By: ISSS Effective October 1, 2019, the Office of the Provost has approved assessing a “rush fee” for all H-1B cases that are initiated with ISSS with an employment start date that is two months (60 days) or less from the date of case submission. Penn will also assess a rush fee for J-1…
By: ISSS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has recently been conducting site visits at work locations to check compliance with STEM OPT regulations. Although ICE has long had the authority to make site visits for STEM OPT training, reports of site visits were very limited in the past. Lately, there have been reports from employers…
By: ISSS The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced changes to the I-901 SEVIS Fee charged by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The fee increase applies to international students, exchange visitors and SEVP-certified schools and will take effect June 24, 2019. These fees apply only to new international students or visitors…
By: ISSS On Friday, May 3, a federal district court judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction, ordering immigration officials to temporarily cease enforcement of the August 9, 2018 policy memorandum entitled “Accrual of Unlawful Presence and F, J, and M Nonimmigrants.” This memorandum expanded the ways that unlawful presence is calculated for F, M, or…
By: ISSS TIPS TO PREPARE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL For F & J International Students and Scholars. You must have a valid travel signature from ISSS. If you need a new signature, complete the travel signature eform in iPenn https://www.ipenn.oip.upenn.edu/ Check the F-1 or J-1 entry visa in your passport. (except Canadian/Bermudian citizens) If your visa…
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…