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,

What is a K-3 Visa and How is it Different from a CR-1/ IR-1 Visa?

May 8, 2026

When researching U.S. family visa application options to the U.S., some couples may inquire on what the K-3 visa is and whether it is the fastest U.S. visa for family members based on marriage. Defining the K-3 Visa A K-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to a foreign spouse

Priority Processing for Investments Made In Rural Areas

May 6, 2026

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) establishes priority processing for rural areas, ensuring that Form I-526/I-526E Petitions (“Petitions”) filed for business or projects in these areas are expedited. Under this provision, Petitions for EB-5 investments in rural areas shall be prioritized in processing and adjudication, allowing investors

Know Your Rights: What to Do if You Are Detained at a U.S. Port of Entry (for Lawful Permanent Residents)

April 24, 2026

Updated for 2025: Heightened Enforcement at Ports of Entry Like all international travelers, lawful permanent residents (LPRs)—also known as Green Card holders—are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) when arriving at an airport or land port of entry. While LPRs enjoy greater rights than nonimmigrants when

What Questions Will the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City Ask My Vietnamese Fiancé(e)?

April 22, 2026

When your Vietnamese fiancé(e) (“fiance’) undergoes his/ her interview at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, the consular officer’s primary goal is to determine if your relationship is genuine and bona fide. While the exact K-1 visa interview questions vary based on the specific details of your case,

Establishment Of An EB-5 Regional Center

April 16, 2026

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) introduced significant changes to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, including changes to the establishment and oversight of Regional Centers. A Regional Center’s establishment represents a strategic effort to stimulate economic growth by drawing in foreign investment and generating employment opportunities within

Step-by-Step Guide to the K-1 Fiance(é) Visa Process

April 9, 2026

Applying for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa involves multiple government agencies, including United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), the National Visa Center (“NVC”), and the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. As a result, the process requires careful coordination at each stage. If you are researching how to apply for a

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