No "shutdown" effect on US visas: Consul general

KOLKATA: The US today said that its consular services remained open and visas would be issued notwithstanding the "shutdown" of the government.

"Public consular service like visa will remain open and there is no problem in issuing visas, including tech visas, at this point of time," US consul general in Kolkata, Helen LaFave said here today in reaction to the shutdown.

The US government shut down today, for the first time since 1995-96, as Republican and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on spending and budget mainly due to their differences over healthcare reforms, popularly known as Obamacare.

Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce, she said, "We are watching the situation closely, but visas will be issued."