Penn has advised students to defer travel and transit through the Middle East until further notice, following rising regional tensions and potential “travel disruption.” According to a March 2 alert from Penn Global, University-affiliated undergraduate travel to the region will also be prohibited through March 15, at which point the ban will be reevaluated. The alert cited…
This message is to share an important update regarding USCIS premium processing fees that may affect petition and application planning for our schools and units. What’s ChangingThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule adjusting USCIS premium processing fees based on inflation between June 2023 and June 2025, as authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act. This…
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced that it will pause immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. According to the official statement, the pause is tied to a federal policy review related to public benefit usage and will remain in effect until further notice. It is important to highlight that: The suspension…
Penn’s International Scholar and Student Services issued guidance on Tuesday outlining the potential effects of the current federal government shutdown on immigration resources, visa applications, and overseas travel. The United States government has been shut down since Oct. 1 after Congress missed the deadline to approve a funding deal. The shutdown, according to a Sept.…
What’s Happened What’s New (Recent Agency Guidance) Key Points Location Petition Status Impact of Changes Inside the U.S. Approved Petition Not impacted. May continuework and travel. Filed Petition (no decision) Not impacted. Not Yet Filed Impacted. Must meet newrequirements ($100,000payment or national interestexemption). Amendment / Extension /Change of Employer / Change of Status Unclear. Outside the U.S.…
Now in its 19th year, the Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP) has grown from a one-person effort in 2007 into a thriving initiative supported by Penn partners, student leaders, and alumni. ILP continues to equip students with the skills to lead with empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and a global perspective. Over nearly two decades, the program has…
Penn student Anvi Tuteja highlights the Forerunner pre-orientation program as a hidden gem for international students and families. Now, in its tenth year, Forerunner helps students build community early while navigating visas, banking, and campus life. Tuteja encourages Penn to celebrate Forerunner not as a footnote, but as a model for welcoming students from around…
Penn’s International Student and Scholar Services is “not aware” of any University student or faculty member who has been impacted by recent visa revocations from the United States Department of State, according to a Tuesday email. The April 1 message comes a week after Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the State Department revoked over…
By: Penn Today