We want to bring to your attention reports indicating that a new travel ban may be announced as early as next week. While the specifics are not yet confirmed, the countries expected to be affected include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. If you are a citizen of one of these countries,…
By: ISSS Staff – 2024/11/20 As Thanksgiving and winter break approaches, we are writing to provide reminders regarding international travel. When you return to the U.S., you will present the following documents to the CBP Officer: Valid passport Printed out Form I-20 with travel signature* Valid F-1 entry visa** (Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do…
By: ISSS Staff – 2024/12/18 ISSS is moving! During the winter break, we will be relocating to our new office at 3935 Walnut Street, directly across from Gutmann College House, above McDonald’s. Here’s our operational timeline: December 19, 2024 (Thursday) – Last day at St. Leonard’s Court, Suite 305 & 330, 3819 Chestnut Street. …
By: ISSS Staff January 31, 2024: A USCIS Final Rule was published implementing fee increases for certain immigration and naturalization benefits. The increase in the following filing fees will most impact the Penn community: International Students F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT and STEM OPT) Form I-765: Online filing will increase from $410 to $470 Paper…
By: ISSS Staff PLEASE NOTE: Congress has passed a short-term funding bill postponing a government shutdown. Since there is a possibility of a U.S. federal government shutdown that could have an impact on crucial immigration services, ISSS has prepared for the common Q&A regarding its potential effects on immigration matters. Please revisit this page for…
By: U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) Effective January 5, 12:01am, eastern standard time, all air passengers two years old and older will require a negative Covid-19 test no more than two days before departure from China Hong Kong or Macau. Passengers who test positive more than 10 days before a flight can provide documentation of recovery…
By: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China Update from U.S. Mission China Consular Services for December 15, 2022 Due to the operational impacts caused by the surge of COVID-19 infections across China, U.S. Embassy Beijing and U.S. Consulate General Shanghai are providing passport and emergency citizen services only. U.S. Consulates General Wuhan, Shenyang, and Guangzhou…
By: ISSS Beware of Scams There have been reports of fraudulent emails and phone calls from people pretending to be a government official, such as someone from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), CBP (Customs and Border Protection), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), a U.S. Consulate, or other government agencies. It…
By: ISSS If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) but are receiving U.S. sourced income such as a non-service fellowship, scholarship, or grant, then you may need an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes. The ITIN is a U.S. taxpayer identification number, issued by the Internal Revenue Service, (IRS). It…