News & Resources

Clarification on STEM OPT Extension Reporting Responsibilities and Training Obligations

August 20, 2018

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced clarification for F-1 visa students completing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) participating in an Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). In a document dated August 17, 2018 posted on the USCIS website, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified

Final Guidelines on Unlawful Presence for Students and Exchange Visitors

August 13, 2018

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) August 9, 2018 policy memorandum revises the calculation of unlawful presence of those under F, J, or M nonimmigrant visa status and their dependents during their stay in the United States. Under the new memorandum, those holding F, J, or M visas who

USCIS Adjudicator’s Discretion Restored in Denying Applications, Petitions and Requests without Issuing RFE’s or NOIDS.

July 22, 2018

In a new policy memorandum issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) last July 13, 2018, USCIS adjudicators are given discretion to deny applications, petitions, or requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) if the initial evidence is

U.S. Department of State Vietnam Visa Approvals for May and June 2018

July 10, 2018

The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has published a list of visa issuances for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for the months of May and June 2018. There were 1,643 immigrant visas issued for Vietnamese nationals in May. Eighty-four were IR-1 visas and 187 were CR-1 visas. The IR-1 visa

How to Apply for Naturalization if your American Spouse is Stationed Abroad

June 27, 2018

Vietnamese spouses of U.S. citizens are generally eligible for green cards and eventually U.S. citizenship based on their marriage. In general, a person may only be naturalized after showing that they have resided in the United States as a green card holder for a certain prescribed period of time. However,

What is Selective Service and Who Must Register?

March 4, 2024

In the United States, the Selective Service System plays a vital role in preparedness for national emergencies by maintaining a list of potential military draftees. While mandatory military conscription has not been in effect since the Vietnam War, the requirement for men, including lawful permanent residents (“LPRs”), to register with

What is a Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record?

February 26, 2024

If you’re applying for adjustment of status (“Green Card”) from within the United States, you have to submit Form I-693, which is a medical exam and vaccination record completed by a specific doctor. Submitting this form shows that you’re eligible for a Green Card based on health reasons. Can Anyone

USCIS Updates Policy Manual on Untimely Filed Extensions and Change of Status Requests

January 31, 2024

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its Policy Manual concerning untimely filed extensions of stay and change of status requests. Generally, certain foreign nationals who are admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants for a specific period of time may file a Form I-539, Application to

Enterline and Partners Successfully Overcomes Lengthy 221g Refusal in Manila

January 25, 2024

In late 2021, our client (Joe), a U.S. citizen married his Philippines citizen wife (Jane) through an online marriage under the laws of the State of Utah. Following the marriage, Joe filed a Form I-130 Petition for Jane. After completing the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) adjudication process

What Company Relationships are Required for an L-1A Employee?

January 23, 2024

The L-1A visa is a non-immigrant visa category for multinational companies to transfer qualified employees from a foreign company to a U.S.-based office in an executive or managerial capacity. There are two key relationships that can exist between the foreign company and the U.S. company to qualify for an the

Lawful Permanent Residents and Other Foreign Nationals of the United States Must Always Update Their Address if They Move

January 16, 2024

In the United States, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records is crucial for individuals holding Lawful Permanent Resident status and those on nonimmigrant visas or in other status. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) requires that foreign nationals promptly update their address whenever they move. Importance of Address Updates: The

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