News & Resources

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,

Changes in Immigration Policy

June 12, 2018

A series of small moves concerning the Trump Administration’s immigration policy have recently been undertaken. CNN reports the following actions made by the administration: Attorney General Jeff Sessions has issued a Decision directing the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to refer cases for his review when such cases have issues

Update to Form I-797 – Receipt Notice for Form I-751 and Form I-829

June 12, 2018

DOS Further Extends Non-Immigrant In-Person Interview Requirements

March 19, 2021

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has announced a third extension authorizing consular officers to waive in-person interview requirements for individuals applying for a non-immigrant visa within the same category. The first extension, which expired on December 31, 2020, was further extended to March 31, 2021 and allowed for

DHS Announces End to Public Charge Litigation

March 18, 2021

The United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced that the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) will no longer appeal judicial decisions invalidating or enforcing the 2019 Public Charge rule. Noting that litigating inadmissibility based on public charge is neither in the public interest or an efficient use of limited

Vietnam Investors Leap Forward Almost 2 Months on the April visa bulletin

March 16, 2021

Good news for Vietnam EB-5 Investors, as the “Final Action Date” priority date on the Department of State’s April visa bulletin leaped forward by almost two months, from October 22, 2017 to December 15, 2017. The priority date indicates that any Vietnamese investors who filed their I-526 Petitions on or

What is a Form I-129F?

March 16, 2021

A Form I-129F is a Petition for Alien Fiance filed through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The form can only be filed by a U.S. citizen over the age of 21. Non-US citizens including Lawful Permanent Residents (i.e. Green Card Holders) are not able to petition their

What is the Two-Year Meeting Requirement Waiver for an I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance?

March 15, 2021

One key requirement for an I-129F Petition approval and proceeding K-1 non-immigrant visa is that the U.S. citizen and foreign fiance must have physically met within 2 years prior to filing the I-129 Petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Those who have not satisfied the two

What is a Form I-130 Petition?

March 9, 2021

A Form I-130 is a Petition for Alien Relative filed through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form can be filed by either a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) which establishes a valid family relationship. It is the first step in helping immediate

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