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 directed its officers to place an adjudicative “hold” on final decisions for certain pending immigration benefit requests connected to individuals from designated “high-risk” countries while…
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 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…
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…
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 House Proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, establishing expanded restrictions on entry into the United States for nationals of certain countries, effective January 1, 2026.…
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 must present the following to Customs and Border Protection (CBP): ⚠️ Please Note: CBP officers may inspect electronic devices at the border. Any problematic information…
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. In many cases, they use spoofed phone numbers to make the call appear legitimate. What You May Experience Scammers may: Important Reminders Legitimate agencies will…
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 applies to both new visa applications and renewals, marking a significant development in federal online-presence review practices for foreign nationals. Background & Expected Impact This…
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 residence petitions. These requests often come from people with whom the faculty member has no prior professional connection. We want to provide clear guidance, as…
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 renewal applicants. Beginning October 30, 2025, renewal applications for EADs will no longer qualify for the automatic 540-day extension previously available under 8 CFR 274a.13(d).…
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 plaintiff, along with a motion for a preliminary injunction (or, alternatively, summary judgment). Declarations were also filed by AAU President Barbara Snyder and ten AAU…