News Articles

  • News Article

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 areas:

  • News Article

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 meanings that affect your rights and responsibilities while you’re here at Penn. To help you better understand, here is a clear explanation. What is a…

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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 implementation details are still forthcoming, the proposed changes carry significant implications for Penn’s international students, scholars, and employees. What We Know So Far: Implications for…

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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 found someone to trade WhatsApp numbers with. I, jet-lagged, am wondering if it’s socially acceptable to nap under the registration table. “My child is ready…

  • News Article

Changes to U.S. Visa Reciprocity Schedules and What It Means for Penn’s International Community

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has recently revised the visa reciprocity schedules for over 50 countries, significantly reducing the validity period and number of entries allowed for many non-immigrant visas. These changes affect a broad range of visa categories and have important implications for international students, scholars, faculty, staff, and departments at the University…

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U.S. Department of State Visa Screening and Interview Scheduling

Dear International Students and Scholars, We want to share an important update from the U.S. Department of State (DoS) that may affect visa applications for F and J nonimmigrant classifications. On June 18, 2025, the DoS announced enhanced screening protocols, which include reviewing visa applicants’ online presence and social media activity. Applicants may be asked…

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Immigration Policy: Weekly Bulletin – June 9, 2025

Weekly Bulletin – June 9, 2025 Essential Updates For the week of June 2-June 8, Penn Global issued two updates:  Other Updates & Reminders It is important to stay informed about your immigration status and maintaining your lawful immigration status. To do so, students and scholars can: If you have questions or concerns about your status…

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You Are Essential to Penn: Support for Our Global Community

Dear International Members of the Penn Community, We know that recent statements about international students and immigration policy changes have been deeply destabilizing as you navigate visa applications, summer travel, and planning for the fall semester.   The critiques cast a pall over one of America’s traditional strengths—its openness to global talent—and are causing undeserved disruption…

  • News Article

New Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know Before June 9

Dear Students and Scholars, We are writing to you as passport holders from countries named under a newly announced travel ban that will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday June 9th. This ban restricts entry to the United States for nationals of the following twelve countries: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo,…

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