January 2026 Partial U.S. Government Shutdown Takes Effect

Key Point  

• A partial U.S. government shutdown began on January 31, 2026, after the previous funding measure expired, and Congress has since passed full‑year FY2026 funding for all agencies except the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded only through February 13, 2026.

2026 Partial Government Shutdown

A partial government shutdown began on January 31, 2026, when the prior spending measure expired. Congress has now approved a full‑year FY2026 funding package covering all federal agencies other than the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS is operating under a two‑week short‑term extension through February 13, 2026, while negotiations continue on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accountability provisions. President Trump has stated he will sign both measures.

Although the shutdown affected a portion of the federal government, immigration benefits processing continued without interruption, including labor certification applications, labor condition applications and prevailing wage determinations at the Department of Labor (DOL).

Background and Looking Ahead  

The Senate passed the funding package on January 30, 2026. The House adjourned without voting, triggering a partial government shutdown on February 1, 2026. Lawmakers have since advanced a long‑term package for most agencies and a short‑term extension for DHS to allow additional time for negotiations.

Congress is expected to revisit DHS funding before the February 13, 2026, deadline.

Which Agencies Does the Shutdown Affect

The shutdown applies only to agencies funded under appropriations that were not enacted before January 31. As of now:

• Department of Homeland Security (partial) — funded through February 13, 2026, under a short‑term measure
• All other federal agencies — funded through September 30, 2026

Because most immigration‑related functions are fee‑funded or supported by previously enacted appropriations, many services continue operating normally.

Impact on Immigration Services  

For a deeper overview of how government shutdowns — including partial shutdowns — typically impact immigration services, employers can review Envoy Global’s guidance on past shutdowns and expected agency operations. More details are available in our resource here: U.S. Government Shutdown: Impact on Immigration Services. 

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