International Student and Scholar Services at Penn

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International Student and Scholar Services at Penn Capturing the world of international students and scholars at the University of Pennsylvania 🌎

Information on advising hours and how to make an appointment can be found here: https://global.upenn.edu/isss/advising

🌍 Calling all international alumni!Join us for the International Alumni Homecoming Brunch 2026 to reconnect, reminisce, ...
10/20/2026

🌍 Calling all international alumni!
Join us for the International Alumni Homecoming Brunch 2026 to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate together! Whether you studied at Penn years ago or more recently, this is your chance to come back home.

📅 Date: November 14, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 OM
📍 Location: 3935 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor Room 212

What to expect:
• A delicious brunch spread 🍳
• Networking & catching up with fellow alumni
• Cultural flair, stories, and shared memories

Register using the QR code!

🤖 How can you prepare to thrive in an AI era?Join Dr. Lily Zhang from ISSS and Jajwalya Karajgikar and Christopher Demer...
10/16/2026

🤖 How can you prepare to thrive in an AI era?

Join Dr. Lily Zhang from ISSS and Jajwalya Karajgikar and Christopher Demers Jimenez from Penn Libraries for an informal and interactive conversation designed to help international students better understand and navigate a rapidly changing AI landscape.

📅 Date: Friday, October 23rd
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM EDT
📍 3935 Walnut St, Room 600B on the 6th Floor

Bring your questions, experiences, and curiosity. Pizza will be provided!

Scan the QR code to register!

💼 🧑‍💼 Are you looking to gain professional experience while studying at Penn?Join ISSS for a comprehensive session to ex...
10/16/2026

💼 🧑‍💼 Are you looking to gain professional experience while studying at Penn?

Join ISSS for a comprehensive session to explore employment opportunities while embracing the core mission of your J-1 program! We will break down the "must-knows" of J-1 status to ensure you remain compliant while building your resume and expanding your cultural horizons.

📅 Date: Friday, October 23rd
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM EDT

Special Note for Non-Degree Students: This session will include a dedicated segment on specific eligibility requirements and guidance tailored to your unique exchange program status.

Scan the QR code to register!

🌍✨ Exploring Immigration Alternatives at PennCalling all Penn admins! Join us for an online webinar where we’ll dive int...
10/14/2026

🌍✨ Exploring Immigration Alternatives at Penn

Calling all Penn admins! Join us for an online webinar where we’ll dive into alternative options for employing foreign nationals at Penn.

📅 Date: Wednesday, October 21st
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM- 2:30 PM EDT

💡 What's covered:
- OPT & EADs
- J-1 Academic Training
- Permanent Residency
- O-1, TN & E-3 status

Scan the QR code to register! Don't miss out on valuable insights to navigate international employment at Penn! 🌐

OPT UPDATE | DHS has proposed new fees for schools recommending F-1 students for OPT. These fees are NOT in effect, and ...
10/09/2026

OPT UPDATE | DHS has proposed new fees for schools recommending F-1 students for OPT.

These fees are NOT in effect, and current OPT rules and application procedures have not changed.

Future OPT and STEM OPT applications: Under the proposal as written, new fees would not apply retroactively to OPT recommendations issued before a final rule takes effect. Recommendations issued afterward, including future STEM OPT extensions, could be affected.

Current OPT applicants should follow existing procedures: post-completion OPT applications generally may be filed with USCIS from 90 days before the program end date through 60 days afterward, subject to all other requirements. This proposal does not permit earlier filing.

For specific pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT, or STEM OPT eligibility requirements and application timelines, consult ISSS. Penn is reviewing the proposal. Read the full update on the ISSS website at global.upenn.edu/isss

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for Let’s Talk AI with Dr. Lily Zhang! We loved bringing our community togeth...
10/09/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for Let’s Talk AI with Dr. Lily Zhang! We loved bringing our community together for an engaging conversation about navigating the evolving AI landscape and exploring responsible, practical ways to use AI in academics, career development, and everyday life.

A special thank you to our wonderful guest speakers - Julianne Reynolds and Dr. Ayoung N. Lee of the Weingarten Center.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, perspectives, and practical guidance to help our international students feel more confident and prepared for an AI-driven future!

And, of course, thank you to all our attendees for bringing your questions, curiosity, and enthusiasm. We hope you left feeling inspired and empowered to keep learning and exploring!

Stay tuned for more events and conversations with ISSS.

💻 💼 Join us for another webinar on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) application process! OPT is F-1 work permission...
10/07/2026

💻 💼 Join us for another webinar on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) application process! OPT is F-1 work permission that can be used before or after graduation.

📅 Date: Wednesday, October 14th
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM EDT

💡 What's Covered:
- The Basics: An introduction to OPT, including eligibility and application timelines.
- Employment Info: Learn about different types of employment allowed under OPT.
- Live Q&A: Members of the ISSS team will be available to answer your specific questions in real-time.

An understanding of OPT is expected before attending.

Scan the QR code to register!

Join Penn Career Services and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) as we welcome one of the top ranked Immi...
10/05/2026

Join Penn Career Services and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) as we welcome one of the top ranked Immigration Attorneys in the U.S. to campus! At this session, you'll get up-to-the-moment insights into all of the proposals and impending changes to immigration, and ask YOUR questions about visas and pursuing professional careers in the United States as an international student!

Register here: https://upenn.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1995112

Speaker: Mr. Mark Rhoads currently serves as the President of firm McCandlish Holton and is a director in the Immigration Practice Group. His focus is on temporary visas and permanent resident green cards for university researchers and professors; high-tech and information technology personnel; international managers and executives; and professional personnel in accounting, engineering, education and many other professions.

Mark speaks regularly to university audiences across the country, as well as business groups and human resource professionals on immigration topics. He has been a featured speaker at the annual conferences of the National Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA), the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA), the National Association of Student Employment Administrators, the Council of Independent Colleges, and many other organizations.

Open to students in ALL of Penn's 12 schools, Mr. Rhoads will speak for approximately 50 minutes and leave plenty of time to address your questions!

Join Dr. Rudie for brunch on Friday, October 9! This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy good food and share your storie...
10/02/2026

Join Dr. Rudie for brunch on Friday, October 9! This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy good food and share your stories, ideas, and experiences as part of Penn’s international community in a relaxed, friendly setting.

We want to hear what’s on your mind, your suggestions and concerns help us better support you!

📅 Date: Friday, October 9th
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM – 1 PM
📍 Location: 3935 Walnut Street, 6th Floor

Spaces are limited! Register by scanning the QR code.
Note: Your spot is confirmed only after you receive an official invitation email from ISSS.

🧑‍🏫 Calling Penn admins! Join our online webinar providing an overview of different J-1 Exchange Visitor categories.This...
10/02/2026

🧑‍🏫 Calling Penn admins! Join our online webinar providing an overview of different J-1 Exchange Visitor categories.

This workshop is designed to provide an overview of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, including departmental responsibilities, scholar application procedures, and best practices for submitting complete and timely requests.

📅 Date: Friday, October 9th
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM EDT

💡 What's covered:
- Key J-1 requirements, including reporting obligations, employment and travel regulations, health insurance requirements, cultural exchange objectives, and recent updates to J-1 federal regulations.
- How to use iHub to submit and manage scholar requests, track case progress, and access immigration-related records and resources.

Scan the QR code to register!

Address

3935 Walnut Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
19104

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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