What Canadian Nurses & Employers Need to Know
The U.S. government officially shut down on October 1, 2025 after Congress failed to pass a new budget. Whenever this happens, the first question for Canadian and Mexican registered nurses (RNs) — and the hospitals and healthcare systems hiring them — is: “Will this affect visas?”
The short answer: TN visas are still being approved. EB-3 green cards, however, will see delays. Here’s what that means for both nurses and employers.
TN Visa: Reliable for Nurses, Reassuring for Employers
For Nurses
If you’re a Canadian or Mexican RN planning to work in the U.S., the TN visa is still your fastest and safest option. Even during a government shutdown:
Approvals continue – The TN process is fee-funded, meaning it doesn’t depend on Congress for funding. USCIS and CBP are still working.
Port of entry delays are possible – You may experience longer wait times at the border or airport, but the TN is still being issued. Think of it as waiting in a longer line at airport security: inconvenient, but you’ll still get through.
Peace of mind – The TN isn’t tied to annual quotas, so your work status remains stable.
For Employers
If your hospital or facility depends on Canadian or Mexican RNs, the shutdown does not stop TN visas. Nurses can still be onboarded, and staffing plans can move forward. While there might be minor delays at ports of entry, your international hires will still arrive with valid TN status.
Bottom line: The TN is one of the most “shutdown-proof” immigration pathways — reliable for nurses, reassuring for employers.
EB-3 Green Card: Expect Delays
For Nurses
If you’re pursuing the EB-3 green card for permanent residency, there are two hurdles right now:
Annual quota reached – EB-3 green cards have already hit the yearly cap for 2025. No new visas in this category will be issued until the new fiscal year (October 2025).
Shutdown delays – EB-3 involves multiple government departments like the Department of Labor and the Department of State. With reduced operations, PERM certifications, labor market tests, and consular interviews may all be delayed.
In other words: you can continue to work under a TN visa, but EB-3 progress may not resume until the new fiscal year and after the shutdown ends.
For Employers
If your hospital is sponsoring nurses for permanent residency through EB-3, expect delays in processing. The cap has already been reached for this fiscal year, and the shutdown adds more waiting time. Strategically, this means relying on TN visas for immediate staffing needs is the smarter move, while EB-3 applications can continue in the background.
What to Do Next
For Nurses
Apply for or renew your TN visa with confidence.
Expect longer lines at the border but know your approval is secure.
Keep your EB-3 paperwork moving forward so you’re ready once visas reopen.
For Employers
Continue recruiting Canadian and Mexican RNs under the TN program — it remains dependable, even during a shutdown.
Prepare EB-3 cases but anticipate delays.
Final Word
A U.S. government shutdown makes headlines, but the message is clear:
👉 For nurses: Your TN visa is safe. It may take a bit longer at the border, but it will still be approved.
👉 For employers: You can keep onboarding Canadian and Mexican RNs without interruption.
EB-3 green card applications, however, will slow down due to both quota exhaustion and agency delays. The best strategy? Lean on the TN for stability today, while preparing EB-3 cases for the long term.
How IntelliStaff Medical Can Help
At IntelliStaff Medical, we’ve mastered the TN visa process. From matching the right nurse to the right hospital to guiding each step of the application and border crossing, we provide the expertise and reassurance both nurses and employers need.
Whether you’re a Canadian or Mexican RN looking to work in the U.S., or a hospital seeking highly qualified nurses, IntelliStaff Medical is the agency with the experience to get it done right. With us by your side, you can move forward with confidence — even during a government shutdown.
