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,

United States Announces New Visa Policies Targeting Chinese Nationals

June 17, 2025

The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has announced a new set of visa policies aimed at increasing scrutiny of Chinese nationals seeking to enter the United States. In a press statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the DOS outlined forthcoming measures that align with President Trump’s directive to

U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong Announces New Policy for Immigrant Visa Applicants

June 12, 2025

Beginning July 1, 2025, Immigrant Visa and K Fiancée Visa applicants who have not brought ALL the required documents to their interview will be turned away and required to reschedule their appointment. Applicants must present original civil documents, including police certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, and birth certificates, and make

Visa Restrictions On Travel Agencies Facilitating Illegal Immigration To The United States

June 10, 2025

Significant action is being taken by the U.S. Department of State to prohibit visas for owners, CEOs, and senior officials of Indian-based travel businesses that intentionally aid illegal immigration to the United States. This move demonstrates the Department’s dedication to upending international smuggling organizations and implementing U.S. immigration regulations. The

Important Update Regarding F, M, and J Student Visa Application Suspension

June 6, 2025

Following the United States Department of State (“DOS”) announcement to suspend F, M, and J student visa applications at Embassies and Consulates in response to implementing new policies aimed at social media vetting, DOS has released additional information. While this action immediately impacts plans of foreign and exchange students, DOS

AILA Sends Letter to Department of Homeland Security Regarding Alien Registration Requirement

June 3, 2025

On May 12, 2025 The American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) submitted a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in response to requests for comments to the DHS Interim Final Rule (“IFR”) for information collection described in the Paperwork Reduction Act section with a

DOS Suspends F M and J Student Visa Interviews to Expand Social Media Vetting Process

May 30, 2025

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has ordered all Embassies and Consulates to stop scheduling new appointments for applicants applying for F, M, and J student visas. In a released cable, DOS Secretary Marco Rubio said that the suspension is in place because DOS plans to expand the screening

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