shutdown in US history. Lawmakers are targeting June 1, 2026 for a resolution, but no deal is confirmed.
What's Affected
| Service | Status |
|---|---|
| TN visa at border (CBP) | ✅ Operating |
| I-129 petition (USCIS) | ✅ Operating (fee-funded) |
| Premium processing | ✅ Operating |
| H-1B filings (DOL LCA) | ❌ Stalled |
| E-Verify | ⚠️ Limited |
Impact on TN Applicants
- Longer wait times: Enhanced vetting since December 2025 means more secondary inspections. Allow 2-3 extra hours at the border.
- Social media checks: The USCIS Vetting Center (established Dec 2025) is conducting expanded online presence checks.
- H-1B stalled = TN advantage: With H-1B filings blocked, TN is even more attractive for eligible Canadians.
- No impact on fees: All TN-related fees remain unchanged.
Tips for Applying During the Shutdown
- Apply at airport preclearance rather than land borders — generally faster and safer.
- Arrive 2-3 hours early to account for longer processing times.
- Have your documents perfectly organized — officers have less patience during high-volume periods.
- Consider I-129 with premium processing if you want to avoid the border entirely.
- Bring extra copies of everything.
Silver Lining
With H-1B filings stalled, employers who might have pursued H-1B are now looking at TN as an alternative. If you're eligible for TN, this is actually a good time to apply — employers are more motivated to support TN applications.
Related Resources
Last updated: April 2026