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,

Federal Judge Strikes Down Parole-in-Place Program

November 13, 2024

A U.S. Federal Court Judge has struck down Parole-in-Place following an earlier decision granting the State of Texas and fifteen (15) other states an administrative stay two months ago. Judge J. Campbell Barker of the Eastern District of Texas ruled that the program, which would fast-track permanent residency to certain

What is a K-3 Nonimmigrant visa?

November 7, 2024

A K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while their Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“I-130 Petition”) is undergoing adjudication with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The goal of a K-3 is to

Can I send my Absentee Ballot to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the Upcoming Presidential Election?

November 1, 2024

We have previously discussed who is eligible to vote in U.S. elections and how American citizens abroad (i.e. Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan) can send their ballots by mail or use designated dropboxes to vote for their presidential and state and local candidates. U.S. citizens who are unable to physically

What is myUSCIS?

October 29, 2024

myUSCIS provides a personalized account to help you navigate the immigration process. On myUSCIS, you will find: How to Create an Online USCIS Account Step 1: Go to the USCIS website: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/create-account Step 2: Enter your email address. Step 3: Confirm your email address. Step 4: Create password. Step 5:

Who can vote in the U.S. Presidential Election?

October 25, 2024

With the U.S. Presidential Election just days away, American citizens in the United States and abroad will take part in electing the 47th President of the United States. Although the current front runners are Vice-President Kamala D. Harris for the Democrat Party and former President Donald J. Trump for the

USCIS to Require New Form I-131 Edition on October 11 2024

October 16, 2024

Beginning October 11, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will publish a new edition of the Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. The Form I-131 will be renamed “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/ Departure Records”. Because of a significant change in the revised form,

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