News & Resources

USCIS Updates Guidance for F and M Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

October 1, 2024

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its guidance effective immediately regarding when students who are in either F or M nonimmigrant visa classification may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) extensions for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (“STEM”) field. The updated guidance, which is found

U.S. Embassy in Manila to Launch New Visa Application Center and Additional Consular Services

October 1, 2024

Beginning September 28, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Manila will open a new Visa Application Center (“VAC”), launch an updated visa appointment system, and expand call center services to U.S. citizens in the Philippines. The new VAC will be located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. Paranaque

The New U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for United States Citizens

September 26, 2024

On September 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (“STEP”). The STEP is a free service allowing U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so DOS can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. Existing

Administrative Stay Order Issued Against Parole in Place Applications

August 29, 2024

Following litigation filed against the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), a federal judge has granted the Plaintiff, the State of Texas and fifteen (15) other U.S. states, an administrative stay against Parole in Place application approvals under Keeping Families Together for at least fourteen (14) days. While this order is

The U.S. Consulate In Ho Chi Minh City Begins Business Visa Facilitation Pilot Program (BVFPP)

August 8, 2024

The U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City has implemented the Business Visa Facilitation Pilot Program (BVFPP). The program is designed to facilitate American companies who want to send Vietnamese employees to the U.S. for business purposes. The program allows those companies to register with the U.S. Consulate in advance

U.S. Federal Judge Finds Suspicionless Searches of Travelers Electronic Devices Unconstitutional

November 18, 2019

A U.S. Federal Court Judge has ruled that border control officers may not conduct suspicionless searches on arriving passengers’ smartphones and other electronic devices at the Port of Entry. The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper for the District of Massachusetts stated that while U.S. Customs and Border

David Enterline receives an I-829 Approval award at the IIUSA EB-5 Conference in Seattle, Washington

November 15, 2019

David Enterline of Enterline and Partners was recognized as having obtained I-829 approvals for his EB-5 immigrant investor clients in 2018 and 2019. David was recognized along with a select group of EB-5 Regional Centers and experienced EB-5 attorneys successfully representing his clients through his position with WTW –

U.S. Federal Court Judge Temporarily Blocks Presidential Proclamation on Requiring Immigrants to Obtain Health Insurance

November 4, 2019

A U.S. Federal District Court judge has granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against U.S. President Donald Trump’s proclamation requiring intending immigrants to obtain health insurance within thirty (30) days upon their arrival in the United States or be able to show that they have enough money to pay for

USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees for Forms I-129 and I-140

November 1, 2019

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is scheduled to increase I-129 and I-140 premium processing fees from US$1410 to US$1440. The increase, which is scheduled to take effect on December 2, 2019, reflects the full amount of inflation from the implementation of premium processing fees in June 2001 through August

USCIS Begins Online Filing for Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

October 31, 2019

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started it’s online filing services for Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. An I-130 is the first step to bring a spouse, child, parent(s), or siblings to the United States by a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident. “Form I-130 is on the

Can I apply for a visitor visa or student visa and enter the United States while my I-526 Petition or immigrant visa application is pending?

October 28, 2019

A nonimmigrant visa is for persons wanting to enter the U.S. for a temporary visit for a specific purpose and who will leave the U.S. when the purpose of their visit is finished. In most nonimmigrant visa categories, this is called establishing “nonimmigrant intent”. The most common nonimmigrant visas are

CATEGORY

Supreme Court Hands the Trump Administration a Partial Victory in Ongoing Birthright Citizenship Litigation

When Do Sponsor Obligations End Under Form I-864?

United States Announces New Visa Policies Targeting Chinese Nationals

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