Update: The Department of State has updated their triad approach. For more information, click here. After enduring the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year, most U.S. embassies and consulates are not operating at full capacity. Due to limited appointment availability, a significant backlog was created for immigrant (IV) and nonimmigrant visa
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the circumstances in which officers should issue Requests for Evidence (“RFEs”) and Notices of Intent to Deny (“NOIDs”). In 2013, USCIS published guidance instructing officers to issue RFEs in cases involving
On June 22, 2021, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California issued an order granting summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff, Behring Regional Center, in the lawsuit Behring filed against the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”). The order was given in the matter of Behring
Individuals who are required to obtain a visa to enter the United States must apply at a U.S. consulate abroad. A critical part of the application process involves an in-person interview at the consulate to verify information in the application and ask questions about eligibility for the visa. If the visa
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has released a new policy update pertaining to expedited processing. Under the updated criteria, USCIS provides further guidance as to whether expedited processing may be warranted. The new policy highlights include the following: Clarifies criteria and circumstances under which USCIS will generally
The priority date in U.S. immigration is a critical concept for anyone waiting for lawful permanent residency status (“Green Card”). Because Congress sets strict annual limits on the number of immigrant visas issued in most categories, demand often outstrips supply, creating significant backlogs. Your priority date effectively acts as your
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced an update to its Policy Manual that re-introduces a modified version of the 2020 Civics Test—now called the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. The update, once adopted, will apply to applications for naturalization (Form N-400 Application for Naturalization) filed on or after
If you are applying for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “What is the EB-5 visa processing time?” The truth is, EB-5 processing times vary greatly depending on many factors, such as your nationality, the project you invest in, how the United States
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”)_ has posted a notice on its website that on November 12, 2025, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado issued a decision in Moody v. Noem staying certain EB-5 related petition and application fees that were implemented by the
Starting the journey toward living in the United States often begins with a consultation session with a U.S. immigration lawyer. Some people immigrate through marriage, others through family, investment, or employment visa categories. In many cases, however, the rules and paperwork may feel overwhelming. With frequent updates to forms, fees,
In the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), the term “rural area” is used to identify locations that are eligible for the lower investment threshold of US$800,000 rather than the base investment amount of US$1,050,000. It is designed to promote investment in infrastructure, development, and economic growth in
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