Legal Resources

• Finding Assistance
• Legal Problems
• Immigration Attorneys
• Other Legal Resources
• Notaries & Apostille
• Understanding Your Rights as a Non-Immigrant in the U.S.

U.S. immigration laws and regulations are complex and constantly evolving. ISSS should be your first point of contact to discuss your specific situation, since the university sponsors your F-1 or J-1 visa status. Please contact your assigned ISSS advisor to schedule an appointment if you have questions about your status.

There are times when your situation may be outside the scope of our office. For example, you may have questions about:

• Permanent residency (green card) options
• Seeking asylum
• Family-based immigration matters
• J-1 waiver requests
• Immigration issues not related to your F-1 or J-1 status

In these cases, you may need to seek advice from a private immigration attorney (also called a lawyer).

ISSS cannot recommend specific attorneys. However, we suggest finding an attorney who specializes in the type of case you have. For example:

• If you plan to work in academia and are interested in a National Interest Waiver (NIW) or other permanent residency options, look for an attorney with experience in academic or research-based cases.
• If you are completing an M.D. or another clinical degree and plan to work in the United States, look for an attorney who specializes in physician immigration matters.
• If you have had any interaction with law enforcement, including an arrest or criminal charge (even if you were not convicted), you should work with an attorney who has experience in both criminal and immigration law (sometimes called “crimmigration”).

Please keep in mind that the information we provide on this page and list of immigration law offices are solely as a service to our students and scholars. We are not endorsing or making specific recommendations.

Finding Assistance

Things to consider when hiring a lawyer:  Make sure you are comfortable with the lawyer before retaining his or her services. Do your research, review references, practice history and disciplinary history of any attorney before selecting an attorney to perform legal services.

Questions to ask before hiring an attorney

Before you choose an attorney, consider asking:

• How much of your work focuses on immigration law?
• Do you have experience with my type of case?
• Do you have experience working with F or J visas?
• Do you offer an initial consultation? What is the cost? Do you offer a discounted rate for students?
• Who will handle my case (attorney or assistant)?
• What are the total fees and what services are included?
• Is the fee a flat rate or hourly?
• When do I need to pay?

General tips

• Ask for a clear explanation of all fees before work begins.
• Make sure you understand what services are included.
• Do not hesitate to ask questions about your case.

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Legal Problems

If you are summoned to appear in court or are arrested by police, it is recommended that you inform our office, as the situation may affect your immigration status. The most common situation that students and scholars encounter involves driving violations. Depending on the type and severity of the situation, your visa could be automatically revoked, but this does not necessarily cancel your legal status in the U.S.

If you are arrested, it is important that you seek an attorney to resolve your case. A criminal attorney may be consulted on legal rights and procedures, but you may also need to consult with an immigration attorney regarding any implications for your visa status. You may also need to notify your home country’s embassy or consulate. After the case is closed, make sure to keep all records associated with the case.

Other situation of which you may need to seek help of an attorney could be:

• Removal Proceedings
• Divorce
• Permanent Residency not sponsored by Vanderbilt (based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, for example.)

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Immigration Attorneys

ISSS and Vanderbilt University do not endorse or recommend any of the lawyers listed on this page. We are offering their information as a service to anyone seeking immigration lawyer.

Each year, ISSS hosts presentations by immigration attorneys on topics such as Options After Graduation, Self-Petitioned Pathways to Permanent Residency, and J-1 Waivers. We encourage students and scholars who are interested in staying in the United States beyond their current status to attend these sessions. They can provide general information and guidance for you, but they cannot address your individual circumstances.

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Other Legal Resources

Nashville Bar Association

Davidson County Public Defender

Tennessee Justice Center

Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS)

Legal Aid Society

Tennessee: Free Legal Answers

Tennessee Fair Housing Council

Disability Law and Advocacy Center of Tennessee (DLAC)

American Immigration Lawyers Association

AILA “Find an Immigration Lawyer’ directory

International Medical Graduate (IMG) Taskforce

American Bar Association

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Notaries & Apostille

A notary public is a person authorized to perform certain legal formalities, esp. to draw up or certify contracts, deeds, and other documents for use in other jurisdictions.

For a list of notaries on the Vanderbilt campus, click here.

An apostille is a certification provided under the Hague Convention of 1961 for authenticating documents for use in foreign countries.

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Understanding Your Rights as a Non-Immigrant in the U.S.

Interactions with immigration officials are not uncommon and do not necessarily imply enforcement. However, it is important to know your rights when engaging with them. Below are some general guides on this topic.

Know Your Rights: If ICE Visits Your Home

Know Your Rights “Red Card”

Requirements to Carry Immigration Documents

Know Your Rights as Non-Immigrant/Immigrant

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