Jan. 27, 2023 Immigration Advisory

1. USCIS scam alert
2. International student drop hold – What is it?
3. Drop deadline – Feb. 7
4. Employment guidelines for F-1 & J-1 students 
5. Tax information: Coming soon! 

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1. USCIS scam alert 

Scammers are using fake USCIS emails to contact foreign nationals. Some of the emails claim that the foreign national is subject to a “background check” for failure to file Form AR-11 after a change of address. There are likely other variants in circulation. 

If you receive a similar email or any other suspicious email, do NOT click on any of the links and do NOT respond to any of the phone numbers or mailing addresses listed in the email. You should NOT provide any personal information. USCIS has instructions on how to report such fraudulent contact here: Common Scams 

Please reach out to our office if you are uncertain about any communication from anyone who claims to be from USCIS or a related government entity. 

2. International student drop hold – What is it? 

International students in F-1 and J-1 status – excluding Academic English, Undergraduate Foundation, and International Master’s students* – now have a hold on their account called the “International Student Drop Hold.” This hold keeps students from dropping classes without ISSS approval, ensuring they do not unknowingly fall out of status.  

The hold restricts only drop activity, not add activity, and students can still request a drop/withdraw from a class! Here is how to request it: 

• Login to mypassport.wsu.edu with your WSU ID and password 
• Go to Enrollment Change Forms 
• Complete the Drop/Withdraw form listed 

Please note that if the drop/withdraw will bring you below full-time enrollment, you MUST have an approved reduced course load form on file before your drop will be approved. 

*Academic English, Undergraduate Foundation, and International Master’s students do NOT have the ability to add or drop classes. 

3. Drop deadline – Feb. 7 

The last day to drop a course without record is Feb. 7. After this date, all drop requests will show as a W (Withdrawal) on your transcript/record. Students are allowed only a limited number of withdrawals, so be aware of this drop deadline if you wish to drop from any classes. 

Additional important academic deadlines can be found here. 

4. Employment guidelines for F-1 & J-1 students 

ON CAMPUS 

Students must be in lawful F-1/J-1 status to be eligible to work on campus. The primary determination of lawful status is enrollment or an authorized reduced course load. J-1 students must have permission from their J-program sponsor Responsible Officer to work on campus and must report employment and receive authorization from ISSS prior to beginning any on-campus employment (including assistantships).  

Important notes for J-1 students 

• If you applied for this authorization last semester and received a letter confirming authorization for the entire year, you are set and do not need to report again until the authorization period ends.  
• If you are sponsored by an outside organization (for example, Fulbright, USAID), you will need to work with your sponsor to report your on-campus employment. 

F-1/J-1 students are limited to working 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Students may NOT average their hours (e.g., work 25 one week and 15 another to average 40 hours over a two-week period.) Graduate TAs/RAs who are already employed for 20 hours per week may not work additional jobs beyond the TA/RA. 

Working more than 20 hours per week is a serious violation of the F-1/J-1 student status and can result in severe consequences including loss of status and denial of future visas. WSU Human Resource Services audits your employment hours at the end of every pay period, so be aware of working hours and stay within time limits.   

OFF CAMPUS 

Off-campus employment is NOT ALLOWED in F-1/J-1 status unless approved by USCIS (OPT, Hardship Work Authorization, etc.) or by a DSO/ARO (CPT/Academic Training). Do not work off campus unless you have this authorization.  

Possession of a social security number does NOT grant work authorization off campus!  

5. Tax information: Coming soon! 

More information about taxes will be available in early February. ISSS will offer free access to a tax software called Sprintax. 

Remember to not throw out any Form W-2, Form 1042-S, Form 1099-INT, etc., you may receive, as you will need these documents to file your tax return. 

Important: ISSS does not offer tax advice or information on tax treaties. Please consult a tax expert or use the chat function with Sprintax once it is available.