08 Dec 2014

Definition of “Academic Year” for F-1 Students

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued policy guidance specifying the definition of the term "academic year." as used for SEVP purposes. This is important because many immigration benefits available under the F-1 program are closely tied to how...

03 Dec 2014

NVC No Longer Requires Original Civil Documents

The National Visa Center (NVC) has changed the requirements regarding supporting documentation submitted in immigrant visa applications. As of November 12, 2014, the NVC has begun accepting photocopies of civil documents, rather than requiring originals. Background on the NVC In cases where a foreign national wishes to...

02 Dec 2014

TPS Designations for Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated three West African countries for temporary protected status (TPS), due to the outbreak of Ebola in the region. Effective November 21, 2014, nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone living in the United States are eligible...

26 Nov 2014

President on Deferred Action for Parental Accountability

As has been widely reported, President Barack Obama made a nationally televised speech, on November 20, 2014, announcing his plans for a series of executive actions on immigration policy. The centerpiece of his immigration proposal is the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program, which...