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

President-Elect Trump’s Mass Deportation Begins to Take Hold

November 20, 2024

During the 2024 campaign, former president and candidate Donald J. Trump promised mass deportation for millions on undocumented migrants in the United States. It appears that the campaign pledges are beginning to take hold. Last week, President-elect Trump named Thomas Homan as the “Border Tsar.” Homan, a former police officer

Federal Judge Strikes Down Parole-in-Place Program

November 13, 2024

A U.S. Federal Court Judge has struck down Parole-in-Place following an earlier decision granting the State of Texas and fifteen (15) other states an administrative stay two months ago. Judge J. Campbell Barker of the Eastern District of Texas ruled that the program, which would fast-track permanent residency to certain

What is a K-3 Nonimmigrant visa?

November 7, 2024

A K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while their Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“I-130 Petition”) is undergoing adjudication with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The goal of a K-3 is to

Can I send my Absentee Ballot to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the Upcoming Presidential Election?

November 1, 2024

We have previously discussed who is eligible to vote in U.S. elections and how American citizens abroad (i.e. Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan) can send their ballots by mail or use designated dropboxes to vote for their presidential and state and local candidates. U.S. citizens who are unable to physically

What is myUSCIS?

October 29, 2024

myUSCIS provides a personalized account to help you navigate the immigration process. On myUSCIS, you will find: How to Create an Online USCIS Account Step 1: Go to the USCIS website: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/create-account Step 2: Enter your email address. Step 3: Confirm your email address. Step 4: Create password. Step 5:

Who can vote in the U.S. Presidential Election?

October 25, 2024

With the U.S. Presidential Election just days away, American citizens in the United States and abroad will take part in electing the 47th President of the United States. Although the current front runners are Vice-President Kamala D. Harris for the Democrat Party and former President Donald J. Trump for the

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