News & Resources

USCIS Updates Guidance for F and M Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

October 1, 2024

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its guidance effective immediately regarding when students who are in either F or M nonimmigrant visa classification may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (“STEM”) field. The updated guidance, which is found

U.S. Embassy in Manila to Launch New Visa Application Center and Additional Consular Services

October 1, 2024

Beginning September 28, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Manila will open a new Visa Application Center (“VAC”), launch an updated visa appointment system, and expand call center services to U.S. citizens in the Philippines. The new VAC will be located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. Paranaque

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

Administrative Stay Order Issued Against Parole in Place Applications

August 29, 2024

Following litigation filed against the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), a federal judge has granted the Plaintiff, the State of Texas and fifteen (15) other U.S. states, an administrative stay against Parole in Place application approvals under Keeping Families Together for at least fourteen (14) days. While this order is

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

What is Humantarian Reinstatement of an I-130 Petition?

November 21, 2023

When the petitioner of an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“I-130 Petition”) dies, it typically has repercussions for the beneficiary(s) of that Petition. The fate of the Petition depends on the stage of where the Petition was at the time of the petitioner’s death. Before Petition Approval: If the petitioner

How Can I Expedite a Petition with USCIS?

November 17, 2023

Expediting a Petition (i.e. I-130 Petition for Alien Relative or I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé or Fiancée) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) can be challenging. There are limited circumstances in which USCIS may consider expediting a Petition that is currently undergoing processing at one of its

A Child Born Outside The U.S. To A Lawful Permanent Resident May Not Need A Visa To Enter the United States

October 31, 2023

If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (“LPR”) of the U.S. and you had a child born outside of the U.S., your child is not required to have an immigrant visa to travel with you to the United States if: The child was born during the LPR mother’s temporary visit

Enterline Obtains Approval Of A High Unemployment Area I-526E Petition Filed For An EB-5 Investor In 13 months

October 30, 2023

Enterline and Partners Consulting Managing Partner David Enterline has obtained approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) Investor Program Office (“IPO”) of his EB-5 Investor’s Form I-526E Petition in 13 months. This investor’s I-526E Petition was based on an investment in a High Unemployment Area. The EB-5

USCIS Clarifies That The Owner Of A Sole Proprietorship Owner May Not Self-Petition For An L-1 Visa

October 26, 2023

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying that a sole proprietorship may not file a Form I-129L Petition (“Petition”) on behalf of its owner because the sole proprietorship does not exist as a distinct legal entity separate and apart from

USCIS Issuing Five-Year Advance Parole to Applicants Who May Be Eligible for Five-Year EADs

October 24, 2023

American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) members, of whom Enterline and Partners Consulting lawyers are also members, have reported that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has begun issuing five-year Advance Parole documents to applicants valid for five years. This is apparently for individuals who are now eligible for

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