Most of the U.S. government has now been funded through the end of the federal fiscal year, September 30, 2026, through laws providing full-year appropriations. The Department of Homeland Security is subject to a continuing resolution (passed on Feb. 3, 2026) that funds it only through February 13, 2026. Congress will need to pass additional legislation to fund DHS beyond that date.
The information below was last updated on February 2, 2026 to address the likely impacts of the partial government shutdown (Jan. 31–Feb. 3, 2026) which has now ended.
Q: How will a shutdown affect my lab/research?
A: Work funded by active federal awards may continue during the shutdown unless the principal investigator (PI) or MIT receives a Stop Work Order. If you receive a Stop Work Order, please forward it immediately to your Contract Administrator (CA) in Research Administration Services (RAS), your DLCI leadership, and research-policy-questions@mit.edu. Otherwise, during a short-term government shutdown which temporarily interrupts funding draw-downs, allowable expenditures within approved budgets are appropriate. Note that MIT cannot spend beyond obligated project budgets.
Q: As a PI, what if I need a prior approval, such as a no-cost extension, for my federally funded research project?
A: Researchers should assume federal staff at the agencies subject to a shutdown will not be available to process approvals, including no-cost extensions. Anticipate delays. Please contact your RAS CA if you have questions.
Q: I am anticipating a new federal award or an extension of an existing award. What should I expect?
A: Affected federal agencies will not issue new awards, supplements, or other funding agreements during a shutdown. If you are anticipating a new federal award, do not make any pre-award purchases or initiate personnel appointments. Contact your RAS CA if you have questions.
Q: Will MIT continue to submit proposals for federal funding?
A: During previous government shutdowns, federal agency portals such as Grants.gov and Research.gov have remained operational, accepting applications. However, application processing may be delayed until the end of a shutdown.
Q: How will a shutdown affect submission of progress reports and compliance documents on a federally funded award?
A: Agency systems like eRA Commons and Research.gov have typically remained operational during a shutdown. While systems may accept progress reports and compliance disclosures, the processing of these submissions may be delayed. Some agencies may provide extensions or specific instructions on how to handle reporting requirements during a shutdown. Check with your RAS CA.
Q: Will a shutdown affect visa processing for international students and scholars?
A: During past government shutdowns, the U.S. Department of State has reduced or halted consular visa operations. New international students and scholars whose U.S. visa applications are pending, or not yet submitted, may not be issued visas and may have to change anticipated travel/arrival plans. The MIT International Students Office (ISO) and International Scholars Office (ISchO) recommend that current students and scholars not travel outside the U.S. if they require new visa stamps in order to reenter the U.S., and to postpone travel plans until consulates reopen. Check with your ISO/ISchO advisor.
A shutdown at the U.S. Department of Labor would likely halt operations, affecting the processing of labor condition applications and labor certifications in support of H-1B and second preference immigrant petitions.
Because U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is fee-funded, the processing of applications is likely to continue (e.g., H-1, O-1, E-3, F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Extension), as well as changes and extensions of status and permanent residence petitions. In some cases, security checks by other government agencies are required before application processing can move forward. If these other government agencies are closed during a shutdown, application processing/approval may be delayed. USCIS could also be affected if a shutdown is so prolonged that fee revenues are exhausted.
Pertinent information for international students and scholars will be posted on the Major Immigration Updates webpage.