USCIS Updated Policy Alert Concerning Direct Consular Filing at U.S. Embassies and Consulates

February 17, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) released an updated policy memorandum advising the Department of States (“DOS”) on adjudicating Form I-130 Petitions for Alien Relatives at U.S. Embassies and Consulates through Direct Consular Filing (“DCF.”) The policy memorandum clarifies that USCIS will no longer accept and adjudicate routine I-130 Petitions

U.S. State Department 2019 Novel Coronavirus Has Not Changed Visa Adjudication

February 13, 2020

The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) which oversees the visa adjudication process at U.S. Embassies and Consulates has not released any formal statement indicating that the 2019 Novel Coronavirus has resulted in the suspension of consular operations. A recent social media posting purported to be an official statement from the

What is Lawful Source of Funds and Path of Funds for an EB-5 Immigrant Investor?

February 5, 2020

The investment capital that an EB-5 Investor may use for his or her investment, called the “lawful source of funds” (“SOF”), can come from any source as long as the investor can prove that the capital or funds were obtained lawfully. Some common SOF are salary and bonus income, dividends

USCIS to Change its Processing Policy for I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor EB-5 Petitions

January 31, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it is changing the way it will process Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, moving from a first-in, first-out basis to a visa availability approach. The Form I-526 Petition is filed by someone wanting to immigrate to the U.S. via the EB-5

The United States Supreme Court To Allow Public Charge Rule To Take Effect

January 30, 2020

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Trump Administration policy expanding the government’s ability to refuse immigrant visas and issue green cards to immigrants who are likely to become a Public Charge. The 5-4 ruling, which was divided on ideologically lines, will allow the new rule to

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

What is the Parole-in-Place Announcement By President Biden?

June 24, 2024

On June 18, 2024, President Joe Biden announced a series of immigration actions by using an Executive Order (“EO”). The EO, formally known as Parole-in-Place, are designed to help certain undocumented aliens obtain lawful presence within the United States. It consists of the following: Spouses and children of U.S. citizens

David Enterline speaks at IIUSA EB-5 Conference in Atlanta Georgia

June 21, 2024

Enterline and Partners Managing Partner David Enterline attended the IIUSA 14th Annual EB-5 Industry Forum in Atlanta, Georgia in May and spoke on the panel “Investor Markets Overview: New Opportunities“. IIUSA is the national membership-based EB-5 industry association for EB-5 Regional Centers and other EB-5 stakeholders and professionals. Its members

USCIS Updates Policy Manual on Family-Based Immigrant Visa Approvals

May 27, 2024

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued an updated policy guidance on Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“Petition”) explaining how the agency handles family-based immigrant visa petition approvals regarding correcting approval notice errors, requests for consular processing or adjustment of status, and routing procedures for approved

What Is A U.S. Visa, Visa Stamp And Visa Foil And What Are These Used For?

May 22, 2024

Quick Summary: 3 Terms to Know Term What Is It? Used For Visa Official permission to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose, issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Proves you are authorized to travel to a U.S. port of entry Visa stamp Physical ink stamp applied directly to

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