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 – 2025/03/04
By: ISSS Staff – 2024/12/19 DHS Announces H-1B Modernization Final Rule on December 18, 2024, Effective on January 17, 2025 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a H1B Modernization final rule on December 18, 2024. This H1B Modernization Final Rule aims to streamline the H1B review and approval process, to improve the integrity and oversight…
By: ISSS Staff – 2024/12/12 On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State published a new Exchange Visitor Skills List (“Skills List”), removing 35 countries including Brazil, China, India and South Korea from the list of a two-year home residency requirement. This revised Skills List is retroactive. J Scholars who were subject to the two-year home…
By: ISSS Staff – 2024/11/20 Please remember that when re-entering the U.S. in valid H-1B status, you must present the following documents to the CBP Officer at the U.S. Border: Valid passport; Valid H-1B visa; Original valid Form I-797 H-1B Approval Notice 2-3 most recent pay stubs or letter from supervisor confirming continued employment Copy…
By: ISSS Staff – 2024/11/20 As Thanksgiving and winter break approach, 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; Valid J-1 visa (Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require a J-1 entry visa); Valid Form…
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…