Bogotá, Colombia – The U.S. Embassy in bogotá has alerted applicants that processing times for some work visas may be delayed due to the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown and the temporary closure of agencies responsible for providing essential internal documents, such as work permits.
the disruption stems from a political impasse in Washington, where the Trump administration is pressing Democrats to approve its fiscal 2026 federal budget. While only a limited number of smaller consulates may temporarily suspend non-essential operations,the shutdown is creating ripple effects internationally,impacting individuals awaiting visa approvals. The White House has warned of potential mass layoffs and the possibility that some federal employees may not be able to return to work even after a budget agreement is reached, mirroring past shutdowns.
Operational challenges are already surfacing within the U.S., affecting sectors like air traffic control and Social Security administration. President Trump has blamed Democrats for the current situation, while some Republican lawmakers are actively seeking a bipartisan resolution. The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has not specified the extent of the delays or when normal processing times are expected to resume.
