2025 Fulbright Program Updates: Fulbright Foreign Student Program FAQs and Fulbright FLTA Program FAQs

Non-U.S. Student

If you are a non-U.S. citizen looking to applying for a Fulbright grant to study in the United States you will apply to the Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassy in your home country.

Current U.S. Student

If you are a U.S. citizen currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, please visit our Fulbright U.S. Student Program site.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, hold a bachelor’s degree, and do not have a PhD degree then you could be eligible for certain awards within the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Please review the program summary for the country where you would like to apply.

U.S. Professor

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

Non-U.S. Professor

If you are a non-U.S. citizen and a professor interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award in the United States you need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.
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2025 Fulbright Program Updates FAQs

 
In-Program Activities
I have questions and need program guidance. Who can I speak to at IIE?

Please direct all inquiries to foreignstudentadvising@iie.org. Please include your PSID, country, nature of inquiry, and critical date in the Subject Line and strive to be as clear and concise as possible in the email. Please expect delays and refrain from sending multiple emails to follow-up, as it may lead to further delays in receiving a reply.

 When will I receive my next stipend?

IIE will continue to process stipends due to grantees as funds are released by State Department. At this point, May 1st stipends will be issued according to your Fulbright Terms of Appointment.

 Is Fulbright still paying my university tuition?

As IIE receives sufficient State Department funding, IIE will pay university invoices as outlined in your Fulbright Terms of Appointment. If you are notified that you have hold on your account that are preventing you from registering or accessing university resources, first confirm with your university that they have sent the invoice to IIE. If they have already invoiced IIE, please email foreignstudentadvising@iie.org with the subject line “Hold on my Account”.

 Is IIE processing grant renewals and extensions at this time?

Renewals and extensions are being prioritized by current grant end date. Please continue collecting required documentation from your university as applicable and reference the process as outlined here.

As a reminder, students do not need to return home to renew their visa as long as their DS-2019 is valid. We are unable to expedite renewals and extensions for elective summer travel.

 Can I still apply for work authorization for on-campus employment or pre-degree academic training?

Yes, participants can apply for in-program work authorization and pre-degree academic training.  Requests will be prioritized in order of position start date, however if you have an urgent request, please email foreignstudentadvising@iie.org once your request is uploaded.

 I’m planning to travel outside the United States.

International travel requests have resumed, and you must submit travel requests following the international travel process outlined on Foreign Fulbright Online. Please note that processing times may be delayed.

Please note international travel comes with risks, even if you have a valid multiple entry visa. Students that depart the United States on an expired visa will need to renew their visa while abroad and may face delays. If you have an expired visa, and your travel is non-essential, you should not plan a trip specifically for the purposes of renewing your J-1 visa. Remember, your J-1 visa can expire while you are in the U.S., as long as you have a valid DS 2019 and are participating in approved program activity.

If you have an urgent international travel request for travel in April 2025, please write to foreignstudentadvising@iie.org and inform us of the urgent travel request in order for your request to be reviewed urgently.

 I have an urgent situation-- medical, visa, or legal--who should I contact and what should I do?Please refer to the Foreign Fulbright Program - Stay Safe and Healthy for resources. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you should first call 911 and then report the emergency to IIE through the after-hours line once it is safe for you to do so. The urgent line for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is (202) 326-7721. You must leave a message and if it is an emergency, your call will be returned. This number should be reserved for urgent matters that cannot wait for an email reply.  
 
End of Program Plans
For eligible grantees as outlined in your Terms of Appointment, will IIE book my flight home and issue my return travel allowance?

IIE can assist with travel bookings for eligible students from non-Commission countries with end dates through June 30, 2025. We hope to be able to book future travel dates pending the sufficient availability of funding from the U.S. Department of State.

 Can I apply for a transfer of sponsorship?

Yes, please review the Transfer of Visa Sponsorship resources on Foreign Fulbright Online for more information on how to submit a request. All requests must be received at least six weeks prior to the end date found on your Form DS-2019. Transfers are for students that have reached Fulbright sponsorship limits and need additional time to complete their degree or are requesting a transfer for a second degree. 

At this time, we are prioritizing transfer requests for eligible students requiring March and April transfers. Exceptional early transfer requests are not currently being accepted, only those who require academic program transfers in March and April.

We are unable to process a transfer of visa sponsorship for the purpose of pursuing post-degree academic training (PDAT).  

 Can I apply for post-degree academic training (PDAT)?

Post-degree academic training (PDAT) processing has resumed for those eligible to request PDAT. Please note the following important information: 

  • We will accept PDAT applications from all eligible students with DS-2019 end dates May 1st and later. 
    • Requests should be submitted as soon as possible before your DS-2019 end date.  
  • Requests submitted within two weeks of the DS-2019 end date will not be considered. 
  • Requests must be completed following instructions outlined on Fulbright Online to be considered. 
  • If IIE arranges your return travel, previously booked travel cannot be cancelled or rescheduled to do PDAT.
 Can I submit a request for Bar Extension?

Yes, if you were previously notified of eligibility to request an extension for the purposes of the bar exam, you can submit a bar exam extension request. Please review the Law Students section for more information.