Featured | International Student & Scholar Services

Updates to Curricular Practical Training Eligibility

Julia Wilbers — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:59:45 +0000

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently issued 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 practical training that is required for all students in the same degree program. Elective internships and other practical training experiences that are not required for degree completion do not qualify for CPT. Students with questions about CPT eligibility should contact ISSS.

Court Temporarily Blocks Elimination of Duration of Status

Julia Wilbers — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 13:06:12 +0000

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 in place pending further order of the court or resolution of the case on the merits.

F-1 and J-1 students and scholars should continue to follow the immigration rules and processes currently in place. The new requirement to file with USCIS to extend a fixed period of admission, as well as the new restrictions on certain academic changes, changes in education level, and transfers, will not take effect at this time. I-20 and DS-2019 extensions completed in preparation for the new rule remain valid.

The court’s decision does not permanently resolve the issue, and litigation will continue. A court proceeding to discuss next steps is scheduled for October 2. ISSS will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available. Full text of the Memo and Order on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction is available .

USCIS Reinforces Evidence Standards

Jillian Hautman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:43:04 +0000

USCIS recently reinforced its authority to deny immigration benefit requests without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) when required initial evidence is missing. This is particularly relevant under the new D/S rule, as students and scholars will rely more heavily on USCIS to adjudicate I-539 extension-of-stay applications, making complete and accurate filings increasingly important. Refer to the for more information.

Proposed OPT Fees Under Review

Jillian Hautman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:42:21 +0000

On August 20, DHS submitted a titled Optional Practical Training Fees to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. Details have not yet been released, although media reports suggest the proposal could include a significant new fee for F-1 students applying for OPT. No changes to OPT filing fees are currently in effect

State Department Reports Increased Visa Revocations

Jillian Hautman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:41:27 +0000

The Department of State that it has revoked more than 175,000 visas, primarily related to law enforcement encounters, visa violations, fraud, and national security concerns. ISSS is not aware of any Vanderbilt students or scholars affected by this announcement, but we continue to monitor visa-related developments and advise our international community.

USCIS Releases Policy Manual Guidance Implementing New Public Charge Standard

Jillian Hautman — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:08:16 +0000

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated policy manual guidance outlining how the agency will apply the new public charge standard once it takes effect on September 18, 2026. The guidance follows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) July 2026 final rule rescinding the Biden-administration’s 2022 public charge regulation. Read more .

Trump Administration Issues Executive Orders on Birthright Citizenship and Birth Tourism

Jillian Hautman — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:07:55 +0000

On August 6, 2026, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at limiting birthright citizenship under certain circumstances and ending “birth tourism” by imposing new vetting requirements on nonimmigrant travelers seeking entry to the United States. The orders build on the administration’s prior efforts to limit birthright citizenship. Read more .

DHS Proposes Rule to Eliminate 60-Day Grace Period for Certain Nonimmigrants

Jillian Hautman — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:07:31 +0000

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed rule to eliminate the sixty-day grace period for certain nonimmigrants is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Read more here.

DHS Proposes New $103,265 Fee for Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions

Jillian Hautman — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:06:55 +0000

On August 25, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a to establish a $103,265 fee for all cap-subject H-1B petitions, including bachelor’s cap and advanced-degree quota cases. The fee would be due upon filing a cap-subject H-1B petition in calendar year 2027, in addition to existing fees. According to DHS, the proposed fee is designed to help recover the administrative costs of the federal immigration system. Read more .

Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship

Jillian Hautman — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:36:51 +0000

On June 30, the Supreme Court struck down Executive Order 14160, reaffirming that children born in the United States generally acquire U.S. citizenship at birth regardless of their parents’ immigration status. This means children born in the U.S. to international students and scholars will continue to be U.S. citizens at birth. Read more .