In recent months, stakeholders have observed a policy shift regarding the strategy of filing a Form I-539 application to change status from H-1B to visitor status (B-1/B-2) within the 60-day grace period following termination.
Updated: US Visa-Bond Pilot Program Expands to Additional Countries
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has added additional countries to the list of nationals subject to the visa-bond pilot program (as reported in our previous blog pieces on Zambia
Continue Reading Updated: US Visa-Bond Pilot Program Expands to Additional Countries
New US Visa Bond Program Set to Launch, Creating Potential Business Travel Challenges for Select Countries
The U.S. Department of State has announced a new visa bond pilot program that, while currently limited in scope, may introduce new challenges to business travel starting Aug. 20, 2025.
U.S. Department of State Announces Prohibition on ‘Birth Tourism’
On Jan. 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) posted a final rule, effective immediately, imposing new restrictions on individuals applying for B nonimmigrant visas at U.S. consular posts outside of the United States. A B nonimmigrant visa is used by individuals traveling to the United States for business (B-1 visa) or pleasure (B-2 visa).
Under DOS regulations, the term “pleasure” has long been defined to include legitimate activities of a recreational character, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or services nature. The new rule now explicitly excludes travel under the B visa category for those applicants traveling to the United States with the primary purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the United States, also referred to by the DOS as “birth tourism.”
Continue Reading U.S. Department of State Announces Prohibition on ‘Birth Tourism’
Presidential Memorandum on Combating High Nonimmigrant Overstay Rates
On April 22, President Trump, in a quick turn to interior immigration enforcement, issued a Presidential Memorandum (Memo) initiating a process to develop administration initiatives to address visa overstays in
Continue Reading Presidential Memorandum on Combating High Nonimmigrant Overstay Rates
Chinese Passport Holders who have a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa must have valid EVUS enrollment beginning Nov. 29, 2016 to enter the United States
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced that, beginning Nov. 29, 2016, all Chinese passport holders who carry a 10-year visa B-1 (business visitor) and/or B-2 (tourist
Continue Reading Chinese Passport Holders who have a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa must have valid EVUS enrollment beginning Nov. 29, 2016 to enter the United States
U.S. Immigration: Extended Visa Validity Announced for Chinese Nationals
The Department of State (DOS) announced more changes to its Reciprocity Table following updates from earlier this month and in September. Specifically, beginning November 12, 2014, Chinese nationals and their dependents will be eligible for longer visa validity periods for the following U.S. visas:
- B-1/B-2 (business and tourism) visas will increase from a one-year validity period to ten years (valid for multiple entries)
- F-1 (students), J-1 (trainees) and M-1 (vocational) visas will increase from a one-year validity period to five years (valid for multiple entries)
Continue Reading U.S. Immigration: Extended Visa Validity Announced for Chinese Nationals