Federal Government Shutdown

October 24, 2025

Basic Needs Center

  • November CalFresh Food benefits will be temporarily delayed statewide. This delay affects only the timing of November benefit payments - not eligibility or enrollment.
  • October benefits are unaffected, and students newly approved for October will receive them as usual. 
  • Students should continue to apply for or recertify their CalFresh benefits. County offices are still processing applications, expedited requests, and renewals. 
  • When the federal government reopens, CalFresh Food benefits will resume automatically. Any delayed November benefits will be issued retroactively to students' EBT CalFresh cards. No one will permanently lose their benefits due to the shutdown.
  • The Basic Needs Center is hosting two large Enrollment Parties with the Orange County Social Services Agency on 10/29 and 11/13, and will have county staff at the center on 11/3 and 11/4.
  • The Basic Needs Center is planning to purchase additional pantry food and open the pantry an extra day every week if students lose access to CalFresh. Please visit the Basic Needs Center website for more information.
  • Additionally, the Basic Needs Center is launching a fundraising campaign. The ZotFunder page is available to receive donations.

The California Department of Social Services posted an updated message to the CDSS homepage, which includes new Frequently Asked Questions.

International Students and Scholars

Department of State – Embassies and Consulates

Visa operations are expected to continue. However, certain consular services may be temporarily suspended, which could result in delays in visa processing times, resulting in impacts on travel.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Normal operations are expected to continue during the government shutdown. USCIS will continue to accept and adjudicate applications and petitions; however, applicants should anticipate potential delays in processing times.

The processing of Labor Condition Applications (LCA) is impacted by the Department of Labor shutdown. Consequently, cases for which UCI has not yet submitted or received certified LCAs cannot be filed with USCIS until normal Department of Labor operations resume.

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program remains fully operational. UCI continues to maintain SEVIS records and issue visa documents in accordance with SEVP requirements.

Research

Active federally funded research projects may continue during a federal government shutdown unless otherwise instructed by the sponsoring federal agency. However, the following impacts are expected (in addition to what is listed in the Oct. 1 update):

  • Submit proposals in advance of the deadline. Agency proposal systems are experiencing service disruptions affecting access and functionality as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

Visit the Office of Research shutdown guidance ;for the latest information and agency-specific contingency plans.

October 1, 2025

UC Irvine is closely monitoring the federal government shutdown. While we anticipate minimal disruption in the short term, we are preparing for all possible scenarios. This page serves as a central resource for updates from across campus.

Academic Continuity

Operations will continue as scheduled. No impact expected on classes or academic programs.

Research

Most research can continue for at least 30 days. However, the following impacts are expected:

  • No new federal awards or amendments will be issued during the shutdown.
  • Awards in progress but not finalized before Oct. 1 will be delayed.
  • Postdoc and grad student payments may be delayed in some cases.
  • Proposal deadlines remain in effect unless otherwise noted by the agency.
  • Submit progress reports on time if they are due.
  • Proposal reviews may be delayed due to reduced staffing and backlog.
  • Each agency will issue its own guidance.

Visit the Office of Research shutdown guidance for the latest information and agency-specific contingency plans.

Financial Aid

Fall 2025 financial aid is disbursed and unaffected.

  • FAFSA for 2026–27 is open, but support from the Department of Education may be delayed.
  • If the shutdown persists, processing of federal loans and promissory notes may be delayed, though this has not occurred in prior shutdowns.

Questions? Visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more updates and guidance.

Student Services

Essential services are running, including:

Military-Connected Students

Military-connected students may experience delays in VA education benefits, housing allowances, disability payments, tuition assistance, and work-study payments during the federal government shutdown. Enrollment certifications may also be affected.

Support is available, including through the following resources:

International Students & Scholars

Most visa services will continue.

  • Possible delays at U.S. consulates abroad
  • Travel plans could be impacted

For questions or assistance, contact the International Center.

UC Irvine Employees

Employees paid through federal grants should reach out to HR or your department administrator for questions or guidance.

Additional Support Resources

Office of Research Contacts: