News & Resources

Update on Employer’s Training Obligation for Optional Practical Training Extension For STEM Students

January 9, 2019

The United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently updated their website so that the training experience of F-1 visa international students who receive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees can no longer complete their optional practical training (OPT) in the workplace of their employer’s clients or customers. The

U.S. Department of State Vietnam Visa Approvals for July, August, and September 2018

November 10, 2018

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released its visa issuance statistics for July, August and September 2018. Immigrant Visas For Vietnamese nationals, a total 2,637 immigrant visas were issued in July; 3,836 were issued in August; and 2,393 were issued in September. July: Only 83 of the immigrant

Is a Final Rule Coming on Changes to EB-5, Especially an Increase to the Minimum Investment Amount?

November 6, 2018

Is a Final Rule Coming on Changes to EB-5, Especially an Increase to the Minimum Investment Amount? The answer: Maybe. Currently, any change to the US$500,000 minimum investment amount in a Targeted Employment Area (proposed increase to US$1,350,000) would require the publication of the Final Rule for the related “EB-5

Homeland Security Proposes To Define “Public Charge” For Immigration Purposes

September 25, 2018

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that it will define the term “public charge” for immigration purposes. Currently, interviewing consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates are authorized to refuse a visa if it is in their opinion that they are likely to become a public charge.

October Visa Bulletin EB-5 Visa Category Now “Unauthorized” for Visa Issuance

September 19, 2018

Last week, U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs published the October Visa Bulletin. The EB-5 Regional Center category has been listed as “U” meaning unauthorized for issuance. This is because the Immigrant Investor Program (aka Regional Center Program) is set to expire on September 30, 2018. The

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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