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

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

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