DOS Suspends Issuance of Immigrant Visas From 75 Countries
Jan. 15, 2026—Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing issuance of immigrant visas for applicants who are nationals of certain countries. This pause applies only to immigrant visas for permanent residency processed through U.S. consulates and does not affect nonimmigrant visas, including B, F, J, or H categories. The Department of State will continue...
Pause in Diversity Lottery Program
Jan. 15, 2026—Diversity visa issuance and related adjustment approvals are temporarily paused while additional security reviews are conducted. The visa lottery provides a limited number of immigrant visas each year to those from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. No approvals will be issued during this pause. Find more information here.
Visa Bonds Expanded Impacting Families and Short-Term Academic Visits
Jan. 15, 2026—The Department of State expanded the visa bond program for certain nationalities, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Nigeria, for B-1/B-2 visas only. While F/J students and scholars are not impacted, the policy may affect family visits and short-term academic travel. The additional requirements, including financial bonds, increase cost and complexity.
USCIS Announces Creation of Centralized Vetting Center
Jan. 15, 2026—On Dec. 5th, USCIS announced a new Vetting Center to centralize and enhance screening of immigration applications, including expanded background checks and interagency review. This may add scrutiny and longer processing times for immigration benefits. The change follows broader shifts in USCIS adjudication practices, including the elimination of the USCIS Ombudsman’s case-assistance role.
DHS Finalizes H-1B ‘Weighted Selection Rule’ Without Changes
Jan. 15, 2026—DHS issued a final rule replacing the random H-1B cap lottery with a weighted, wage-based selection process, as proposed. Higher-wage registrations will receive greater selection weight, which may reduce selection chances for recent graduates and entry-level professionals at cap-subject employers. Find VU’s comment here and more info here.
Additional USCIS Review For Applications Filed By Those From Countries Subject To Travel Ban
Jan. 15, 2026—A new USCIS policy memo allows additional review and potential holds on certain pending immigration applications from countries subject to the travel ban. For affected students and scholars, this may result in longer processing times or additional vetting for changes of status and work authorization. ISSS is monitoring implementation and will share updates.
USCIS Reduces Validity Period from 5 Years to 18 Months for Several EAD Categories, Including AOS EADs
Dec. 18, 2025—USCIS announced that it will issue EAD cards for only 18 months, reduced from five years, for applicants in several categories, including EADs issued to applicants with pending adjustment applications. Combined with the rescission of automatic extensions announced in October, this shortened validity period may cause interruptions in work authorization due to protracted USCIS processing times.
Social Media Vetting Expanded to H-1B/H-4
Dec. 18, 2025—The State Department has expanded social media vetting to include H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. As of December 15, 2025, all applicants for H-1B and H-4 visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public” for their visa appointments. In the wake of this plan, we are receiving reports that...
Public Charge Under Review: What to Know
Dec. 15, 2025—On November 19, 2025, USCIS published a proposed rule to rescind the public charge regulation in effect since December 2022. If finalized, the rule would return public charge determinations to a case-by-case assessment based on statutory factors, including age, health, family status, financial resources, and education. This gives immigration officers broader discretion and may allow...
DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions for Many Categories
Dec. 15, 2025—On Oct. 30, DHS ended the automatic 540-day extension of many Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for renewal. Applicants must now wait for USCIS approval before work authorization continues. This rule does not affect STEM OPT or TPS extensions. Since this took effect as an Interim Final Rule without a comment period, it may face legal challenges and could...
USCIS Pauses Adjudications for 19 Countries of Concern
Dec. 10, 2025—December 2, 2025 – Citing national security concerns following the recent attack in DC, a USCIS memo indicated it will pause adjudicating benefit applications for individuals from the 19 countries listed in the Presidential Proclamation 10949 while it conducts a review. USCIS has stated that this may apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant benefit requests and could include...
DHS Proposes Significant Expansion of Biometric Data Collection and Use
Dec. 10, 2025—On November 3, 2025 DHS proposed expanding biometric data collection to include palm prints, facial and voice recognition, eye scans, and DNA. If finalized, the rule would require ongoing screening for foreign nationals with immigration benefits and extend collection to certain U.S. citizens and those under 14. You can read the proposed rule here, and...
