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

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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