Announcement: DOS Continues to Encourage Medical Professionals with Approved Petitions to Seek an Emergency Visa Appointment

April 13, 2020

The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has reiterated its earlier announcement that despite the worldwide suspension of routine visa appointments, U.S. embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and critical visa services. Healthcare professionals with an approved non-immigrant or immigrant petition such as an I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers

The Effect of Breaks in Continuity of Residence on Eligibility for Naturalization

April 7, 2020

Are you a lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) of the United States and want to become a U.S. citizen? If you have been a resident for at least 5 years, or 3 years if you obtained your LPR status through marriage to a U.S. citizen, then you may be eligible for

Announcement: USCIS Extends In-Person Services Suspension through May 3

April 6, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will extend in-person services suspension at Field Offices, Asylum Offices and Application Support Centers (“ACS”) through May 3 unless otherwise announced. While the extended closure covers interviews, naturalization ceremonies, and biometric collections, USCIS will continue to provide emergency and essential services that do not

Announcement: H-2 Visa Applicants May Be Adjudicated Without an Interview

April 3, 2020

As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Department of State (“DOS”) has authorized consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates to expand the categories of H-2 visa applicants whose application can be adjudicated without an in-person interview. The new policy allows interviewing consular officers the ability to waive in-person

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

USCIS Extends Certain EAD Validity to Five Years

October 23, 2023

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is updating its Policy Manual regarding maximum validity for Employment Authorization Documents (“EAD”) issued to certain non-U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens (i.e. those in the United States without Green Cards) must have employment authorization in order to work legally inside the United States.

Why Is My Case With USCIS Taking So Long?

October 13, 2023

Enterline and Partners Consulting lawyers are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”). It often provides helpful tips, updates and information to its lawyer members and for the public. AILA provides the following flyer to help clients with long-pending USCIS cases understand the broader context of current processing delays.

What Is The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, Is It Real And Who Can Qualify?

October 6, 2023

LATEST UPDATE (January 2026): President Trump Suspends the Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) Program According to the latest reports from U.S. government sources and media outlets, President Donald Trump has issued an order to suspend the Diversity Visa (DV) Program. This decision was made citing serious national security concerns following

What Does A 214(b) Refusal Mean in U.S. Immigration Law?

October 3, 2023

A 214(b) refusal in U.S. immigration law refers to a specific section of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) that is often cited when a U.S. consular officer denies a nonimmigrant visa application. This section applies primarily to individuals applying for visitor visas (B-1 for business visitors and B-2 for

How Long Does My Passport Have to Be Valid Before Being Issued a U.S. Visa?

October 2, 2023

Quick Summary: Passport Validity Requirements by Nationality Nationality Minimum Passport Validity When Filing Notes Vietnamese 8 months from intended U.S. entry date Higher than the standard 6-month rule that applies to most countries Filipino 6 months from intended U.S. entry date Standard requirement Taiwanese 6 months when applying for a

Will U.S. Immigration Agencies Be Impacted if the Federal Government Shuts Down?

September 28, 2023

With the ongoing political deadlock in Washington D.C., Congress has been unable to pass any of the spending bills needed to keep the U.S. Government open beyond September 30, 2023. Unless any of the spending bills are passed and signed into law, funding for government agencies will run out of

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