September 22, 2021

DOS Authorizes F M and J Academic Visa Interview Waivers Through End of 2021

As an additional measure aimed at reducing visa application backlogs and freeing up available resources at U.S. Embassies and Consulates, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) will allow consular officers to waive in-person interviews for F, M, and J academic visas. The new DOS policy, which will run until the end of the year, authorizes consular officers to adjudicate F, M. and J visa applicants without an in-person interview who were previously issued a visa in the same visa category and have never been refused a visa, unless such refusal was overcome or waived, and who have no potential ineligibility.

The inclusion of adding F, M, and J academic visas to the list of nonimmigrant visas that can be adjudicated without an interview follows earlier DOS announcements which expanded certain non-immigrant visa interview waivers an additional 12 months followed by another policy extending nonimmigrant visa interview waivers to 24 months.

For more information, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office

Suite 601, 6th Floor, Saigon Tower
29 Le Duan Street
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: +84 933 301 488

Email: info@enterlinepartners.com

Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ

Website: http://enterlinepartners.com

Manila, Philippines Office

LKG Tower 37th Floor

6801 Ayala Avenue

Makati City, Philippines 1226

Tel: +632 5310 1491

Email: info@enterlinepartners.com

Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines

Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/

Copyright 2021. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.

Categories: Non-immigrant Visa

Tags: DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application, F-1 Visa, J-1 visa, M-1 Visa, U.S. Department of State (DOS)

Where Should You Get Married? United States vs. Vietnam Immigration Paths

What Is A Form I-94? Understanding the U.S. Arrival/ Departure Records

Age Determination For Children Of Alien Investors

Enterline and Partners Welcomes Ethan Phuc Le as Business Development Manager

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

USCIS Premium Processing 2026: Fees, Forms I-129, I-140, and Current Status

For employers and employees navigating the U.S. immigration system, time is often the most critical resource. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) Premium Processing Service allows petitioners to significantly accelerate the adjudication of certain forms, specifically Form I-129 (Nonimmigrant Worker) and Form I-140 (Immigrant Worker), for an additional fee. As of early 2026, USCIS has announced significant updates regarding fee structures and availability. This guide consolidates everything you need to know about using Premium Processing this year. Latest Update: Fee Increase Effective March 1, 2026 In January 2026, USCIS, through the Department of Homeland Security, announced a final rule to increase premium processing fees to adjust for inflation. Important: If you are filing Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, you must pay the new fee. Filings with incorrect fees will be rejected. 2026 Premium Processing Fee Schedule Form Type Eligible

Where Should You Get Married? United States vs. Vietnam Immigration Paths

For many Vietnamese and American couples, marrying is an important decision. One important question is where to get married. Deciding where to marry can shape your immigration timeline, your ability to live together, and even whether your immigration case succeeds. Many couples face the same dilemmas. At Enterline and Partners, we regularly advise couples navigating these choices, including those working with an immigration attorney in Vietnam while planning their future in the United States. In this article, we’ll explain the pros, cons, timelines, and risks of each option to help you choose the path that best fits your priorities and avoid costly immigration mistakes. Option 1: Registering Your Marriage in Vietnam Followed By Sponsoring Your Vietnamese Spouse for Immigration Registering your marriage in Vietnam allows you to marry first and then begin the U.S. immigration process from abroad. How the Process Works When a U.S. citizen and a Vietnamese national

What Is A Form I-94? Understanding the U.S. Arrival/ Departure Records

Following arrival in the United States, visitors (i.e. nonimmigrant visa holders, those from visa-free countries) are issued a Form I-94 which determines allocated length of stay. The Form I-94 used to be a paper form attached to the visitor’s passport. Now it is saved electronically on the Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) website. Unfortunately, many visitors overlook the Form I-94 which actually controls how long they can remain in the country. The Form I-94 is the official record that proves a visitor entered the U.S. lawfully at a Port-of-Entry (“POE”). It also shows exactly how long the visitor is allowed to remain. This guide explains what the Form I-94 is, why it matters, how to access it, and what to do if something is wrong. Why is a Form I-94 Important? The Form I-94 does more than confirm your entry into the United States. A visitor will need it for

DOS Authorizes F M and J Academic Visa Interview Waivers Through End of 2021

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News