News & Resources

Announcement – Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers Temporarily Extended to 24 Months

January 4, 2021

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has temporarily expanded the ability of DOS consular officers to waive in-person interview requirements for individuals applying for an expired nonimmigrant visa within the same category. Previously, in-person interview requirements were eligible for a waiver if the nonimmigrant visa applicant, such as a

What do I need to show to reenter the U.S. after being outside for a long time because of COVID-19?

December 23, 2020

We have covered several issues in our series on how to protect your lawful permanent resident status and green card if you have been outside the United States and have been unable to return because of COVID-19. COVID-19 Reference Guide If you are able to reenter within 1 year of

What is an I-131A visa and will it allow me to reenter the United States?

December 21, 2020

An I-131A visa is for lawful permanent residents (“LPR”) whose Form I-551 “green card” was lost, stolen or destroyed while traveling outside the United States, or whose green card has expired, and who have been outside the U.S. for less than one year. Such LPRs can apply at a U.S.

DOS Announces New Visa Bond Pilot Program for Certain B-1 B-2 Visa Applicants

December 15, 2020

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has announced the creation of a six-month pilot program under which certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants may be required to post a bond as a condition of visa issuance. The program, which was published in the Federal Register on November 24, 2020 will become

The November 2020 Visa Bulletin Priority Date shows slight movement forward for Vietnamese EB-5 immigrant investors

December 2, 2020

The “Final Action Date” priority date for Vietnamese EB-5 investors moved forward slightly in the Department of State November 2020 visa bulletin from August 15, 2017 to September 1, 2017. The priority date indicates that any investors who filed their I-526 Petitions on or before September 1, 2017 now have

Important Update Regarding F, M, and J Student Visa Application Suspension

June 6, 2025

Following the United States Department of State (“DOS”) announcement to suspend F, M, and J student visa applications at Embassies and Consulates in response to implementing new policies aimed at social media vetting, DOS has released additional information. While this action immediately impacts plans of foreign and exchange students, DOS

AILA Sends Letter to Department of Homeland Security Regarding Alien Registration Requirement

June 3, 2025

On May 12, 2025 The American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) submitted a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in response to requests for comments to the DHS Interim Final Rule (“IFR”) for information collection described in the Paperwork Reduction Act section with a

DOS Suspends F M and J Student Visa Interviews to Expand Social Media Vetting Process

May 30, 2025

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has ordered all Embassies and Consulates to stop scheduling new appointments for applicants applying for F, M, and J student visas. In a released cable, DOS Secretary Marco Rubio said that the suspension is in place because DOS plans to expand the screening

David Enterline Receives I-829 Petition Award For 2024 From IIUSA

May 29, 2025

David Enterline of Enterline and Partners was recognized by IIUSA as having obtained Form I-829 Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (“I-829 Petition”) approvals for his EB-5 immigrant investor clients in 2024. David was recognized along with a select group of EB-5 Regional Centers and experienced

What is Trump’s Self-Deportation Executive Order?

May 27, 2025

On May 9, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (“EO”) aimed at incentivizing undocumented migrants to voluntarily leave the United States in exchange for a cash bonus and a free flight. The EO, entitled Project Homecoming authorizes the U.S. government to pay a $1000 stipend for a one-way

National Visa Center/American Institute In Taiwan No Longer Accepting Taiwan Birth Certificates

May 12, 2025

Sometime in 2024, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) quietly updated its requirements for birth certificates in the DOS Reciprocity Schedule for Taiwan. Birth Certificates seem no longer required or accepted for Taiwan nationals. The only acceptable document for proof of birth is now an Individual Household Registration Transcript.

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