Robin Catmur-Smith
Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Written by
-
Lawsuit Filed Challenging SEVP’s Recent CPT Restrictions
On October 5, 2026, a lawsuit was filed challenging the new CPT restrictions issued by SEVP in August, 2026.
-
Proposed F-1 OPT Fee Rule
The proposed OPT Fee rule will be published in the Federal Register on 8 October 2026. It will likely face legal challenges.
-
USCIS: New Editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 are not to be used
Due to the injunction against the D/S rule, USCIS has reverted to the previous versions of Forms 539 and 765. Applicants should continue to use the 08/28/24 edition of Form I-539 and…
-
Lawsuit Filed Against the D/S Rule – Injunction ordered 9/14/2026
The litigation filed in the Massachusetts District court was successful in getting a preliminary injunction against the D/S rule. This means the rule will not go into effect, while the court case…
-
Loss of D/S — I-94 End Date Guide
This is ISRC’s interactive tool that helps F-1/J-1 students and scholars determine their new I-94 “Admit Until Date,” grace period, and I-539 extension requirements under the incoming “Loss of D/S” rule taking…
-
Proposed Rule Pending Review Regarding Optional Practical Training Fees
On August 20, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), submitted a proposed rule titled “Optional Practical Training Fees” to the Office of Management…
-
New H-1B Fee Rule Proposed for Cap-Subject Petitions
On Tuesday, August 25, DHS published a proposed rule in the Federal Register that seeks to establish a fee of $103,265, imposed on top of all current fees, for new, initial H-1B…
-
75-Country Immigrant Visa Ban Ruled Unlawful
On Friday, August 21, 2026 the Trump administration’s policy suspending immigrant visa processing – essentially, no green cards (or path to green cards) – for individuals from 75 countries, originally enacted early…
-
USCIS Announces New Editions of Forms I-539 and I-765
On September 15, 2026, USCIS will publish revised editions of Form I-539 ( Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status ) and Form I-765 ( Application for Employment Authorization). USCIS has revised these applications…
-
USCIS Publishes Interim Final Rule on Mandatory Electronic Filing
The Department of Homeland Security published an interim final rule , effective August 11, 2026, which gives U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) the authority to require electronic filing (“e-filing”) for certain…
