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,

USCIS Announces New Policy Highlights for Expedited Processing

June 15, 2021

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has released a new policy update pertaining to expedited processing. Under the updated criteria, USCIS provides further guidance as to whether expedited processing may be warranted. The new policy highlights include the following: Clarifies criteria and circumstances under which USCIS will generally

U.S. Citizens May Return to the United States on Expired Passports

June 2, 2021

The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”) and the Department of State (“DOS”) have announced that beginning May 21, 2021, U.S. citizens will be able to return to the United States on an expired U.S. passport until December 31, 2021, if they: are a U.S. citizen. are currently abroad seeking

Presidential Proclamation Requiring Incoming Immigrants To Have Health Insurance Revoked

May 27, 2021

The October 2019 Presidential Proclamation requiring incoming immigrants to have health insurance has been revoked by the White House. The Executive Order (“EO”) signed by then President Donald Trump required incoming immigrants to demonstrate that they will have health insurance within 30 days of their arrival in the United States.

Announcement – Rescheduling USCIS Biometric Services Appointments by Phone

May 19, 2021

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that applicants, petitioners, and beneficiaries may now call the USCIS Contact Center (1-800-375-5283) to reschedule their biometric services appointments that were scheduled at a USCIS Application Support Center (“ACS”). Previously, applicants had to submit requests in writing to reschedule biometrics appointments. This

Can My Spouse Delay Their EB-5 Visa Application and Apply to Immigrate Later?

May 14, 2021

In most cases, the family member of a principal EB-5 Petitioner, called a “dependent” or “beneficiary”, can delay his or her visa application to immigrate to the U.S. until a later date if the conditions for eligibility are still in place in the future. The decision for a spouse to

DOS Announces Tiered Approach to Resuming Immigrant Visa Applications

May 13, 2021

In a recent announcement from the United States Department of State (“DOS”), the Bureau of Consular Affairs reaffirmed its commitment in providing the current status of worldwide immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing operations. Specifically, DOS has been updating the public on how embassies and consulates affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

News & Resources

CATEGORY

What Is A Form I-94? Understanding the U.S. Arrival/ Departure Records

Age Determination For Children Of Alien Investors

Enterline and Partners Welcomes Ethan Phuc Le as Business Development Manager

Form I-130 Checklist for Spouse: What Documents Are Needed in a Form I-130?

The Importance of the DS-160 Online Application When Applying for a U.S. Visa