Julia Wilbers

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently issued guidance clarifying the requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). In response, Vanderbilt has updated its CPT practices to align with this guidance and narrower interpretation of what constitutes “integral” training. ISSS will only be able to authorize CPT for… Read More

A federal court in Boston has postponed the effective date of, and preliminarily enjoined implementation of, the new rule that was scheduled to take effect on September 15 and eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. As a result, the existing D/S framework remains… Read More

ISSS has developed a frequently asked questions page regarding the new rule. See page here. This information is based on our current understanding of the new rule. This does not constitute legal advice. As we obtain more information and guidance, we will update these responses. Please check your Vanderbilt… Read More

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 … Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More