Announcement: Medical Professionals with Approved Petitions Encouraged to Seek an Expedited Visa Interview

April 2, 2020

The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) is encouraging medical professionals with an approved immigrant or non-immigrant petition (Form I-129, Form I-140) or a certificate of eligibility in an approved exchange program to request for an expedited appointment at their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Although DOS has instructed consular services

Announcement: Extended deadlines to respond to RFEs and NOIDs

April 1, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced that it is extending the deadline to reply to requests for evidence (“RFE”) and notices of intent to deny (“NOID”) in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For applicants and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1st and

Announcement: USCIS Extends In-Person Services Suspension Through April 7, 2020

March 27, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will extend the suspension of in-person services at field offices, asylum offices and application support centers through April 7, 2020. The USCIS had originally cancelled in-person operations on March 18th and was expected to recommence on April 1st in an effort to help contain

My Immigrant Visa Expires and I am Unable to Travel Due to Coronavirus Travel Restrictions

March 25, 2020

On March 19, 2020, the Department of State suspended all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa interview appointments as a response to the growing Coronavirus pandemic. International travel restrictions have been put in place around the world in an attempt to control the spread of the virus. With no predetermined expiration

Announcement: USCIS Temporarily Accepts Electronic Reproduced Signature on All Forms

March 22, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that it will accept benefit forms and documents with reproduced original signatures for submissions dated March 21, 2020 and thereafter. The policy change was made in response to the Coronavirus National Emergency declared by President Donald Trump on March 13, 2020. While USCIS

What’s the Difference Between a Proxy Marriage and an Online Marriage for Immigration Purposes?

July 29, 2024

Quick Summary: Proxy Marriage vs Online Marriage for U.S. Immigration Proxy Marriage Online Marriage Definition Wedding ceremony where one or both parties are absent and represented by a proxy Wedding ceremony conducted fully online via video; both parties participate remotely Common example Military personnel deployed overseas unable to attend in

USCIS Will Begin Accepting Parole-in-Place Applications on August 19, 2024

July 24, 2024

Following the June 18, 2024 announcement of Parole-in-Place, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) will begin accepting applications beginning August 19, 2024. Applications filed prior to August 19 will be rejected. In order to be considered for Parole-in-Place, which is approved on a case-by-case basis, an applicant must have

How Does a Country Qualify for the United States Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)?

July 19, 2024

Quick Summary: VWP and ESTA Question Answer What is the VWP? Visa Waiver Program, a bilateral program between the U.S. and qualifying countries What is ESTA? Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the online registration system for VWP citizens Who benefits? Citizens of the 42 VWP member countries How long can

Enterline and Partners Successfully Expedites Form I-130 Petition with Direct Consular Filing at the U.S. Embassy in Manila

July 16, 2024

Enterline and Partners is pleased to announce that our attorneys have successfully represented their clients through Direct Consular Filing (“DCF”) of a Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“I-130 Petition) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila (“Embassy’). Our clients, a U.S. citizen and a Philippines citizen, were seeking an alternative

What are the Vaccination Requirements for an Immigrant Visa?

July 5, 2024

Quick Summary: Vaccinations and U.S. Immigrant Visas Question Answer Are vaccinations required for a U.S. immigrant visa? Yes, this is a mandatory U.S. government requirement Who determines the vaccine list? CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) per ACIP recommendations Where are vaccines administered? At DOS-designated panel physician clinics Which

What is ESTA and How is it Used to Enter the United States

June 26, 2024

Quick Summary: ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program Question Answer What does ESTA stand for? Electronic System for Travel Authorization When was ESTA launched? 2009 Who can use ESTA? Citizens of 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) How long can you stay in the U.S.? Maximum 90 days

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