Please read this information as a guide to help you with your studies and maintain a valid immigration status. The information below may not apply to international students at all campuses.
Contents
- Travel Advisory
- ISSS hours in summer
- Changing levels (bachelor’s to master’s or PhD, master’s to PhD, non-degree to degree seeking)?
- Summer enrollment reminder (if graduating)
- FINAL NOTICE: Tax time!
Travel Advisory
We strongly recommend that if you are considering international travel during summer that you only travel if it is essential. We are seeing visa processing delays and increased screening, including review of social media. Be aware that your reentry to the US could be delayed or even prevented.
If you do decide to travel, monitor updates relevant to your situation and travel location, and please keep in mind the following:
- Avoid planning travel to known or potential (high risk) conflict areas. Conditions can change quickly and may affect flights, entry/exit, or consular operations.
- Resources for assessing travel risk include: Travel.State.Gov and similar resources from other countries.
- If you become stranded abroad, our ability to help is limited. ISSS can provide general guidance, but we may not be able to resolve travel interruptions, intervene with consulates, or facilitate academic accommodations.
- If you decide you must travel, choose refundable options and consider purchasing travel insurance. WSU’s international travel insurance is only available to students traveling for academic programs, so you would need to obtain travel insurance in the marketplace.
If you would like to discuss your specific circumstances before you finalize plans, please feel free to contact our office or book an appointment with one of our advisors. We are here to help.
ISSS hours in summer
ISSS will remain open throughout the summer from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pacific time but may experience fewer staff available. Advising appointments will remain available in person or Teams. Feel free to contact our office if you need to speak with an International Student Advisor.
As a reminder, ISSS requires 3-5 business days for processing requests submitted through myPassport system. This processing time also applies to signature on social security letters, so please plan accordingly as we are unable to accommodate same day requests due to staffing
Changing levels (bachelor’s to master’s or PhD, master’s to PhD, non-degree to degree seeking)?
If you completed one level of study (Academic English, Bridge, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) in spring or summer and will be beginning a new, different level in fall 2026, please note that you MUST check in with ISSS in August 2026. If you are traveling internationally this summer, note that your I-20 will be changed, and we need to report to the U.S. government that you plan to return and will be pursuing a new degree level. You will need the new I-20 to re-enter the U.S., so please contact our office prior to your departure
Summer enrollment reminder (if graduating)
If summer will be your last term in your program, then please note there are some additional requirements on enrollment (listed below).
As you will not be a continuing student for fall, summer is not considered a vacation term so you will need to be enrolled full time in person for the summer or apply for the reduced course load for last term. Online class enrollment is limited.
- Graduate full-time summer enrollment: 3 credits
- Undergraduate full-time summer enrollment: 6 credits
If you need to apply for a reduced course load for the last semester for summer, you can find this request on myPassport, under Enrollment Forms.
Please contact International Student and Scholar Services if you have any questions and to ensure you comply with your visa requirements for summer graduation.
FINAL NOTICE: Tax time!
ISSS is partnering again with WSU’s Nonresident Tax Help Group (NoRTH) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to provide free tax help to F-1 and J-1 visa holders. For more details, visit our Tax Help page.
The deadline to file 2025 taxes is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Did you have NO Income in 2025?
F-1/J-1 visa holders who did not earn US-based income must still file a tax form called Form 8843. NoRTH/VITA can help with Form 8843. After completing the form, you will need to print and mail it to:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215
Did you have US Income in 2025?
F-1/J-1 visa holders who were employed at WSU in 2025 will receive a report of wage earnings called Form W-2 from the Payroll Services Office. W-2s are available after January 31. Students should use this form to complete and submit their tax return.
- Did you receive a scholarship for room and board or use a tax treaty benefit? If yes, you will get a Form 1042-S. The Payroll Services Office is required to issue Form 1042-S no later than March 15. Form 1042-S is mailed to the address you provide in myWSU. IMPORTANT: Make sure you wait until you receive Form 1042-S to file your taxes.
Appointment Required
To get help from NoRTH/VITA with your taxes, you must make an appointment. Appointments are available via Zoom, but for Pullman campus students, there are only in-person clinics available.
NoRTH/VITA In-Person Tax Clinics: visit our Tax Help page for dates, times, and locations.
How to Make an Appointment
You can also visit their Free Tax Assistance page directly.
- Request Free Membership from NonResident Tax Help Group’s page and select Washington State University, Hoops Tax Institute
- You must use your WSU student email address.
- On the “Get Help” page, scroll and click to find the calendar for the format of help you want. Look through the openings and select an available appointment using your WSU email address.
Note: ISSS does not give tax advice or information on tax treaties. For tax help, you can make a Zoom or in-person appointment with NoRTH/VITA or ask a licensed tax professional.
For tax questions, email NoRTH/VITA.
For general tax information, visit our Taxes page.
If you have any questions about the above announcement, please contact International Student and Scholar Services.
- WSU students across the System, contact by phone +1 509-335-4508 or email ip.intlservices@wsu.edu