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,

Are K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas Affected by Trump’s 2025 Immigration Policies?

December 13, 2025

With the return of the Trump administration in 2025, many couples are asking the critical question: “Are K-1 Fiancé(e) visas (hereinafter “fianc(é)”) affected by Trump’s new immigration policies?” While there is currently no outright ban on K-1 fianc(é) visas, applicants should be prepared for significant changes in processing, increased

Infrastructure Project, Rural Area, And Targeted Employment Area In The RIA

December 10, 2025

In the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), three important terms are Infrastructure Project, Rural Area, and Targeted Employment Area (“TEA”). Here’s a clear explanation of each: Infrastructure Project An infrastructure project refers to a capital investment project administered by a governmental entity, such as a federal, state,

What is a Priority Date in U.S. Immigration? A Complete Guide to the Priority Date in U.S. Immigration

December 4, 2025

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

USCIS To Implements the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

December 2, 2025

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

EB-5 Visa Processing Time: How Long Do I Have to Wait for Approval?

November 30, 2025

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

EB-5 Petition and Application Fees Reduced by Court Order

November 26, 2025

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

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CATEGORY

Are K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas Affected by Trump’s 2025 Immigration Policies?

Infrastructure Project, Rural Area, And Targeted Employment Area In The RIA

What is a Priority Date in U.S. Immigration? A Complete Guide to the Priority Date in U.S. Immigration

USCIS To Implements the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

EB-5 Visa Processing Time: How Long Do I Have to Wait for Approval?