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Application Deadlines & Processing Times

It is always prudent to allow ample time for processing at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), government agencies in the US, and for possible visa processing overseas as the government processing times are unpredictable.

ISSS strongly recommends that you consult our web site or contact us to find out what application to submit, what supporting documentation to submit, and when to submit it. We are here to assist you!

  • The processing times listed below are based on the assumption that ISSS receives a complete application with all required supporting materials. To expedite the processing, please send us all documents at once.

  • If the scholar will need to obtain a visa overseas, please allow additional time.

  • ISSS internal processing times will vary depending on application volume.

  • If the application is not submitted to ISSS in a timely fashion, ISSS cannot guarantee that the application will be processed and/or filed in a timely manner or at the requested time.

  • General Documents

  • General Documents
     

    Document Type Submission Deadline/Processing Time
    Social Security Number Application Support Letter Processed at ISSS front desk, while you wait
    PA Driver's License Application Support Letter ISSS processing time, 3-5 business days
    Invitation Letter ISSS processing time, 3-5 business days
    Student Status Verification Letter ISSS processing time, 3-5 business days
  • F-1 Student Status

  • F-1 Student Status
     

    Document Type Submission Deadline/Processing Time
    Initial Admission I-20 ISSS processing time: 3 weeks
    Dependent I-20 ISSS processing time: 5 business days
    Extension/Revision I-20 Students must submit their extension requests to ISSS at least 30 days prior to the current I-20 end date.

    ISSS processing time: 3-5 business days
    OPT I-20 ISSS processing time: 3-5 business days (not including government processing time)
    CPT I-20 ISSS processing time: 3-5 business days
    Return from Departure/Withdrawal I-20 Students must submit their return from leave application 2 months before they return.

    ISSS processing time: 3 weeks
    ELP I-20 ISSS processing time: 5 business days
  • J-1 Student Status

  • J-1 Student Status
     

    Document Type Submission Deadline/Processing Time
    Initial Admission DS-2019 ISSS processing time: 3 weeks
    Dependent DS-2019 ISSS processing time: 5 business days
    Extension/Revision DS-2019 Students must submit extension requests to ISSS at least 30 days prior to DS-2019 end date.

    ISSS processing time: 3-5 business days
    Academic Training Students must submit their Academic Training request to to ISSS before completing studies or the DS-2019 end date, whichever is earlier.

    ISSS processing time: 3-5 business days
  • J-1 Scholar Status

  • J-1 Scholar Status
     

    Document Type Submission Deadline/Processing Time
    DS-2019 The hosting department should submit the request to ISSS 3-4 months in advance, but no later than 6 weeks in advance.

    ISSS processing time: 3 weeks

    Note: An incomplete application, missing any required documents or accurate information will require follow-up, which will restart the processing time.
    J-1 Scholar Transfer Submit to ISSS 4-6 weeks in advance. Is processed on the specific date that scholar is "released" from prior institution.

    ISSS processing time: 3 weeks
    Extension/Revision DS-2019 The host department must submit the extension request at least 45 days prior to the current DS-2019 end date.

    ISSS processing time: 3 weeks
  • H-1B Employee Status

  • H-1B Scholar Status
     

    Document Type Submission Deadline/Processing Time
    Any H-1B The hiring department should submit the request to ISSS 6-7 months in advance but at least 90 days before the status expiration date/start of employment.

    ISSS processing time: 6-12 weeks (including the Department of Labor prevailing wage and LCA processing before filing a petition with USCIS)

    Please note that the Premium Processing fee expedites only the H-1B processing at USCIS. Please allow additional time for the notice to arrive.
  • Permanent Residency Applications

  • Permanent Residency Applications
     

    The hiring department should consult with ISSS prior to making a decision to sponsor their employees for permanent residency.
    Document Type Submission Deadline/Processing Time
    ISSS Processing Time for PERM Special Recruitment Cases for Teaching Faculty 4-5 months
    DOL Processing Time for PERM Applications 4-10 months but may take longer, expecially if selected for audit (not uncommon at present)
    USCIS I-140 Processing Time for All PR cases 6-18 months
    The employee is responsible for filing I-485 or consular processing See USCIS Processing Dates
 
All Other Applications

Consult with ISSS as they vary.