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,

What is a Form I-130A?

November 15, 2025

A Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, is required in every marriage-based Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”). The supplemental form is submitted with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) at the time of filing the Form I-130 which contains important background details about the

DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions, Emphasizing Vetting and Security

November 12, 2025

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced an interim final rule that will significantly change how Employment Authorization Documents (“EADs”) are renewed. Effective October 30, 2025, foreign nationals filing for EAD renewal will no longer receive automatic extensions while their applications are pending—except in limited cases provided by

What is a Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record?

October 31, 2025

If you are applying for lawful permanent residency (“Green Card”) from within the United States, you have to submit Form I-693, which is a medical exam and vaccination record completed by a specific doctor. Submitting this form shows that you are eligible for a Green Card based on health reasons.

Vietnamese Passport Name Order: Common Issues with U.S. Immigration Documents

October 29, 2025

Many Vietnamese citizens face challenges when their names are listed incorrectly on U.S. immigration documents such as visas and Green Cards. This often happens because the naming style also known as the Vietnamese passport name order follows the format: Given/ Surname name → Middle name → Given name, which differs

What Is Capital In The RIA?

October 24, 2025

In the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), the definition of “Capital” as an investment for EB-5 has been updated. Capital includes cash, as well as any real, personal, or mixed tangible assets that are owned and controlled by the investor and which are invested in, or contributed

David Enterline speaks at IIUSA EB-5 Event in East Asia

October 22, 2025

Enterline and Partners Managing Partner David Enterline served as Panel Moderator for the IIUSA 2025 Passport Series: East Asia event held in October this year. He moderated the panel “How to Evaluate and Select the Right EB-5 Project for Investors”. IIUSA is the national membership-based EB-5 industry association for EB-5

News & Resources

CATEGORY

What is a Form I-130A?

DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions, Emphasizing Vetting and Security

What is a Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record?

Vietnamese Passport Name Order: Common Issues with U.S. Immigration Documents

What Is Capital In The RIA?