About > International Programs Posts > Immigration Advisory > Jan. 28, 2022 Immigration Advisory

Jan. 28, 2022 Immigration Advisory

Contents:

  1. CAPS is offering group and workshop meetings
  2. USCIS scam alert
  3. International student drop hold – What is It?
  4. Drop deadline – Feb. 8, 2022
  5. Employment guidelines for F-1 & J-1 students
  6. A guided meditation just for you
  7. Tax time! Sprintax software available soon and workshops
  1. CAPS is offering group and workshop meetings

WSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is offering group and workshop meetings for spring. To join a group or workshop, students must attend an “initial consultation” (30-minute appointment via Zoom) at CAPS. At that appointment they can let their clinician know they wish to join a group or workshop. To schedule an initial consultation, call the CAPS front desk at 509-335-4511. All CAPS groups and workshops will be offered via Zoom this semester.

Here is a link to read more information about the group sessions available: cougarhealth.wsu.edu/counseling-groups-workshops/

  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.

  1. 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! Here is how to request it:

  1. Login to mypassport.wsu.edu with your WSU ID and password
  2. Go to Enrollment Change Forms
  3. 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 on file before your drop will be approved.

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

  1. Drop deadline – Feb. 8, 2022

The last day to drop a course without record is Feb. 8, 2022. 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.

  1. 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!

  1. A guided meditation just for you

ISSS hosts a weekly International Student Meditation Series. Learn to show yourself a little kindness.

When: Every Thursday from 4:10-4:20 p.m. and 4:30-4:45 p.m. (Pullman time)

Where: Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center (Meditation Pavilion)

  1. Tax time! Sprintax software available soon and workshops

It is time for taxes. IP-ISSS will be offering access to a tax software called Sprintax starting March 7. Sprintax is specifically designed for international students and scholars. Deadline for filing your taxes is April 18, 2022.

Note: ISSS does not provide tax advice, so please refer tax questions to tax specialists or through the chat function of the software when it becomes available.

  • Did you have NO income in 2021?

International students who did not receive U.S.-based income should still file a tax form, Form 8843, prior to June 1. You can also download the form at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8843.pdf.

  • Did you have income in 2021? Do you have dependents?

As of March 7, you can log in to myPassport.wsu.edu and select Tax Software to fill out the form to request access to Sprintax.

International students who were employed at WSU in calendar year 2021 will receive a report of wage earnings (form W-2) from the Payroll Service Office. Students should use this form to complete and send their tax return to the U.S. government.

  • Sprintax webinars to prepare for your tax filing!

Although the Sprintax software will not be available for download until March 7, please visit the Sprintax How to Prepare for the 2021 US Tax season blog, watch their YouTube videos, and attend one of the Sprintax Tax Webinars, listed below.

Webinar dates, times, and registration links: