travel

COVID-19

My National Interest Exception application was denied. Will this affect my visa application in the future?

In July 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business and student travelers coming from Schengen countries or the U.K. (such as B-1 business visitors), treaty traders, or treaty investors may apply for a National Interest Exception (“NIE”). The NIE allows such…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 10, 2020

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COVID-19

Can I apply for a National Interest Exception at the port of entry? What is the procedure of applying for the NIE at the port of entry?

In July 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business and student travelers coming from Schengen countries or the U.K. and Ireland (such as B-1 business visitors), treaty traders, or treaty investors may apply for a National Interest Exception (“NIE”). The NIE allows such…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 9, 2020

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Approvals

National Interest Exception Application approved at the CBP office at Newark airport

We just had a National Interest Exception Application approved at the CBP office at Newark airport. The approval was for a B-1 business visitor who is a national of Germany. The CBP office approved the application in one business day.…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 3, 2020

Approvals

National Interest Exception Application approved at the CBP office at Newark airport

We just had a National Interest Exception Application approved at the CBP office at Newark airport. The approval was for a B-1 business visitor who is a national of the UK. The CBP office approved the application in one business…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 3, 2020

Approvals

National Interest Exception Application approved at the U.S. Consulate in Belgium

We just had a National Interest Exception Application approved for a national of Belgium at the U.S. Consulate in Belgium. The approval was for a B-1 business visitor. The Consulate approved the application in 2 business days. Please see more…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 1, 2020

Questions & Answers

I am a Canadian Citizen. Do I qualify for the NEXUS program? What are the advantages of the NEXUS program?

What is the NEXUS program? NEXUS program is one of the Trusted Travel Programs – these programs allow pre-screened travelers to use Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. through Canadian pre-clearance airports or expedited NEXUS lanes when crossing the…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 1, 2020

Approvals

National Interest Exception Application approved at the U.S. Consulate in Paris

We just had a National Interest Exception Application approved at the U.S. Consulate in Paris. The approval was for an E-2 visa investor who runs an E-2 company in California. The Consulate approved the application in 8 days. Please see…

Jenny ZhanAugust 21, 2020

Immigration L-1 Visa

What does the Presidential Proclamation on L visas mean for my application? Can I still apply for an L visa at a U.S. Consulate? Can I apply for L-1 status from within the US?

On June 22, 2020, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that impacts the ability of certain visa holders to enter the United States. Under this proclamation anyone who was outside the United States as of June 24, 2020 and did not…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

COVID-19

Canadians travelling to the U.S. during Covid: Q&A

I am a Canadian national. Can I cross the U.S./Canada land border? No. The joint U.S.-Canada initiative that was first implemented on March 21, 2020 for 30 days and has since been extended (most recently to August 20) restricts all…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

COVID-19

Travelling to the U.S. from Europe during Corona Virus: Questions and Answers

Are the Presidential proclamations banning entry from the Schengen countries and the UK and Ireland still in effect? Yes. The Presidential proclamations imposing travel restrictions on visitors who were present in Schengen area countries, the UK, or Ireland within 14…

Jenny ZhanAugust 11, 2020

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COVID-19

What is National Interest Exception? Do I qualify for a National Interest Exception? Can I travel to the U.S. on an E-2 visa?

Jenny ZhanAugust 10, 2020

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Questions & Answers

My family and I will be applying for an ESTA. Should I submit individual ESTA applications or should I submit a group application? Is there any difference?

When you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you can come to the United States without obtaining a visa from a U.S. Consulate. However, you still have to apply for authorization to travel to…

Jenny ZhanAugust 4, 2020

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Family Immigration Immigration

Extended time spent abroad and other circumstances that might place my Green Card status at risk. Can I lose my Green Card for being away too long?

Although a green card holder or legal permanent resident, “LPR” is permitted to travel outside the United States, green card holders need to be aware of certain activity that can cause an immigration officer to suspect that they may have…

Jenny ZhanJuly 27, 2020

Immigration Questions & Answers

What is a deferred inspection?

In certain situations, people who are entering the U.S. are referred to a deferred inspection. This usually happen if a CBP officer cannot make an immediate decision due to a lack of documentation. If a CBP officer cannot make an…

Jenny ZhanJuly 22, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Netherlands to Reopen Borders to Highly Skilled Migrants Regardless of Country of Residence

Coronavirus Update: Netherlands to Reopen Borders to Highly Skilled Migrants Regardless of Country of Residence Starting on July 2, 2020, The Netherlands have reopened their borders for permit holders, who with Highly Skilled Migrant long-term stay visas, and visa-exempt nationals…

Jenny ZhanJuly 13, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: European Union Lifts Travel Ban for 15 Countries but the United States is not Included

The European Commission has advised European Union countries to allow entry to travelers from 15 countries starting July 1. These countries include the following: Algeria Andorra Australia Canada Georgia Japan Monaco Montenegro Morocco New Zealand Rwanda San Marino Serbia South…

Jenny ZhanJune 30, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Requirements for US Citizens or Residents Visiting Canada