USCIS Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Fee
Dec. 10, 2025—On October 20, 2025, USCIS issued guidance clarifying the September 19 Presidential Proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigration Workers.” Valid H-1B holders abroad and most change of status, amendment, or extension petitions are exempt from the $100,000 fee. However, questions still remain. You can find an FAQ here. If you have any questions, please...
Proposed Weighted Selection Process for H-1B Visas
Dec. 10, 2025—On September 24, 2025 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed replacing the H-1B lottery with a wage-based system favoring higher-paid, higher-skilled workers. Cap-exempt institutions like VU are not directly affected, but it could impact international graduates and early career professionals. Vanderbilt University submitted a public comment which you can read here. To read more...
DHS Proposed Rule – Updates to Forms I-17 and I-20
Dec. 10, 2025—On September 3, 2025 DHS proposed major revisions to Forms I-17 and I-20 to expand reporting requirements for schools and students. Examples include more data on ownership, enrollment, delivery methods, degree conferral dates, and CPT. You can find more information about the proposed changes here.
DHS Proposed Rule: Ending Duration of Status (D/S) for F and J Visas
Dec. 10, 2025—On August 25, 2025, DHS proposed a rule to end Duration of Status (D/S) for F and J visa holders. NAFSA has released an explainer document you can read for more details on this proposed rule. On September 29, 2025, Vanderbilt University submitted submitted a formal comment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing our...
USCIS Guidance on Discretionary Factors and Social Media Vetting
Dec. 10, 2025—On August 19, 2025, USCIS announced policy manual updates on how officers apply discretionary factors in benefit requests. The changes address compliance with immigration laws, past parole requests, national security concerns, and expand social media vetting. This applies to pending and new cases. For more information, please refer to this summary from Ogletree Deakins.
Visa Updates – Social Media Vetting, Visa Reciprocity Updates, and New Visa Integrity Fee
Dec. 10, 2025—Since early summer 2025, there have been several updates to the visa process. Please see a summary of those updates below. ISSS also hosted an International Travel Webinar in November 2025 which highlights several of these updates. You can view the recording to the webinar here. As always, contact us with questions. Visa Wait Times...
Presidential Proclamation 10949 – Travel Ban Impacting 19 Countries
Dec. 10, 2025—As of June 9, 2025 Presidential Proclamation 10949 established a travel ban on 19 countries – fully banning entry from 12 and partially restricting B, F, M, J, and immigrant visas from 7 others. Those inside the U.S. on June 9, 2025 or holding valid visas as of that date, are not impacted. At Vanderbilt University, Iran has the...
Meet Rafia!
Dec. 10, 2024—I moved to the U.S. from Bangladesh just before the COVID lockdowns. It was a huge leap—arriving in a country where I knew almost no one and navigating a completely new life during a global pandemic. After relocating to Nashville to pursue my MBA, I’ve had an incredible time meeting people from all over the...
Meet Aarshia!
Dec. 10, 2024—Moving from India to the U.S. has been a journey of growth, challenge, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I came here with the goal of a truly global education, knowing that Vanderbilt’s diverse community would help expand my perspective in ways I couldn’t experience back home. At Owen, I appreciate that I am...
Meet Ife!
Dec. 10, 2024—My journey here has been a mix of unexpected adventures and a little culture shock. Moving to the U.S., I had to figure out everything from navigating American grocery stores to understanding the endless list of pizza toppings! My first corporate experience in the U.S. was with a Pharmaceutical company, where I got to dig...
Meet Ranita!
Dec. 9, 2024—My journey from Cameroon to the U.S. has been rooted in a drive for impactful change, especially back home, where I co-founded Brels, a real estate venture with my brothers, inspired by my dad’s entrepreneurial spirit. Together, we’re building sustainable housing solutions for communities that need them most. Over the years, I’ve led digital transformation...
Meet Anthony!
Dec. 6, 2024—My American story is one of transformation and pursuit of a greater purpose. Driven by the personal loss of my mother due to poor healthcare access, I transitioned from a career in pharmacy to pursuing an MBA at Vanderbilt University. My journey from Nigeria to the United States represents my commitment to becoming a global...
Performance Night, World on Wednesday and more March events!
