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,

Can My K-1 Fiancé(e) Visit the U.S. on a Tourist Visa While Waiting?

November 7, 2026

Waiting for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa to be processed often results in spending a considerable amount of time apart. If you have already filed your Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (“Form I-129F”) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), you may wonder whether your fiancé(e) can travel

Regional Center Annual Statements And Sanctions

November 4, 2026

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) requires Regional Centers to file annual statements with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The statements cover a range of matters, from the use of EB-5 investment funds to the status of projects sponsored by the Regional Center. Regional Center Annual

What to Do on Your First Day Entering the United States as a New Immigrant

October 30, 2026

Arriving in the United States with an immigrant visa is a major milestone. Your first entry is different from an ordinary visit because, for many immigrant visa holders, admission by United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) is the point of when their lawful permanent resident status (“Green Card”) begins.

What Is a Request for Evidence from USCIS and What Should You Do?

October 23, 2026

Receiving a Request for Evidence (“RFE”) from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) can be unsettling, especially when you have already spent months or even years preparing and waiting for case results. However, an RFE does not automatically mean USCIS plans to deny your application or petition. Instead, USCIS

What Happens If My K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Is Refused at the Interview?

October 19, 2026

The K-1 fiancé(e) visa interview is one of the final steps before a foreign fiancé(e) can travel to the United States and marry his/her U.S. citizen petitioner. If your K-1 fiancé(e) visa is refused following the interview, what should you do next? The answer depends on why the consular officer

EB-5 Investors Face Significant USCIS Filing Fee Increases

October 13, 2026

Prospective EB-5 investors should consider filing before November 30, 2026, to avoid substantial increases in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) filing fees. The USCIS is implementing significant fee increases that will affect EB-5 investors, regional centers, and EB-5 investment projects. For EB-5 investors who are ready and eligible

News & Resources

CATEGORY

Can My K-1 Fiancé(e) Visit the U.S. on a Tourist Visa While Waiting?

Regional Center Annual Statements And Sanctions

What to Do on Your First Day Entering the United States as a New Immigrant

What Is a Request for Evidence from USCIS and What Should You Do?

What Happens If My K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Is Refused at the Interview?

News & Resources

CATEGORY

Can My K-1 Fiancé(e) Visit the U.S. on a Tourist Visa While Waiting?

Regional Center Annual Statements And Sanctions

What to Do on Your First Day Entering the United States as a New Immigrant

What Is a Request for Evidence from USCIS and What Should You Do?

What Happens If My K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Is Refused at the Interview?

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Need help with your U.S. visa?
Talk to our experts today.