What’s Happened: What’s new (Recent Agency Guidance): Key points: Payment process: At this stage, it is not clear how the $100,000 fee will be collected or processed. Neither USCIS nor the State Department has released procedural instructions. We will provide updates as soon as this information is available. Next Steps for Foreign Nationals: We know this…
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 understand how unsettling this continues to be. ISSS will monitor developments closely and share further updates as federal agencies provide additional implementation details. Travel Advisory…
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 where you plan to apply. Here is also a link to the State Department website for details: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence-sep-6-2025.html Stay informed and plan your visa appointments carefully.
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:
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…