Recent News
ISSS and OIS monitor immigration policy developments that may affect Vanderbilt’s international community. Updates are posted here as information becomes available.
USCIS Reduces Validity Period from 5 Years to 18 Months for Several EAD Categories, Including AOS EADs
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…
Social Media Vetting Expanded to H-1B/H-4
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,…
Public Charge Under Review: What to Know
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…
DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions for Many Categories
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…
USCIS Pauses Adjudications for 19 Countries of Concern
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…
DHS Proposes Significant Expansion of Biometric Data Collection and Use
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…
USCIS Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Fee
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…
Proposed Weighted Selection Process for H-1B Visas
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…
DHS Proposed Rule - Updates to Forms I-17 and I-20
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
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.…