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
- Need to do an off-campus internship? Apply for CPT!
- International Students’ Council – Pullman only
- Travel Advisory
- Yang “Wendy” Liu Award for Excellence in Teaching
- Tax time! Take action NOW
Need to do an off-campus internship? Apply for CPT!
Are you in an academic program that requires you to do off-campus internships?
Then speak to an international student advisor about CPT (Curricular Practical Training). This is the off-campus work authorization for curricular-related internships. It is highly recommended that you apply for this government authorization whether the internship is paid or unpaid.
Although CPT is reviewed and approved by ISSS, it is a technical application, so we recommend applying early.
If you are thinking about applying for internships but are not sure if you are eligible for CPT, please speak with your academic advisor AND an international student advisor before you begin applying. This will help save you time.
International Students’ Council – Pullman only
The International Students’ Council (ISC) is one of ASWSU’s largest committees and is the official voice of Washington State University’s international student population. The ISC hosts several events throughout the year to promote cultural exchange on campus and in the Pullman community.
Visit the International Student Council page for more information and to reach out.
Travel Advisory
We strongly recommend that if you are considering international travel during spring break or 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.
Yang “Wendy” Liu Award for Excellence in Teaching
Wendy demonstrated grace, empathy, and excellence in her teaching and service to the university. She helped pioneer many of our best practices in working with Eastern Asian students and helped engage students and faculty outside of the classroom. She always paid particular attention to creating an excellent teaching and learning environment for linguistically and culturally diverse students.
If you have an instructor that shares the same philosophy as Wendy that you would like to nominate for this award, please visit our award page to submit your nomination.
Tax Time! Take Action NOW
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