News & Resources

Announcement – Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers Temporarily Extended to 24 Months

January 4, 2021

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has temporarily expanded the ability of DOS consular officers to waive in-person interview requirements for individuals applying for an expired nonimmigrant visa within the same category. Previously, in-person interview requirements were eligible for a waiver if the nonimmigrant visa applicant, such as a

What do I need to show to reenter the U.S. after being outside for a long time because of COVID-19?

December 23, 2020

We have covered several issues in our series on how to protect your lawful permanent resident status and green card if you have been outside the United States and have been unable to return because of COVID-19. COVID-19 Reference Guide If you are able to reenter within 1 year of

What is an I-131A visa and will it allow me to reenter the United States?

December 21, 2020

An I-131A visa is for lawful permanent residents (“LPR”) whose Form I-551 “green card” was lost, stolen or destroyed while traveling outside the United States, or whose green card has expired, and who have been outside the U.S. for less than one year. Such LPRs can apply at a U.S.

DOS Announces New Visa Bond Pilot Program for Certain B-1 B-2 Visa Applicants

December 15, 2020

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has announced the creation of a six-month pilot program under which certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants may be required to post a bond as a condition of visa issuance. The program, which was published in the Federal Register on November 24, 2020 will become

The November 2020 Visa Bulletin Priority Date shows slight movement forward for Vietnamese EB-5 immigrant investors

December 2, 2020

The “Final Action Date” priority date for Vietnamese EB-5 investors moved forward slightly in the Department of State November 2020 visa bulletin from August 15, 2017 to September 1, 2017. The priority date indicates that any investors who filed their I-526 Petitions on or before September 1, 2017 now have

DOS Extends Certain In-Person Non-Immigrant Visa Interviews Through 2022

January 9, 2022

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has extended the authority of consular officers to waive certain in-person non-immigrant visa interviews through the end of 2022. Along with B-1/ B-2 interview waivers, F, M, and J Academic visa applicant waivers have been extended to the end of 2022 under the

USCIS Once Again Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests

January 8, 2022

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) is again extending the time period within which applicants, petitioners, and requestors may respond to agency requests. This flexibility applies if the issuance date listed on the request, notice, or decision is on or between March 1, 2020,

DOS Publishes Interactive Non-Immigrant Visa Waiting Time Webpage

December 30, 2021

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has published an interactive webpage allowing non-immigrant visa applicants to check the estimated waiting time for interviews at specific Embassies and Consulates. By clicking on Visa Appointment Wait Times, applicants will be able to identify approximate waiting time for B-1/ B-2 Visitor Visas,

U.S. Citizens Allowed to Travel to the United States on Expired Passports Through March 31, 2022

December 29, 2021

The United States Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Department of State have extended the ability of U.S. citizens to travel to the United States on expired passports through March 31, 2022. As with the previous policy scheduled to expire on December 31, 2021, travelers must meet the following

Congratulations to Ryan Barshop – 10 years as an American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) Member

December 28, 2021

Congratulations to Ryan Barshop, who has reached 10 years as an American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) member. AILA is the 15,000+ association of U.S. and international lawyers who practice U.S. immigration law. During his membership, Ryan has been active as a member in the Asia-Pacific Chapter including serving as its

Department of State Waives Personal Appearances and In-Person Oath Requirement for Certain Immigrant Visa Applicants Due to COVID-19

December 22, 2021

Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has implemented a Temporary Final Rule (“TFR”) providing flexibility for consular officers to waive the personal appearance of certain repeat immigrant visa applicants who were approved for an immigrant visa in the same classification and on the same basis as the

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