What is a B-1 Domestic Employee Visa and How Does it Work?
A B-1 domestic employee visa permits certain foreign domestic workers to temporarily accompany their employer to the United States to manage household or other domestic services. The visa is narrowly defined and carefully regulated. It applies only when there is an established employment relationship and when the employer’s stay in the United States is temporary. […]
Vietnamese Names Listed Incorrectly on U.S. Visas and Green Cards
United States government posts have frequently listed Vietnamese citizens’names on government documents incorrectly such as on visas and Form I-551 (“Green Cards”.) This often happens because Vietnamese passports list names in the order of last name (or “family name” or “surname”) followed by the middle name and then the first name. This traditional naming style […]
The Importance of the DS-160 Online Application When Applying for a U.S. Visa
The Importance of the DS-160 Online Application cannot be overstated for anyone applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. Whether you are applying for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa; an F, M, or J student visa; or any temporary visa to the United States, the DS-160 is the foundation of your application and a major step in […]
USCIS Proposes to Collect Social Media Handles on Immigration Forms
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) issued a 60-day notice and comment on a proposal to collect information pertaining to social-media handles and associated social media platform names from applicants in an effort to verify identification, streamline public safety screening and related inspections. The proposal, which was published in the Federal Register on […]
ASC Biometrics Scheduling Issues
Following member’s reports to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) that applicants have been receiving biometrics appointment notices either too late or with appointment dates that have already passed, AILA reached out to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to request clarification and resolution. The USCIS acknowledged the issue and has taken steps […]
DOS Confirms Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases to Take Effect June 17, 2023
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has confirmed that previously proposed nonimmigrant visa fees will now go into effect on June 17, 2023. Visa application fees for visitor visas for business or tourism (B-1/B-2s and BCCs), and other non-petition based NIVs, such as student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J visas), will […]
DOS to Delay Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Fees Until June 17, 2023
The United States Department of State will delay increasing certain nonimmigrant visa application fees until June 17, 2023. The key fee changes implemented by the rule are as follows: Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa applications including B-1/ B-2 Visitor Visas and J-1 Student Exchange Visas will be raised from $160 to $185. H, L, O, P, Q, […]
DOS to Raise Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Fees
Effective May 30, 2023, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) will be increasing certain nonimmigrant visa application fees. Fees for B-1/ B-2 Visitor (Tourist and Business) Visas and J-1 Student and Exchange Visas will increase from US$160 to $185. The DOS will increase fees for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas including H, L, O, P, […]
Enterline and Partners Successfully Represents Vietnamese Family in Overcoming 214(b) Visitor Visa Refusal
Enterline and Partners recently represented a family of four in overcoming their 214(b) visa refusals at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City (“Consulate”). The family, who formally held U.S. B-1/ B-2 Visitor Visas (“Visitor Visa”), had acquired Grenada citizenship by making an investment in order to gain benefits of having a second citizenship, […]
Important Information for All Vietnam Visa Applicants Beginning October 3, 2022
Beginning October 3, 2022, all Vietnamese immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants whose passports were issued starting July 1, 2022 must include a Vietnam government endorsement page that states the place of birth. Visa applicants who do not have an endorsement page will not be permitted to attend their visa interviews and will be required to […]