Do You Need a U.S. Immigration Lawyer if You Are in Vietnam? Five Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone
Applying for a U.S. visa from Vietnam may seem straightforward when the forms are available online and the basic steps appear clear. However, the process may become difficult when there is a prior visa refusal, past marriage and name issues, missing documents or anything else that may require a closer review. These details can easily […]
USCIS To Implements the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its Policy Manual to reintroduce a revised version of the 2020 Civics Test – now called the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test. This update applies to all Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, filed on or after October 20, 2025. The change is intended to reinforce the […]
EB-5 Petition and Application Fees Reduced by Court Order
Good news for EB-5 investors: effective November 13, 2025, the filing fee for Form I-526E has dropped from $11,160 to $3,675 – a saving of more than $7,000 per petition – following a federal court order issued on November 12, 2025 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado in Moody v. Noem. […]
Rural Area In The RIA
In the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), the term “rural area” is used to identify locations that are eligible for the lower investment threshold of US$800,000 rather than the base investment amount of US$1,050,000. It is designed to promote investment in infrastructure, development, and economic growth in less populated areas According to […]
DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions, Emphasizing Vetting and Security
What Was the Automatic EAD Extension and Why Was It Ended? Prior to October 30, 2025, foreign nationals in the United States who filed a timely renewal application for their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) were automatically granted continued work authorization while their renewal application was pending with USCIS – even after their existing EAD expired. […]
Is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa for the U.S. a Secure Path to a Green Card?
The United States continues to be a top destination for individuals seeking world-class healthcare, top-tier education, and a stable environment for business and investment. For many individuals and families, investment-based immigration offers a convenient opportunity to secure lawful permanent residency in the United States. Among the various investment-based immigration options, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program […]
Distinguishing U.S. Immigrant Visa Categories: Family, Employment, and Investment
When people think of U.S. immigration, the first thing that comes to mind oftentimes is Lawful Permanent Residence (“Green Card.”) However, the journey to permanent residency is not a one-size-fits-all road. The Green Card system can be divided into several visa categories, each with its own purpose, requirements, and process. Knowing how these categories differ […]
Increased Investment Amounts Of The RIA
The Increased Investment Amounts section of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) raises the minimum investment thresholds to adjust for inflation and ensure the continued effectiveness of the program in promoting economic growth and job creation in the United States. Under the updated rules, the standard investment amount required for the EB-5 […]
What Is The EB-5 Reform And Integrity Act of 2022?
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) made significant changes to the U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This program enables international investors and their immediate family members to apply for U.S. Permanent Residency and obtain “green cards” by making a significant investment in a U.S. company and creating jobs for U.S. workers. The […]
New Visa Waiver Program ESTA Fees Authorized by the Reconciliation Bill
On July 4, 2025, U.S. President Trump signed into law a Reconciliation Bill passed by both houses of Congress. Among many U.S. immigration-related provisions, the Bill includes new fees for various immigration-related applications. In most cases, these fees are in addition to existing fees. The fees listed are minimum fees that could increase by regulation and […]