By: ISSS What is Curricular Practical Training? Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization for students in F-1 status where the work serves as an integral part of a student’s academic program and an established curriculum. CPT provides students with an opportunity to further their academic experience with hands-on training that is…
By: ISSS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS has announced that it will require applicants filing Form I-539 to use a new version of that form starting March 22, 2019. The new form will require applicants to pay an additional $85 biometrics fee and attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Applicant Support Center (ACS).…
By: ISSS It’s important that you understand the tax requirements of your visa. You’re legally required to file a tax return, if you worked in the U.S. or received a stipend, grant or allowance. If you had U.S. source income you will receive one or more forms indicating the type and the amount of income…
By: ISSS Unauthorized Employment for Students A foreign student studying in the United States is subject to specific and strict requirements as a condition of obtaining F-1 or J-1 status. Failure to follow legal requirements can lead to status violations, which can lead to serious consequences for many international students. Foreign national students must stay…
By: Penn Division of Public Safety Penn Police are currently investigating a number of reports of a resurgence in an IRS Phone Scam. In this scam, the caller purports to be an IRS representative and tells the victim that they owe a fine for illegal international money transfers. The caller then tells the victim to…
By: ISSS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed a fundamental change to the way they determine whether F and J visa holders have “over-stayed” their legal status in the U.S.(i.e. unlawful presence). Under current policy, the unlawful presence count begins only after a formal finding of a status violation by a DHS officer…
By: ISSS The United States Supreme Court has upheld the implementation of President Trump’s travel ban, which affects nationals from Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Restrictions vary based on country-of-origin. UPenn students, scholars, and employees from the affected countries are encouraged to be cautious when planning travel. Any questions can be directed…
By: ISSS The Department of State recently announced plans to limit the length of validity of the visas it issues to some Chinese citizens who wish to work or study in the US. To date, the government has provided limited details, but these proposed changes can go into effect as early as June 11, 2018. …
By: ISSS US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that, effective immediately, they will resume Premium Processing of H-1B petitions for cap-exempt organizations, such as institutions of higher education like Penn. Departments are again able to take advantage of Premium Processing when submitting H-1b petitions to USCIS. H-1B petitions submitted to ISSS with…
By: ISSS Effective, December 28, 2017, the US Embassy and Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul have normal NIV interviews and are opening additional appointments. This applies to ALL non-immigrant visa categories. For more information, please see: https://tr.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/