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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

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More