Where the Delays Happen — How a Shutdown Disrupts the Move Timeline

Where the Delays Happen — How a Shutdown Disrupts the Move Timeline

By RELO USA | November 2025

When a federal government shutdown occurs, employee relocations don't just slow down — they can grind to a halt in ways most companies don't anticipate. Every move depends on a complex chain of approvals, services, and timing. Even one broken link can delay an entire relocation.

Now that the government has reopened, it's clear how those interruptions cascaded through relocation programs nationwide. Understanding where and why delays happen is the first step to building a more resilient mobility strategy.

🧩 The Relocation Timeline — and Where It Breaks Down

Below is a typical relocation journey, with the points most exposed during a government shutdown.

1️⃣ Immigration & Work Authorization

When federal agencies like USCIS, the Department of Labor, or the State Department pause operations or reduce staffing, routine visa processing can freeze.

• Labor Condition Applications and PERM filings sit unprocessed.
• Consular appointments are canceled.
• Visa renewals and dependents' paperwork get stuck in limbo.

For employees waiting to start assignments, that means everything else — housing, travel, onboarding — must wait too.

2️⃣ Employment Verification

The federal E-Verify system, used to confirm work eligibility, is one of the first to go offline during a shutdown.
Without it, employers face compliance risk or are forced to delay start dates.
For relocating employees already between homes and jobs, even a few days of uncertainty can have a major financial and emotional impact.

3️⃣ Housing & Temporary Accommodations

When moves stall, the ripple effect hits housing fast.

• Temporary housing bookings extend unexpectedly.
• Home closings dependent on government-backed loans (FHA, VA) face delays.
• Utility and address updates that rely on government systems can't be processed.

Each day adds cost — and stress — for both the employer and employee.

4️⃣ Transportation & Shipments

Household goods carriers, drivers, and freight forwarders depend on federally regulated infrastructure.
During a shutdown, ports, customs, and TSA staffing may thin, slowing shipments and inspections.
Even if a shipment is ready, the paperwork to clear it may not be.

5️⃣ Settling-In Logistics

Once employees arrive, small but critical steps like obtaining Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, or vehicle registrations can stall due to office closures.
These may seem minor, but they delay everything from banking setup to school enrollment.

💬 The Domino Effect

One delay triggers another:

• A postponed visa leads to extended housing.
• Extended housing means higher costs.
• Higher costs mean budget reallocations and employee frustration.

By the time the shutdown ends, many relocations are weeks behind schedule — and companies are left managing backlogs.

🧭 How Mobility Leaders Can Respond

✅ Map the relocation process. Identify which steps depend on federal services and create backup plans for each.

✅ Build extra time into policies. Add "contingency buffer" language that allows flexibility when external factors cause unavoidable delays.

✅ Communicate transparently. Employees can handle delays better when they understand the cause and timeline.

✅ Partner with experienced providers. At RELO USA, our network and proactive communication model help clients navigate unexpected pauses with minimal disruption.

💡 Moving Forward

Shutdowns are temporary — but the lessons are lasting. By understanding where delays occur, companies can adjust timelines, refine policies, and protect the employee experience from the uncertainty that comes with future disruptions.

Because at RELO USA, we don't just manage moves — we anticipate what could stop them.