News & Announcements
USCIS Implements Additional Security Review for Certain Pending Applications
Effective December 2, 2025 and January 1, 2026, USCIS has shared two policy memoranda that may affect processing times for certain pending immigration benefit applications. What USCIS announced USCIS has…
U.S. State Department Announces Pause on Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
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 announcement, the pause is tied to…
USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increase – Effective March 1, 2026
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)…
Advisory Guidance on New U.S. Entry Restrictions
This advisory is intended for Penn administrators, faculty, department staff, and campus partners who support international students, scholars, and employees. It provides context and guidance related to a new White…
Travel Reminders
As winter break approaches, we wants to ensure you are prepared for any upcoming international travel. ✈️ Required Documents for Re-Entry to the U.S.:When returning to the United States, you…
Scam Alert for Penn International Students & Scholars
We want to ensure that all international Quakers are aware of a recent increase in scam calls. These scammers may contact you pretending to be University representatives or government officials….
Expansion of U.S. Department of State Enhanced Social Media Vetting for H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants
Beginning December 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will extend its enhanced social media vetting to H-1B specialty-occupation workers and their H-4 dependent family members. This expanded screening…
Advisory for Faculty: Unsolicited Requests for National Interest Waiver (NIW) Recommendation Letters
ISSS has recently been made aware that some Penn faculty members are receiving unsolicited emails from individuals overseas requesting letters of recommendation to support their National Interest Waiver (NIW) permanent…
DHS to End Automatic EAD Extensions for Most Categories — No Impact on F-1 OPT or STEM OPT Students
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have announced an interim final rule ending automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for most…
AAU Joins Legal Challenge to Presidential Proclamation on H-1B Program
As of October 24, Jenner & Block has filed an amended complaint in Chamber of Commerce v. DHS (D.D.C., J. Howell), adding the Association of American Universities (AAU) as a…
USCIS H-1B $100K Payment Requirement
USCIS has posted an important update regarding H-1B filings (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations). Below is a summary of how this change impacts our Penn community. Who Must Pay Applies to: Does not apply…
H-1B Processing and Presidential Proclamation Update
This is to confirm that ISSS continues to file H-1B petitions and has not ceased H-1B processing following the recent Presidential Proclamation. Key Points Regarding the $100,000 Fee: ISSS will continue to move forward with…
Government Shutdown – Will It Impact Your Immigration Status?
As the current U.S. federal government shutdown will have an impact on crucial immigration services, ISSS has prepared a detailed Q&A regarding the potential effects on immigration matters. Please revisit…
UPDATE #2 H-1B Proclamation: What’s Affected, What’s Not, & Next Steps
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)…
USCIS Clarification: Travel Advisory for H-1B Employees
UPDATE: USCIS Guidance on H-1B Proclamation USCIS has released a memorandum providing clarification on the Presidential Proclamation restricting entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers. Key Points from the Guidance: We…
Important Update: Non-Immigrant Visa Applications
The U.S. Department of State has issued updated guidance for non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants, effective immediately: Designated Locations: For detailed information and updates, please check the embassy or consulate website…
Join ISAB – the International Student Advisory Board!
Enhance the international student experience at Penn by collaborating with international undergraduate and graduate students, as well as ISSS and other Penn offices. ISAB works on initiatives in the following…
Understanding the Difference Between Visa and Status — Important for Our Penn International Community
Dear Penn International Students and Scholars, We know that questions often come up about the difference between a visa and immigration status. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably but actually have very different…
New Visa Integrity Fee – Important Update and Implications for Penn
I’m writing to share an important update regarding the federal Visa Integrity Fee included in the FY25 Homeland Security appropriations bill, which passed the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on July 25, 2025. While…
DP Article – Don’t let Forerunner be a footnote
Anvi’s Red and Blueprint | You probably skipped the most important orientation at Penn “It’s 10 a.m. Welcome to Penn. Please fill out these 17 forms.” My mother has already…