DOS Suspension of Immigrant Visa Processing
On August 21, 2026, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) suspended many immigrant visa processing at Embassies and Consulates worldwide. As a result of the pause, many immigrant visa applicants (including K-1 fiancé visa applicants) have had their interviews cancelled. Immigrant visa applicants whose cases are currently undergoing processing, including those who were subject […]
DOS to Suspend Immigrant Visa Applications from Seventy-Five Countries. Philippines and Vietnam Not Included in the Suspension
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has announced that it will freeze immigrant visa processing for seventy-five (75) countries citing concerns that citizens from those countries might become a public charge and require government financial assistance upon entering the United States. The directive instructs DOS consular officers to pause immigrant visa applications under existing […]
Everything You Need to Know About the U.S. Immigration Medical Exam
All immigrant visa applicants (i.e. those applying for a Green Card) are required to complete a medical exam at a designated clinic by a panel physician as part of the process. The purpose of the exam is to ensure that applicants are not carriers of any serious infectious diseases or other health conditions that could […]
DOS Will Now Require Immigrant Visa Applicants to Interview in Place of Residence or Country of Nationality
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) is now requiring immigrant visa applicants to apply for immigrant visas in the consular district designated for their place of residence or in their country of nationality. Effective immediately, if an immigrant visa applicant would like to transfer his or her pending immigrant visa case to a new […]
U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong Announces New Policy for Immigrant Visa Applicants
Beginning July 1, 2025, Immigrant Visa and K Fiancée Visa applicants who have not brought ALL the required documents to their interview will be turned away and required to reschedule their appointment. Applicants must present original civil documents, including police certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, and birth certificates, and make sure they have finished the […]
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 […]
Philippines Ambassador to the U.S. Urges Undocumented Philippines Citizens to Leave Voluntarily
Philippines Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez said it would be better for undocumented Philippines citizens to voluntarily leave the U.S. rather than be deported. Ambassador Romualdez made these comments following Donald Trump being elected as the 47th President of the United States and Trump’s appointment of Thomas Homan as the “border czar”. […]
Why Did My Priority Date Jump Backwards in the Visa Bulletin?
For many people who are immigrating to the United States, the Department of State (“DOS”) Visa Bulletin is the most important document to watch each month. The Visa Bulletin helps immigrant visa applicants understand their place in line for a visa. Although checking the Visa Bulletin is an essential step in understanding an applicant’s place […]