February 28, 2025 Immigration Advisory

1. Energy assistance program – Pullman only
2. Academic dishonesty may be basis for visa revocation
3. Car insurance – if you have a car, mandatory to have
4. Support letters from ISSS
5. Tax time!

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Energy assistance program – Pullman only

The Pullman Community Action Center (CAC) offers emergency assistance programs for people living the Pullman area. Please contact them for assistance as temperatures remain low: 509-334-9147.

Your family might qualify for a one-time payment to your Avista account by applying for the Low-Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP Heat or Regular Energy Assistance program).

This program is completely funded by Avista utilities and any customer, including customers who are not U.S. citizens, can apply for this program. This program is NOT monitored by the federal government.

Households can apply for this program once per year between Oct.1 and Sept. 15.

Academic dishonesty may be basis for visa revocation

If academic dishonesty is discovered during an inspection of a foreign national student at a port of entry, it will likely result in a denial of admission and possibly visa revocation (either expedited removal or voluntary departure, depending on mitigating factors).

Under the authority granted by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Customs and Border Protection inspectors have authority to search without warrant any person coming to the U.S (being a U.S citizen or not) and their belongings including phones, social media, and laptops.

Car insurance – if you have a car, mandatory to have

If you are thinking about buying a car, then you know that being covered by car insurance is an important step in the car ownership process in the United States. Not only is insurance important to protect you in case of an accident, but it is also required by law.

• These articles have helpful information about this requirement:
  • Do You Need Car Insurance to Drive?
  • Auto Insurance for International Students

State minimum requirements in Washington

• To legally drive in Washington, you will need insurance that includes at least:
  • $25,000 for injuries or death to one person
  • $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people
  • $10,000 for damage to another person’s property

Support letters from ISSS

Our office often receives requests for visa support letters for individuals and/or their dependents. So, we would like to make clear what our office can attest to.

We can provide status confirmation letters only, attesting if the F-1 or J-1 visa holder has been maintaining their immigration status in the U.S.

We cannot comment on academic performance, make a formal request for a visa to get approved, nor attest to personal skills such as work ethic and communication. We too cannot attest to ties individuals may have back in their home country.

Additionally, we often attend professional development webinars in the International Education field and can confirm we heard from consular officials themselves that external letters are rarely considered in the visa process.

Tax Time!

ISSS is partnering 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 students. For more details, visit this page.

The deadline to file 2024 taxes is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. 

Did you have NO Income in 2024?

F-1/J-1 students 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 2024? 

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 four in-person clinics available. These tax clinics are the only in-person options. 

NoRTH/VITA In-Person Tax Clinics:

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