USCIS Updated Policy Alert Concerning Direct Consular Filing at U.S. Embassies and Consulates

February 17, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) released an updated policy memorandum advising the Department of States (“DOS”) on adjudicating Form I-130 Petitions for Alien Relatives at U.S. Embassies and Consulates through Direct Consular Filing (“DCF.”) The policy memorandum clarifies that USCIS will no longer accept and adjudicate routine I-130 Petitions

What is Lawful Source of Funds and Path of Funds for an EB-5 Immigrant Investor?

February 5, 2020

The investment capital that an EB-5 Investor may use for his or her investment, called the “lawful source of funds” (“SOF”), can come from any source as long as the investor can prove that the capital or funds were obtained lawfully. Some common SOF are salary and bonus income, dividends

USCIS to Change its Processing Policy for I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor EB-5 Petitions

January 31, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it is changing the way it will process Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, moving from a first-in, first-out basis to a visa availability approach. The Form I-526 Petition is filed by someone wanting to immigrate to the U.S. via the EB-5

The United States Supreme Court To Allow Public Charge Rule To Take Effect

January 30, 2020

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Trump Administration policy expanding the government’s ability to refuse immigrant visas and issue green cards to immigrants who are likely to become a Public Charge. The 5-4 ruling, which was divided on ideologically lines, will allow the new rule to

USCIS Scheduled to Increase Family-Based Immigrant and Naturalization Application Filing Fees

January 16, 2020

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has proposed to increase its filing fees for family-based immigrant visas and naturalization applications in 2020. Below are examples of the proposed fee increases. Spouse and Family-Based Immigrant Visas: Filing fees are scheduled to increase a nominal 3.74 percent from US$535 to US$550.

Immigrate to the United States if You Have Exceptional Ability in Science, Art or Business – The EB-2 visa

December 27, 2019

Are you a person with exceptional ability in science, art or business? Then you may qualify to immigrate to the United States and pursue a career in your area of expertise via the Employment Based Second Preference visa category, or EB-2 visa. To qualify as a person of exceptional ability

David Enterline speaks at Global Migration and Wealth Management, East Asia, Conference in Hong Kong

December 6, 2019

David Enterline spoke at the Global Migration and Wealth Management, East Asia Conference in Hong Kong November 4th and 5th, 2019. David was the discussion leader on the panel Evaluating the US investment landscape and its appeal to Chinese investors which focused on issues relevant to Chinese investors seeking to

David Enterline’s Thought Leadership Comments on the Investment Immigration Industry

December 5, 2019

As part of the GMWM East Asia event, organizers requested insight from its distinguished speakers on various Thought Leadership topics. The comments below were provided by David Enterline of Enterline and Partners. 1. In one sentence, how would you describe the state of the investment immigration industry today? The

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Extension

November 28, 2019

As has become the norm, the U.S. Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution (“CR”) funding the U.S. federal government through December 20, 2019, while at the same time extending 29 other programs including the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The President signed the CR shortly thereafter. Also known as the EB-5

New EB-5 Regulations Effective as of November 21, 2019

November 27, 2019

On Thursday November 21, 2019, the “EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Rule” went into effect 120 days after the final rule was published. The final rule makes regulatory changes to the EB-5 Regional Center Program as we have written previously (Regulation change to EB-5 will increase the minimum investment to

Federal Judge Strikes Down Parole-in-Place Program

November 13, 2024

A U.S. Federal Court Judge has struck down Parole-in-Place following an earlier decision granting the State of Texas and fifteen (15) other states an administrative stay two months ago. Judge J. Campbell Barker of the Eastern District of Texas ruled that the program, which would fast-track permanent residency to certain

Enterline and Partners Featured Clients on Successfully Naturalizing as a U.S. Citizen

October 11, 2024

Enterline and Partners is pleased to feature its clients, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Schroeder on a successful case outcome. In mid-2020 during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder were referred to our office regarding their desire to immigrate to the United States. Mr. Schroeder, an

The New U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for United States Citizens

September 26, 2024

On September 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (“STEP”). The STEP is a free service allowing U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so DOS can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. Existing

The U.S. Consulate In Ho Chi Minh City Begins Business Visa Facilitation Pilot Program (BVFPP)

August 8, 2024

The U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City has implemented the Business Visa Facilitation Pilot Program (BVFPP). The program is designed to facilitate American companies who want to send Vietnamese employees to the U.S. for business purposes. The program allows those companies to register with the U.S. Consulate in advance

Enterline and Partners Consulting Celebrates American Independence Day at the American Chamber of Commerce Picnic

August 1, 2024

Enterline and Partners Consulting recently took part in a vibrant celebration of the July 4th American Independence Day as a proud sponsor of the annual picnic organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event, held on June 29th, brought together a diverse community

What’s the Difference Between a Proxy Marriage and an Online Marriage for Immigration Purposes?

July 29, 2024

A proxy marriage and an online marriage are distinct types of marital arrangements that cater to different needs and circumstances. For immigration purposes, there are unique differences which between the two that if not properly addressed, could result in either a denial by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS Will Begin Accepting Parole-in-Place Applications on August 19, 2024

July 24, 2024

Following the June 18, 2024 announcement of Parole-in-Place, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) will begin accepting applications beginning August 19, 2024. Applications filed prior to August 19 will be rejected. In order to be considered for Parole-in-Place, which is approved on a case-by-case basis, an applicant must have

How Does a Country Qualify for the United States Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)?

July 19, 2024

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”), Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) is a program of the United States government created to facilitate visa-free travel for eligible citizens from participating countries This program is commonly referred to as ESTA by the general public. A country qualifying for the VWP allows

Enterline and Partners Successfully Expedites Form I-130 Petition with Direct Consular Filing at the U.S. Embassy in Manila

July 16, 2024

Enterline and Partners is pleased to announce that our attorneys have successfully represented their clients through Direct Consular Filing (“DCF”) of a Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“I-130 Petition) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila (“Embassy’). Our clients, a U.S. citizen and a Philippines citizen, were seeking an alternative

What are the Vaccination Requirements for an Immigrant Visa?

July 5, 2024

The U.S. government requires immigrant visa applicants to meet specific health standards. One component of these standards is the vaccination requirement. But what exactly does an intending immigrant need to do to meet these requirements? The Process: Medical Examination and Vaccinations The process of fulfilling the vaccination requirement is part

Immigrant Visa

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