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Filing an I-130 Petition at the U.S. Embassy in India: What You Need to Know

Posted in: Vinay Malik | September 7, 2025

When a U.S. citizen wants to sponsor a close family member for a green card, the typical route is filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). But in certain urgent and exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to file the petition directly at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad — including in India. This path can sometimes save valuable time, but it’s important to know who qualifies, what counts as exceptional, and how the process works.   Who Can File at the Embassy? This option is available only to U.S. citizens (not permanent residents). And it applies...

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USCIS Policy Update: How “Anti-American” Activity May Impact Your Immigration Case

Posted in: Vinay Malik | September 7, 2025

On August 19, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a significant policy update that could affect thousands of foreign nationals applying for immigration benefits. Under this new guidance, USCIS officers may now consider whether an applicant has engaged in so-called “anti-American” activity when making discretionary decisions on cases. This update highlights the need for individuals and employers to be more mindful of online presence, affiliations, and public conduct when pursuing U.S. immigration benefits.   What Is Considered “Anti-American” Activity? USCIS has not issued a strict definition, but examples include: Social media posts promoting anti-American or antisemitic views. Affiliations with organizations that oppose...

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Immigrant Visa Interviews Must Take Place in Your Country of Residence: Effective Nov. 1, 2025

Posted in: Vinay Malik | September 4, 2025

VKM Lawyer explaining the immigration process to the applicant to process their application on their home country

The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant policy shift: Starting November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa interviews will be scheduled in the applicant’s country of residence, or—if requested and approved—in the applicant’s country of nationality. This applies to employment, family, and Diversity Visa (DV-2026) applicants alike. Interviews at third-country consulates will now require special authorization and proof of compelling circumstances. What Has Changed? Effective November 1, 2025, the National Visa Center (NVC) will: Schedule immigrant visa interviews at consular posts located in the applicant’s country of residence. Accept requests for interviews in the applicant’s country of nationality—but only with supporting documentation. ...

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