July 9, 2020

Announcement: Foreign Students No Longer Able to Engage in Full-Time Online Course Work for Fall Semester 2020

The United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced a new policy related to foreign students studying in the United States full-time online as a result of many academic institutions shifting to virtual classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to DHS, all foreign students including those from Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan studying under an F-1 and M-1 student visa may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Manila, the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City or the American Institute of Taiwan are instructed not to issue visas to those students who enroll in schools/ programs that are fully online for the fall semester of 2020 nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States. Plans are underway for DHS to publish new procedures to provide foreign students with additional time to comply with new requirements.

Active foreign students who initially planned to study online while inside the United States on an F-1 or M-1 visa for the fall semester 2020 will be instructed to either depart the United States to avoid violating their visa terms and conditions or transfer to another academic institution with in-person classroom instruction. Foreign students attending schools that use a combination of online and in-person classes will be allowed to continue studying on an F-1 or M-1 visa provided that their school certifies that the course load is not entirely online for the fall semester. These exemptions however do not apply to F-1 students who are enrolled in English language training programs who are required to undergo their entire course load through in-class instruction

Students from Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan who intend to study in the United States this fall are encouraged to contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, and Taipei.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office
Suite 601, 6th Floor
Saigon Tower
29 Le Duan Street
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 933 301 488
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com
Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ
Website: http://enterlinepartners.com

Manila, Philippines Office
Unit 2507 Cityland 10 Tower 1
156 H.V. Dela Costa Street
Makati City, Philippines 1209
Tel: +632 5310 1491
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com
Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines
Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/

Categories: F-1

Passport Revocation for Child Support Arrears

Protection from Regional Center Program Expiration – Grandfathering before September 30, 2026

David Enterline Receives Recognition by AILA APAC for Contributions to the Chapter

Visa Application Processing at U.S. Consulates for the E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

K-1 Fiancé(e)’ Visa vs. CR-1 Spousal Visa: Which is the Right Path For Your Vietnamese Fiance(é) Or Spouse?

For many American and Vietnamese couples looking to immigrate to the United States, a major question is whether they should apply for a K-1 fiancé(é) visa or a CR-1 spousal visa. While both lead to lawful permanent residence status (“Green Card”), they work very differently. A K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a Vietnamese fiance(é) to enter the United States so the couple can marry within ninety (90) days upon the Vietnamese fiance(é)’s arrival. A CR-1 spousal visa allows a Vietnamese spouse to enter the United States with an immigrant visa and be granted CR-1 status if the couple is married for less than two (2) years. The right choice depends on many factors such as your relationship status, wedding plans, timeline, budget, and long-term priorities. We compare the K-1 fiancé(e) and CR-1 options for American and Vietnamese couples including eligibility, timelines, filing fees, work authorization, international travel, and common situations where

Passport Revocation for Child Support Arrears

On May 7, 2026, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) announced that it will begin revoking U.S. passports for certain individuals with outstanding child support arrears. Under existing federal regulations (22 CFR §51.62) and DOS policy guidance (7 FAM 1754), DOS may deny or revoke a U.S. passport when the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) certifies that an individual owes more than US$2,500 in child support. Although this authority has existed for years, the announcement signals increased enforcement efforts. According to recent reports, the initial phase may focus on individuals with arrears exceeding US$100,000, with broader enforcement potentially expanding to all individuals owing more than US$2,500. Once revoked, a passport may no longer be used for international travel. In most cases, the individual will not become eligible for a new passport until DHHS certifies that the child support arrears have been resolved. If an individual is overseas

Protection from Regional Center Program Expiration – Grandfathering before September 30, 2026

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) introduced several important changes to the EB-5 Regional Center Program. One of the most important protections for investors is commonly referred to as the “grandfathering” provision found in Section 108 of the RIA, titled “Protection from Expired Legislation.” Since its creation in 1993, the EB-5 Regional Center Program has always been a pilot, or “test”, program. Historically, it has required periodic reauthorization by the United States Congress. In the past, temporary lapses in authorization created uncertainty for investors with pending I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor petitions. Many investors were at risk that USCIS would stop processing their cases if the Regional Center Program expired before petition approval or visa issuance. To address these concerns, Congress included additional protections in the RIA intended to help investors continue moving forward with their immigration process even if the Regional Center Program expires

Announcement: Foreign Students No Longer Able to Engage in Full-Time Online Course Work for Fall Semester 2020

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News

Need help with your U.S. visa?Talk to our experts today.

Need help with your U.S. visa?
Talk to our experts today.