Enterline and Partners Successfully Expedites Form I-130 Petition with Direct Consular Filing at the U.S. Embassy in Manila
Enterline and Partners is pleased to announce that our attorneys have successfully represented their clients through Direct Consular Filing (“DCF”) of a Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“I-130 Petition) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila (“Embassy’). Our clients, a U.S. citizen and a Philippines citizen, were seeking an alternative to the long waiting periods […]
USCIS Updates Policy Manual on Family-Based Immigrant Visa Approvals
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued an updated policy guidance on Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“Petition”) explaining how the agency handles family-based immigrant visa petition approvals regarding correcting approval notice errors, requests for consular processing or adjustment of status, and routing procedures for approved petitions. Specifically, the policy highlights, […]
What is the Adam Walsh Act Child Protection and Safety Act?
The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (“AWA”) is a U.S. federal statute that aims to protect children from sexual exploitation and violent crimes. The AWA was named after Adam Walsh, a child who was abducted and murdered in the State of Florida in 1981. Following young Adam’s death, the child’s father, […]
What is Humantarian Reinstatement of an I-130 Petition?
When the petitioner of an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“I-130 Petition”) dies, it typically has repercussions for the beneficiary(s) of that Petition. The fate of the Petition depends on the stage of where the Petition was at the time of the petitioner’s death. Before Petition Approval: If the petitioner dies before the I-130 Petition […]
How Can I Expedite a Petition with USCIS?
Expediting a Petition (i.e. I-130 Petition for Alien Relative or I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé or Fiancée) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) can be challenging. There are limited circumstances in which USCIS may consider expediting a Petition that is currently undergoing processing at one of its service centers. Here are some […]
The Visa Waiting Time for Married Children of United States Citizens: the Family-Based Third Preference Immigrant Visa Category
The family-based third preference immigrant visa category (“F3”) is a type of visa available to U.S. citizens who are looking to bring their married children to the United States. This immigrant visa category is in high demand and there are yearly quotas for visas. As a result, the waiting period before a visa becomes available […]
Enterline and Partners Lawyers Ryan Barshop and David Enterline Speak at Regional Conference
Ryan Barshop and David Enterline of Enterline and Partners recently spoke at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”), Asia Pacific Chapter (“APAC”), “11th Annual Conference” in Tokyo, Japan. AILA is an international organization of more than 16,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. APAC is a District Chapter of AILA whose […]
What is an Immediate Relative Under U.S. Immigration Law?
Under U.S. immigration law, an immediate relative is a term used to refer to certain close family members of U.S. citizens who are eligible for immigration benefits. The following family members are considered immediate relatives: Spouses of U.S. citizens Unmarried children under the age of 21 of US citizens Parents of U.S. citizens, if the […]
The Visa Waiting Time for the Family-Based First Preference Immigrant Visa Category
Family-based immigration is an important aspect of the United States immigration system, which allows citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their close relatives. One of the family-based immigrant visa categories is the first preference category, which is for unmarried adult children (21 years or older) of U.S. citizens; often referred to as the F1 […]
The Visa Waiting Time for the Family-Based Fourth Preference Immigrant Visa Category
The U.S. immigration system provides several categories for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States based on their familial relationships with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The fourth preference category (also known as the “F4” category) is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. If you are the sibling of a U.S. citizen, […]