On March 21, U.S., Canada, and Mexico announced that the land borders between the three countries will close to non-essential travel as response to the COVID 19 pandemic. The initial closure was to last through April 20 and has now…

Jenny ZhanJune 29, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: United Kingdom Enforcing 14 Day Quarantine for International Arrivals Starting June 8

Starting on June 8, the United Kingdom will enforce a 14 day quarantine for all international arrivals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This does not apply for individuals entering from the Common Travel Area, including Ireland, the Channel Islands,…

Jenny ZhanMay 29, 2020

COVID-19

Presidential Proclamation Suspends Some Immigrants from Entering the US for 60 Days but will have very limited Impact

Starting on 11:59 PM EST on April 23, 2020, President Trump has suspended the entry of certain employment and family-based green cards for 60 days. Although the date has now been set at 60 days, it could be extended. Below…

Jenny ZhanApril 23, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Florida Imposes Checkpoints for Out of State Travelers

The U.S. State of Florida has imposed checkpoints on their borders with Alabama and Georgia. Police checkpoints are set up on the I-95 and I-10 when crossing into the state. Drivers and their passengers coming from Louisiana, New York, New…

Jenny ZhanApril 13, 2020

COVID-19

I am on an E-2 visa but cannot go back to my Consulate to Renew, what can I do? My E-2 visa is about to expire and Covid-19 is preventing me from going to my Consulate.

Covid-19 has caused havoc in our daily lives and the immigration scenario is no different. Unfortunately, the Government has not yet offered a blanket extension of visa or status termination dates and each applicant is left to sort out how…

Jenny ZhanApril 10, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: British Columbia Requiring all U.S. Travelers to Self-Isolate for Two weeks

Canadian province British Columbia is requiring all travelers from the U.S. to self-isolate for two weeks. This will apply to everyone coming in from air and land border, including Canadian and U.S. citizens. Anyone crossing the border will be required…

Jenny ZhanApril 9, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Countries Currently Restricting Travel from U.S. Citizens

The State Department has issued travel warnings for all Americans, recommending against international travel for the foreseeable future. Below is the current list of countries that have banned travel from foreigners. Please note that unless otherwise specified, these countries have…

Jenny ZhanApril 7, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to Recent Iran Travel

The White House issued another presidential proclamation imposing travel restrictions and quarantines on travelers from Iran starting on 5 PM EST March 2, 2020 due to the coronavirus. This does not apply to flights that have taken off before this…

Jenny ZhanMarch 2, 2020

COVID-19

Updates on Travels Restrictions and Visa Delays Caused by the Coronavirus

On top of travel restrictions of travelers from China starting on February 2, 2020, U.S. Consulates are also delaying visa issues to foreign nationals from other countries if they have visited or traveled to China within 14 days. U.S. Consulates…

Jenny ZhanFebruary 7, 2020

My National Interest Exception application was denied. Will this affect my visa application in the future?

Can I apply for a National Interest Exception at the port of entry? What is the procedure of applying for the NIE at the port of entry?

National Interest Exception Application approved at the CBP office at Newark airport

National Interest Exception Application approved at the CBP office at Newark airport

National Interest Exception Application approved at the U.S. Consulate in Belgium

I am a Canadian Citizen. Do I qualify for the NEXUS program? What are the advantages of the NEXUS program?

National Interest Exception Application approved at the U.S. Consulate in Paris

What does the Presidential Proclamation on L visas mean for my application? Can I still apply for an L visa at a U.S. Consulate? Can I apply for L-1 status from within the US?

Canadians travelling to the U.S. during Covid: Q&A

Travelling to the U.S. from Europe during Corona Virus: Questions and Answers

What is National Interest Exception? Do I qualify for a National Interest Exception? Can I travel to the U.S. on an E-2 visa?

Extended time spent abroad and other circumstances that might place my Green Card status at risk. Can I lose my Green Card for being away too long?

What is a deferred inspection?

Coronavirus Update: Netherlands to Reopen Borders to Highly Skilled Migrants Regardless of Country of Residence

Coronavirus Update: European Union Lifts Travel Ban for 15 Countries but the United States is not Included

Coronavirus Update: Requirements for US Citizens or Residents Visiting Canada

Coronavirus Update: United Kingdom Enforcing 14 Day Quarantine for International Arrivals Starting June 8

Presidential Proclamation Suspends Some Immigrants from Entering the US for 60 Days but will have very limited Impact

Coronavirus Update: Florida Imposes Checkpoints for Out of State Travelers

I am on an E-2 visa but cannot go back to my Consulate to Renew, what can I do? My E-2 visa is about to expire and Covid-19 is preventing me from going to my Consulate.

Coronavirus Update: British Columbia Requiring all U.S. Travelers to Self-Isolate for Two weeks

Coronavirus Update: Countries Currently Restricting Travel from U.S. Citizens

Coronavirus Update: Travel Ban Extended to Recent Iran Travel

Updates on Travels Restrictions and Visa Delays Caused by the Coronavirus

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