Feb. 2, 2024 Immigration Advisory

1. USCIS scam alert
2. International student drop/hold: What is it?
3. Drop deadline: Feb. 6
4. Employment guidelines for F-1 & J-1 students
5. Tax time! Sprintax software is available Feb. 15
6. Freedom of speech

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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. Other variants are likely 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 and Bridge 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! Log in to myPassport with your WSU ID and password and complete the Drop/Withdraw form.

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

*Academic English and Bridge students do NOT have the ability to add or drop classes.

3. Drop deadline: Feb. 6 

The last day to drop a course without record this year is Feb. 6. 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.

Find additional important academic deadlines.

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 (e.g., 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 assistantship.

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.

5. Tax time! Sprintax software is available Feb. 15 

ISSS will offer free access to tax preparation software called Sprintax starting Feb. 15.  Sprintax is specifically designed for international students and scholars. The deadline for filing 2023 taxes is Monday, April 15. 

Did you have NO income in 2023?

International students and scholars who did not receive U.S.-based income must still file a tax form called Form 8843. Sprintax can assist with Form 8843. You will need to print and mail Form 8843 to: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215

To have Sprintax help with Form 8843, you may log into myPassport and select ‘Tax Software’ to fill out the form to request access to Sprintax. A unique verification code will be emailed to you at your WSU email within three business days. This is available as of Feb. 15.     

Did you have income in 2023? 

As of Feb. 15, you may log into myPassport and select ‘Tax Software’ to fill out the form to request access to Sprintax. A unique verification code will be emailed to you at your WSU email within three business days.

International students/scholars who were employed at WSU in 2023 will receive a report of wage earnings called Form W-2 from the Payroll Services Office. W-2s became 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 are using a tax treaty benefit? This means you will receive 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 provided in myWSU. IMPORTANT: You must wait until you receive Form 1042-S to file your taxes.

Sprintax webinars to prepare for your tax filing!

Tax questions? Sprintax offers YouTube videos, a blog, and tax webinars (listed below):  

Upcoming webinar dates, times, and registration links

• Thursday, Feb. 8 | 10-11 a.m. PST | Register here 
• Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 9-10 a.m. PST | Register here 
• Tuesday, March 5 | 1-2 p.m. PST | Register here 

Find additional tax information. 

Important: ISSS may not provide tax advice or information about tax treaties. Please consult a tax expert or use the chat function with Sprintax.

6. Freedom of speech 

The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protects the right to freedom of speech – with some boundaries – to everyone in this country. Please get familiarized with WSU’s policy on freedom of speech to ensure you partake in activities in a peaceful, civil, and respectful manner.