USCIS in 2025 Shutdown: Key Survival Tips for Portland Applicants
The 2025 federal government shutdown has raised concerns across the country, including here in Oregon. Many immigrants in the Portland area are asking: Will USCIS still be open for my interview, biometrics, or oath ceremony? The short answer is yes — but there are important details to know if you are preparing for an appointment at the Portland USCIS Field Office.
USCIS Portland Operations During the Shutdown
USCIS is fee-funded, meaning the agency runs on the application fees paid by applicants, not on congressional budget appropriations. For this reason, USCIS operations, including the Portland Field Office, continue even when other parts of the federal government shut down.
This means:
- Interviews and biometrics appointments in Portland are expected to proceed as scheduled.
- Oath ceremonies usually continue, but large ceremonies held in shared federal buildings may face logistical issues.
- USCIS case processing remains active, although cases that rely on other agencies could be slowed down.
You can always check for Portland-specific closures at the official USCIS Office Closings page.
What Could Impact Portland Applicants
While the Portland USCIS office stays open, the shutdown can cause indirect delays:
- Consular processing abroad may be delayed if you are waiting on a spouse or family member overseas.
- Department of Labor certifications for employment-based cases are paused.
- E-Verify is suspended, which may impact local employers trying to onboard new hires.
What to Do If You Have a Portland Interview Schedule
- Attend your appointment unless you receive an official USCIS cancellation notice.
- Plan for delays at federal buildings — give yourself extra time for security screening.
- Bring all required documents neatly organized. Even during shutdowns, USCIS officers expect applicants to be fully prepared.
- Check case status online at USCIS Case Status for updates.
Practical Tips From Local Experience
At our office, we’ve seen Portland applicants successfully complete their interviews and ceremonies even during past shutdowns. The most important thing is to stay calm, arrive early, and bring everything you need. If your case involves another federal agency, be prepared for possible wait times.
Get Professional Help
We offer the following services for applicants attending a Portland interview
- Document review
- Mock interview sessions
- Interpreter coordination
- Attorney representation at the interview
If you want to feel confident walking into your interview, schedule a consultation with our immigration team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Portland USCIS office closed during the shutdown?
No. The Portland Field Office remains open because USCIS is fee-funded.
Will my Portland interview be canceled?
No, interviews are not canceled due to the shutdown unless USCIS issues a direct notice.
Can my naturalization ceremony in Portland be delayed?
Most ceremonies continue on schedule, but larger events could face logistical adjustments.
Where do I check for Portland-specific office updates?
Visit the official USCIS Office Closings page.