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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… Read More

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… Read More

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. Read More

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 More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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,… Read More

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… Read More

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,… Read More

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… Read More