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

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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