News & Resources

USCIS Now Requires Certain Adjustment Of Status Applicants To Submit Medical Examination With Their Form I-485 Application

December 20, 2024

Effectively immediately, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will require certain applicants filing a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to submit a Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record with their Form I-485 Application. Applicants who are adjusting status within

Incoming Trump Administration Looks to Deport Migrants to Third-Party Countries

December 17, 2024

The incoming Trump administration is preparing a list of countries to which it may deport migrants if their home countries refuse to accept them, according to sources. These countries include Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Panama and Grenada. If implemented, it could result in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands

What is CBP Preclearance?

December 5, 2024

CBP Preclearance refers to a program operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) that allows U.S. bound travelers to complete immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departing for the United States, rather than upon arrival at a U.S. Port-of-Entry. This process occurs at designated preclearance locations outside the

Philippines Ambassador to the U.S. Urges Undocumented Philippines Citizens to Leave Voluntarily

November 29, 2024

Philippines Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez said it would be better for undocumented Philippines citizens to voluntarily leave the U.S. rather than be deported. Ambassador Romualdez made these comments following Donald Trump being elected as the 47th President of the United States and Trump’s appointment of Thomas

What is a Joint Sponsor for a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support?

November 26, 2024

A Joint Sponsor for Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is an individual who agrees to share the financial responsibility for sponsoring an immigrant when the primary sponsor (the Petitioner) does not meet the minimum income requirements. The joint sponsor must meet certain eligibility criteria and file their own Form I-864

USCIS Announces Fee Increase For Premium Processing To $1,410

September 16, 2018

USCIS announced an increase in the premium processing fee for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, beginning on October 1, 2018. The premium processing fee will increase to $1,410. This increase will affect any L-1 and EB-1C petitions that our clients

Clarification on STEM OPT Extension Reporting Responsibilities and Training Obligations

August 20, 2018

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced clarification for F-1 visa students completing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) participating in an Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). In a document dated August 17, 2018 posted on the USCIS website, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified

Final Guidelines on Unlawful Presence for Students and Exchange Visitors

August 13, 2018

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) August 9, 2018 policy memorandum revises the calculation of unlawful presence of those under F, J, or M nonimmigrant visa status and their dependents during their stay in the United States. Under the new memorandum, those holding F, J, or M visas who

USCIS Adjudicator’s Discretion Restored in Denying Applications, Petitions and Requests without Issuing RFE’s or NOIDS.

July 22, 2018

In a new policy memorandum issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) last July 13, 2018, USCIS adjudicators are given discretion to deny applications, petitions, or requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) if the initial evidence is

U.S. Department of State Vietnam Visa Approvals for May and June 2018

July 10, 2018

The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has published a list of visa issuances for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for the months of May and June 2018. There were 1,643 immigrant visas issued for Vietnamese nationals in May. Eighty-four were IR-1 visas and 187 were CR-1 visas. The IR-1 visa

How to Apply for Naturalization if your American Spouse is Stationed Abroad

June 27, 2018

Vietnamese spouses of U.S. citizens are generally eligible for green cards and eventually U.S. citizenship based on their marriage. In general, a person may only be naturalized after showing that they have resided in the United States as a green card holder for a certain prescribed period of time. However,

CATEGORY

USCIS Now Requires Certain Adjustment Of Status Applicants To Submit Medical Examination With Their Form I-485 Application

Incoming Trump Administration Looks to Deport Migrants to Third-Party Countries

What is CBP Preclearance?

Philippines Ambassador to the U.S. Urges Undocumented Philippines Citizens to Leave Voluntarily

What is a Joint Sponsor for a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support?