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

How Long is a U.S. B-1/ B-2 Visa Valid For?

September 4, 2019

U.S. B-1/ B-2 visa validity is dependent on what kind of passport a person is holding. Currently, there are 38 countries whose citizens may enter the United States visa free. All other nationalities are required to obtain a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Citizens of some countries

U.S. Border Control Agents Refusing Entry to Travelers Over Other People’s Social Media Postings

September 3, 2019

While non-immigrant visa applicants have been required to disclose social media handles on their DS-160 Online Application since June 2019, certain visa holders such as those entering the United States on B-1/ B-2 visitor visas and F-1 student visas have reported an increased number of entry refusals because of other

U.S. Ends Visa Waiver Program for Foreign Nationals Who Have Visited North Korea

August 29, 2019

Citizens of 38 countries who are eligible to travel to the United States for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are now required to obtain a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad if they have visited the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or

USCIS Announces Important Policy Change in Defining “Residency” for Parents Seeking a Consular Report of Birth Abroad

August 29, 2019

USCIS released a policy alert on 28 August 2019 which seeks to address statutory requirements in determining “residency” for U.S. citizens who are transmitting citizenship to their children through Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). The policy alert, titled PA-2019-05 also rescinds previous guidelines regarding children of U.S. government employees

U.S. Department of State Announces EB-3 Visa Category Unavailable for the Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019

August 28, 2019

Charlie Oppenheim, Chief of Visa Control and Reporting Division at the U.S. Department of State recently announced that the entire EB-3 visa category has become unavailable for the remainder of the 2019 Fiscal Year. When a visa category reaches its annual limits for the fiscal year, no additional visas may

David Enterline Speaks at EB-5 Seminar in Bien Hoa

August 19, 2019

David Enterline, Esq., of Enterline and Partners Consulting spoke at an EB-5 seminar at the Mira Central Park Hotel in Bien Hoa on August 11, 2019. In addition to introducing how to qualify for EB-5 investor visa and the overall process, Mr. Enterline further discussed upcoming changes to EB-5 visa

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