Mar. 8, 2023—We hope that mid-terms are going well for you! As you finish mid-terms and finalize your spring break plans, we wanted to remind you of a few upcoming events this month: Employment Options for International Students: What Employers Should Know: This workshop will give employers a general overview of CPT, OPT/STEM OPT, and Academic Training; additionally,...
ChatELC Spring Registration Now Open!
Jan. 11, 2018—Spring Registration for Vanderbilt chatELC is now open! Vanderbilt chatELC is a program designed to support the development of English fluency, situational English, and cultural competency of spouses and partners of current Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff through semi-structured English conversation groups. The conversation groups will be led by Group Leaders from the Vanderbilt community...
Practical Training Workshops
Jan. 2, 2018—During your academic program you may encounter situations where you are required or have the opportunity to participate in an off-campus practical experiences. In the context of F-1 and J-1 students and the federal regulations, this is defined as practical training. F-1 and J-1 students are required to have authorization to participate in practical training...
Go There
Nov. 14, 2017—
Graduate iLEAD
Nov. 7, 2017—
P.E.O International Peace Scholarship
Oct. 17, 2017—The International Peace Scholarship Fund, established in 1949, is a program which provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada. The scholarship is awarded to female international students pursuing graduate studies with demonstrated financial need. If you are interest, please to go to the website (http://www.peointernational.org/about-peo-international-peace-scholarship-ips)...
Join the Undergraduate Honor Council
Oct. 17, 2017—Hi! My name is Aditi, and I am a senior at Vanderbilt. I am the First-Year Outreach Chair of the Undergraduate Honor Council (UHC). Like you, I am also an international student (from India!). Before coming to Vanderbilt, I didn’t know a whole lot about the Honor Code and the Honor Council system in the...
Boo to the Flu
Oct. 17, 2017—“Boo to the Flu” is a festive flu vaccination event to be held on the Vanderbilt University Campus Tuesday, October 24th from 5-8 p.m.at the Student Health Center. The influenza vaccine is a benefit for everyone. Yearly flu vaccination helps to reduce sick time, medical costs and the spread of flu. The best defense against...
Submit a Proposal for IEW 2017
Oct. 17, 2017— International Education Week (IEW) will take place from November 13-17th this year and will feature a collaborative calendar of diverse programs across campus. A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, IEW is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide, while seeking to advance...
Vanderbilt MPH Program Information Sessions
Oct. 17, 2017—The Vanderbilt Master of Public Health (MPH) Program is a two-year interdisciplinary program offered through the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. Since 1996, the program has been training future research scientists and public health professionals to be leaders and innovators dedicated to improving public health...
Art History in Real Time: Archiving Cai Guo-Qiang
Oct. 3, 2017—The Asian Studies Program and the Department of History of Art present as part of Global/Asia: Celebrating 50 Years of Asian Studies at Vanderbilt Art History in Real Time – Archiving Cai Guo-Qiang A presentation by Lydia Ohl (VU class 2011) in conjunction with the screening of Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang Thursday,...
Home for the Holidays Applications Are Open!
Oct. 3, 2017—Home for the Holidays is a collaborative program between Parent and Family Programs and International Student and Scholar Services which allows undergraduate students the opportunity to join the family of a current Vanderbilt student at their home during one of the university’s scheduled holiday breaks. The recommended length of stay is 4 days, though this...
The Foreign Language Edge: Vanderbilt and Beyond
Oct. 3, 2017—Interested in linguistics? Are you multilingual? Interested in the culture associate with languages? Check out an information fair and panel discussion regarding how to leverage your foreign language and experiences abroad on the job market. You can also explore career paths and learn how to maximize your foreign language edge at Vanderbilt. Events will take place...
McTyeire Fireside Chat: “Responding to the North Korea Crisis”
Sep. 18, 2017— Attend the McTyeire Fireside Chat by Brett Benson, Associate Professor of Political Science Why has North Korea aggressively developed its nuclear program and are there options for addressing it? This talk will discuss the history of Korea’s nuclear program and what factors led to the current crisis. We will explore why North Korea’s ambitions...
