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

Green Card Through Investment: Is the EB-5 Visa Worth It for Vietnamese Investors?

July 16, 2026

For many Vietnamese families, the EB-5 “Immigrant Investor” visa is one of the most direct ways to pursue U.S. lawful permanent residence (“Green Card”). However, EB-5 is not simply a matter of investing money and receiving a Green Card. Instead, it is a highly regulated U.S. immigration visa category with

What is the World Cup Visa and FIFA Pass and Do These Allow Fans to Go to the U.S. to Attend Matches?

July 14, 2026

What Is the “World Cup Visa”? Many fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup wonder whether a special “World Cup visa” is required. The answer is no. The United States, Canada, and Mexico do not issue a separate visa for World Cup attendees. Every fan hoping to attend a

USCIS Proposes EB-5 Regulations to the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022

July 9, 2026

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has published aNotice of Proposed Rulemaking that would formally implement regulations to the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) governing the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the EB-5 Regional Center Program. The proposed regulations represent the most significant regulatory update

Supreme Court Finds Trump’s Executive Order Restricting Birthright Citizenship Unconstitutional

July 3, 2026

The United States Supreme Court has formally struck down President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (“EO”) 14160 restricting birthright citizenship. By a 6-3 vote, the Court held that the long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, which was adopted after the American Civil War, holds that anyone born on American soil is

How Do World Cup National Team Players Qualify for Visas to Attend Games in the United States?

June 26, 2026

The whole world is watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This year the matches are being played in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States of America. As the United States hosts many of the World Cup matches, many people wonder what type of visa allows players, coaches, and

Guide to the 2025 U.S. Immigrant Visa Interview

An Essential Guide to the 2026 U.S. Immigrant Visa Interview

June 20, 2026

The U.S. immigrant visa interview is the final and often most important step in the immigration process, whether you’re applying through a K-1 fiancé visa, CR-1 spousal visa, or any other family-based or employment-based category. After receiving petition approval from USCIS and becoming documentarily qualified by the National Visa Center

News & Resources

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