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

New Rule on Public Inadmissibility Charge Released by The U.S. Department of Homeland Security

August 16, 2019

On 12 August 2019, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the publication of its new rule on public charge. In addition to the long standing requirements that intending immigrants must be able to show that they are able to financially support themselves either through a sponsor, their own assets

USCIS Will Leave 7 International Offices Open

August 13, 2019

In rare bit of positive news from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the agency has announced plans to maintain operations in seven international field offices in Beijing and Guangzhou, China; Nairobi, Kenya; New Delhi, India; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Mexico City, Mexico; and San Salvador, El Salvador. This is

If You Are Convicted of a Crime, Will You Be Barred From Immigrating to the United States?

August 5, 2019

U.S. immigration law classifies certain criminal offenses as a “crime involving moral turpitude” (CIMT). If a foreign national is convicted of a CIMT or admits to the commission of a CIMT whether the crime was committed in the United States or abroad, it may render him or her inadmissible to

What Can I Do If I am Given a Section 214(b) Refusal for a U.S. Visa?

August 2, 2019

All U.S. visa applicants applying for a non-immigrant visa are required to demonstrate to the consular officer’s individual satisfaction that they are eligible. Since outside documentation such as bank statements, property title deeds, vehicle registration, letters of recommendation, invitation letters, are normally not reviewed by the consular officer unless specifically requested,

Information Seminar – What does the new EB-5 regulation mean and how will it affect me and my investors?

July 29, 2019

Wednesday, July 31st, 2019, 10:00 am – Enterline and Partners Consulting Office, 1A Cong Truong Me Linh, District 1, HCMC As you know, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization regulation is scheduled to become effective on November 21, 2019. While some of the regulation is very clear, such as an

How Important is the DS-160 Online Application When Applying for a U.S. Visa?

July 26, 2019

For certain U.S. visas, specifically, a B-1/ B-2 visitor visa (commonly known as a tourist visa), the DS-160 online application is the most important part of the U.S. visa process. Not only does the DS-160 require important personal information needed for a consular officer to adjudicate the visa application, it

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