Going Global Webinar
Sep. 18, 2017—The Career Center is hosting a Going Global webinar for all undergraduate students. Whether you plan to work in the U.S. or internationally, this 1-hour web-based session will show you how to best utilize Going Global’s career resources. The event will provide an introduction to the career tools and job search resources available from Going...
test newsletter post
Aug. 29, 2017—this is a test post
OPT rec
Mar. 17, 2017—
Processing time
Mar. 3, 2017—
iLead
Mar. 1, 2017—
birthday
Feb. 16, 2017—
GA
Jan. 17, 2017—
Center for Student Wellbeing
Nov. 2, 2016—
Home for the Holidays
Oct. 4, 2016—
Contact Information
Apr. 4, 2016—
What to Do
Apr. 4, 2016—
What to do if
Jul. 10, 2015—
Sunday, September 13
Jul. 6, 2015—First Friends Match Day Picnic – All Students Welcome 3 pm Dragon Park First Friends gives international students a chance for cross cultural exchange with a member of the Nashville community. Enjoy the Match Day Picnic and meet your First Friend! This event is open to new students who sign up prior to August 29th....
Thursday, September 10
Jul. 6, 2015—SSN Shuttle Service Departs at 9 am Be at the ISSS at 8:45am. A shuttle service will be provided to the SSN office. Sign- ups will be at the ISSS Office.
Wednesday, September 9
Jul. 6, 2015—Diverse Dores Day 4 – 7pm Multiple Locations (option to meet at ISSS) This event fives you a chance to find out about multiple resources within Dean of Students. All offices that represent diverse students will open their doors and allow you to meet their staff, see their spaces and learn about what they offer....
Wednesday, September 2
Jul. 6, 2015—SSN Shuttle Service Departs at 9 am Be at the ISSS office at 8:45am. A shuttle service will be provided to the SSN office. Sign- ups will be at the ISSS Office. Ice Cream Social – All Students Welcome 4 – 6 pm Lobby Student Life Center One of our most popular events of...
Saturday. August 29
Jul. 6, 2015—Nashville Bus Tour – All Students Welcome 11 am -5 pm Meet at Student Life Center at 10:45am This popular annual tour takes you through several hotspots in Nashville! Enjoy a guided tour around the beautiful city of Nashville, a place you will be happy to call your home away from home. Tickets are priced...
Thursday, August 27
Jul. 6, 2015—SSN Shuttle Service Departs at 9 am Be at the ISSS at 8:45am. A shuttle service will be provided to the SSN office. Sign- ups will be at the ISSS Office. Football 101 – All Students Welcome 3 – 4:30pm Depart from Student Life Center at 2:45pm Learn about America’s favorite pastime! Tour Vanderbilt’s Athletic...
Saturday, August 22
Jul. 6, 2015—Undergraduate Student Social Connections 11 am – 12:15 pm Commons Center 335 Get an inside look at the Vanderbilt social scene! Making new friends from different cultural backgrounds can be a challenge. Learn from current students about their experiences and how they made connections on campus. Check out the rest of the Success Series here!...
Friday, August 21 cont.
Jul. 5, 2015—Shuttle to K & S World Market & Wal – Mart 10am – 1 pm Depart from Student Life Center Open to all incoming undergraduate students. Join student VUceptors on a trip to an international market and Wal-Mart to purchase supplies. The shuttle is complimentary, but students must purchase their own supplies. Co-sponsored by ISSS,...
Friday, August 21
Jul. 2, 2015—Information Fair- All students welcome 8 – 10 am Student Life Center Ballrooms Meet representatives from Vanderbilt Departments and local businesses to learn more about the resources available to you! This includes Student Health Center, English Learning Center, local banks, cell phone providers, and more Graduate Student Orientation 10 – 12pm Student Life Center ballrooms...
Thursday, August 20
Jul. 2, 2015—Campus Tour 9 am *Tours last approximately 1 hour. All details found at www.vanderbilt.edu/isss Join our VIP leaders as they show you around our beautiful campus that we call home! This is a great way to have a look at the breadth of the Vanderbilt campus and maybe your future favorite place Health & Wellness-...
Wednesday, August 19
Jul. 2, 2015—Campus Tour 1 pm *Tours last approximately 1 hour. All details found at www.vanderbilt.edu/isss Join our VIP leaders as they show you around our beautiful campus that we call home! This is a great way to have a look at the breadth of the Vanderbilt campus and maybe your future favorite place
Tuesday, August 18
Jul. 2, 2015—Graduate Student Social Connections 9 -10 am Rand 308 Get an inside look at the Vanderbilt social scene! Making new friends from different cultural backgrounds can be a challenge. Learn from current students about their experiences and how they made connections on campus. Check out the rest of the Success Series here! Graduate Student US...
