Non-immigrant Visa Archives - U.S. Consultancy Group, LLC

Must I Interview in English During My Consular Visa…

by Van R. Ngo

Clients scheduled for U.S. consular visa interviews often ask if they may interview in the local language of the country in which the consular post is located or if they must interview in English.[1] Another common question is whether an applicant can bring an interpreter to the interview. Determining which language to interview in is often a very important question which can affect whether a visa is approved or denied.

What Is a Fiancé(e) Visa (Part 1 of 2):…

by Van R. Ngo

A K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a foreign national engaged to be married to a U.S. citizen and living abroad to join his or her U.S. citizen fiancé(e) in the United States, marry his/her fiancé(e) within 90 days of admission into the U.S., and remain in the U.S. after applying for a Green Card via adjustment of status.[1] Unmarried children under 21 years of age of the foreign fiancé(e) may also obtain a K-2 visa and adjust status to obtain a Green Card.

Why Hire a U.S.-Licensed Immigration Lawyer, Not an Agent

by Van R. Ngo

Many people who want to immigrate to the United States, or want some kind of U.S. immigration benefit, often wonder why they should spend their hard-earned money to hire a U.S.-licensed immigration lawyer. These people often mistakenly believe that because the U.S. is known as a modern and advanced democracy where people have many rights, the U.S. immigration process will be simple and the U.S. immigration government agencies will even assist with the process. Accordingly, they decide to do the U.S. immigration work themselves or they hire agents (sometimes referred to as immigration consultants or notarios) who charge nominal fees. Here are some of the many reasons why you should hire a U.S.-licensed immigration lawyer to represent you with your U.S. immigration case, and not do the work yourself or hire an agent.

How Coronavirus (COVID-19) Is Delaying Immigration Cases (Updated April…

by Van R. Ngo

The current Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has created much fear, stress, and uncertainty for many people across the world. On top of the health concerns, COVID-19 is also impacting the processing of U.S. immigration cases. Continue reading below to learn more about how COVID-19 may impact the processing of your current or prospective U.S. immigration case and our recommendations. In addition, this post briefly discusses the President’s April 22, 2020, Executive Order suspending the entry of certain immigrants for labor and economic reasons.

How Coronavirus (COVID-19) Is Delaying Immigration Cases

by Van R. Ngo

Increased U.S. Student Visa Challenges

by Van R. Ngo

International students applying for U.S. student visas (F-1 and M-1 visas) are facing numerous new struggles. Applicants are facing increased denials, wait times, and other frustrations. The numbers also show that U.S. student visa approvals have been on a constant decline since 2016. To read an illuminating article from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on the subject, continue reading below.

U.S. Student Visa Issuance Down 62% Since 2014

by Van R. Ngo

If you wish to study in the U.S. and need to apply for a U.S. student visa, you should be aware that obtaining a student visa (an F or M visa) is much harder and more challenging than before, especially for students from certain countries. Student visas used to be issued much more quickly and easily. Unfortunately, the numbers show that the U.S. government is issuing a lot less student visas than before.

INA 214(b) Visa Denial Explained

by Van R. Ngo

So you just had your interview for a visa with the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City or the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, and you were informed that your visa application was denied. You were not given any explanation as to why your application was denied, but you were given a letter which says that you were found ineligible for a nonimmigrant visa under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”). In this blog post we will demystify the all-too-common and often misunderstood INA 214(b) visa denial.

Government Shutdown Consequences on U.S. Immigration

by Van R. Ngo

The current lapse in annual funding for the U.S. government will not affect most U.S. immigration services because most services are fee-funded. However, some U.S. immigration government services will be affected. To learn more about how these government services will be affected, continue reading below.

New U.S. Department of Homeland Security Overstay Report

by Van R. Ngo

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) released the “Fiscal Year 2017 Entry/Exit Overstay Report,” (the “Report”). The Report provides data on departures and overstays, by country, for foreigners who were expected to leave the U.S. from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017. The Report provides a better understanding of those who remain in the U.S. beyond their authorized period of admission. A high overstay rate can negatively affect whether applicants from such a country are approved for non-immigrant visas. Read more “New U.S. Department of Homeland Security Overstay Report” →

Category: Non-immigrant Visa