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…
Weekly Bulletin – June 9, 2025 Essential Updates For the week of June 2-June 8, Penn Global issued two updates: Other Updates & Reminders It is important to stay informed about your immigration status and maintaining your lawful immigration status. To do so, students and scholars can: If you have questions or concerns about your status…
Dear International Members of the Penn Community, We know that recent statements about international students and immigration policy changes have been deeply destabilizing as you navigate visa applications, summer travel, and planning for the fall semester. The critiques cast a pall over one of America’s traditional strengths—its openness to global talent—and are causing undeserved disruption…
Dear Students and Scholars, We are writing to you as passport holders from countries named under a newly announced travel ban that will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday June 9th. This ban restricts entry to the United States for nationals of the following twelve countries: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo,…
Weekly Bulletin – June 2, 2025 Essential Updates For the week of May 27-June 1, Penn Global issued two updates: Past Events Navigating Visa, Port of Entry, and Travel Challenges in 2025Thursday May 15th, 2025 In light of recent developments involving heightened visa scrutiny, unexpected entry denials, and shifting enforcement priorities, this timely webinar will bring together…
Dear Students from China and Hong Kong, We understand the uncertainty and concern raised by changes in U.S. visa policy and in particular the State Department’s May 28 announcement that it will implement a more rigorous review of Chinese and Hong Kong students in the U.S. We want to assure you that we are aware…
Dear Incoming International Students, We want to update you on a recent development from the U.S. Department of State. As of yesterday, the State Department has temporarily paused the scheduling of new visa appointments while it reviews procedures for social media screening as part of the visa application process. Although social media vetting has been in place…
Weekly Bulletin – May 27, 2025 Essential Updates For the week of May 20-May 26, Penn Global issued a statement reaffirming the University’s commitment to its international community. This follows the government’s decision to rescind Harvard’s ability to enroll international students. Past Events Navigating Visa, Port of Entry, and Travel Challenges in 2025Thursday May 15th, 2025 In light…