Wednesday, August 12
Jun. 30, 2015—Campus Tour 10am *Tours last approximately 1 hour. All details found at www.vanderbilt.edu/isss Join our VIP leaders as they show you around our beautiful campus that we call home! This is a great way to have a look at the breadth of the Vanderbilt campus and maybe your future favorite place
Wyatt Map
Oct. 10, 2014—
SLC Map
Oct. 10, 2014—
Rand Map
Oct. 10, 2014—
Buttrick Map
Oct. 10, 2014—
Blair Map
Oct. 10, 2014—
social icons
Jul. 23, 2014—
Want to make sure your international event gets advertised?
Jul. 23, 2014—Email us at isss@vanderbilt.edu with your event information! Event information must be submitted no later than 10am the Friday prior to the week you wish to have your event included.
Main Feature head
Jul. 23, 2014—Integer elementum massa at nulla placerat varius. Suspendisse in libero risus, in interdum massa. Vestibulum ac leo vitae metus faucibus gravida ac in neque. Nullam est eros, suscipit sed dictum quis, accumsan a ligula. In sit amet justo lectus. Etiam feugiat dolor ac elit suscipit in elementum orci fringilla. Aliquam in felis eros. Praesent hendrerit...
header
Jul. 23, 2014—
Thursday, November 20
Oct. 7, 2013—12:30 – 1:30 – TESL Information Session, by the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute Location: Sarratt 189 Teaching English as a second language—sometimes called TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), sometimes called TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)—can be the most rewarding experience of your lifetime. Whether you are looking for adventure, a way...
Wednesday, November 19
Oct. 7, 2013—9:00am – 3:00pm – Passport Fair Location: Student Life Center Lower Level Room 3 Passport Fair is open to all students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Free expedited service! Passport forms can be found on the Department of State website: http://www.travel.state.gov. Noon – 1:00pm – World On Wednesday: Nomadic Education in Zaduo County Location: Student...
Tuesday, November 18
Oct. 7, 2013—11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Global Service Fair: “How YOU can make a difference” Location: Sarratt Promenade Students, community members, faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by the Sarratt|Rand Promenade to learn about international community service opportunities in the non-profitsector. The Humphrey Fellows are leading education experts visiting Vanderbilt from 10 different locations...
Monday, November 17
Oct. 7, 2013—12:30pm – 1:30pm – Plan for Your Future: Job Searching for International Students Location: Sarratt 189 The search for internships and post-graduate employment can be quite challenging for international students. This workshop will help you understand the process and will address how to use all available resources to help you compete effectively in the job...
Friday, November 14
Oct. 7, 2013—12:10pm – 1:00pm – Improving Educational Outcomes in the Diverse Social Milieu of the Philippines Location: Wyatt 223 Peabody International Lunch Series (Lunch Provided) Presented by: Roselle Mendoza (Humphrey Fellowship Program – Philippines) Are you aware that the Philippines has more than 100 ethnic tribes and about 111 indigenous languages? Multiculturalism may bring diverse cultural...
Thursday, November 13
Oct. 7, 2013—12:30pm – 1:30pm – UNICEF and Education Location: Sarratt 189 This interactive workshop will highlight UNICEF’s education projects worldwide and how Vanderbilt students can engage with this work through the U.S. Fund for UNICEF here in Nashville.
Wednesday, November 12
Oct. 3, 2013—Noon – 1:00pm World On Wednesday: Reducing HIV Risk for Men who Have Sex with Men in China Location: Student Life Center, Lower Level Rooms 1 & 2 Lunch Provided The Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health has 3 NIH grants to work with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) and the...
Tuesday, November 11
Oct. 2, 2013—Latin American Images Photography Competition Exhibit 2014 Location: Buttrick Hall Atrium The Latin American Images Photography Competition will feature original photos taken in Latin America by Vanderbilt, students and staff and visiting scholars from various departments. Photographs will be on display throughout International Education Week (November 11-20) in the Buttrick Hall Atrium. A reception will...
Homepage Alert
May. 8, 2013—