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,

Infrastructure Project, Rural Area, And Targeted Employment Area In The RIA

December 10, 2025

In the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), three important terms are Infrastructure Project, Rural Area, and Targeted Employment Area (“TEA”). Here’s a clear explanation of each: Infrastructure Project An infrastructure project refers to a capital investment project administered by a governmental entity, such as a federal, state,

What is a Priority Date in U.S. Immigration? A Complete Guide to the Priority Date in U.S. Immigration

December 4, 2025

The priority date in U.S. immigration is a critical concept for anyone waiting for lawful permanent residency status (“Green Card”). Because Congress sets strict annual limits on the number of immigrant visas issued in most categories, demand often outstrips supply, creating significant backlogs. Your priority date effectively acts as your

USCIS To Implements the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

December 2, 2025

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its Policy Manual to reintroduce a revised version of the 2020 Civics Test – now called the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. This update applies to all Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, filed on or after October 20, 2025. The change

EB-5 Visa Processing Time: How Long Do I Have to Wait for Approval?

November 30, 2025

If you are applying for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “What is the EB-5 visa processing time?” The truth is, EB-5 processing times vary greatly depending on many factors, such as your nationality, the project you invest in, how the United States

EB-5 Petition and Application Fees Reduced by Court Order

November 26, 2025

Good news for EB-5 investors: effective November 13, 2025, the filing fee for Form I-526E has dropped from $11,160 to $3,675 – a saving of more than $7,000 per petition – following a federal court order issued on November 12, 2025 by the U.S. District Court for the District of

U.S. Immigration Consultation 2026 | Process, Costs & Popular Visa Types

November 20, 2025

Starting the journey toward living in the United States often begins with a consultation session with a U.S. immigration lawyer. Some people immigrate through marriage, others through family, investment, or employment visa categories. In many cases, however, the rules and paperwork may feel overwhelming. With frequent updates to forms, fees,

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