February 07, 2024 Immigration Advisory

1. USCIS scam alert
2. Employment guidelines for F-1 & J-1 students
3. Tax time!

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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. 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 (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!.

3. Tax Time

F-1/J-1 students who were employed at WSU in 2024 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 five in-person clinics available. These tax clinics are the only in-person options. 

NoRTH/VITA In-Person Tax Clinics: 

1. Monday, February 24, 5:00-7:30 p.m. in SPARK 339 
2. Saturday, March 1, 1:00-3:30 p.m. in CUE 119 
3. Monday, March 24, 5:00-7:30 p.m. in SPARK 339 
4. Saturday, March 29, 1:00-3:30 p.m. in CUE 119 
5. Monday, April 7, 5:00-7:30 p.m. in SPARK 339 

How to Make an Appointment 

1. Request free membership from The NonResident Tax Help Group (NoRTH) and select Washington State University, Hoops Tax Institute
   • You must use your WSU student email address.  
2. 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 tax webpage.