March 14, 2025 Immigration Advisory

1. Priority fall registration begins – April 7
2. Yang “Wendy” Liu Award for Excellence in Teaching
3. Participating in Protests or Demonstrations
4. Withdraw deadline
5. Link for information on recent announcements by the Federal Government
6. Tax time!

---

Priority fall registration begins – April 7

It is time to begin thinking about those fall 2025 classes! Priority registration for fall 2025 will begin on April 7. The first thing to do is to make sure that you are able to enroll. So, make sure you do not have any holds that will keep you from registering.

Log in to your MyWSU account. In your Student Services home page, the holds are listed in the top right-hand side of the page. Here is more information on how to prevent registration delays.

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 website to submit your nomination.

Participating in Protests or Demonstrations

International students and scholars may have concerns about participating in demonstrations while in the US. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects speech, which includes symbolic speech and protest, as long as it is conducted peacefully. The US constitution protects non-citizens, but there are some considerations to immigration, particularly if participating in a protest.

Please refer to our earlier notice of dealing with Federal law enforcement.

International students should be aware that arrests, criminal charges and convictions may impact immigration status. If you choose to participate in a protest, remain peaceful, and in the event a protest becomes threatening, violent, or disruptive, you should leave the area to maintain your own safety. Any criminal activity can have long-term consequences and restrict international students during their time here or future attempts to enter and/or stay in the US.

Washington State University supports its students and their rights to free expression. Complying with WSU codes of conduct and maintaining studies and program activities will ensure your immigration status is not at risk.

Please contact International Student and Scholar Services if you have any questions.

Withdraw deadline – April 11

April 11 is the deadline for undergraduate and professional students to withdraw from a course.

Remember that as an international student, you must request all withdrawals through mypassport. The withdrawal form is found under “Enrollment Change Forms.”

If withdrawing from a course will drop you below 12 credits (undergraduate), then you must be approved for a Reduced Course Load before the withdraw can be approved. Contact ISSS for more information about Reduced Course Loads.

Please remember that until you receive confirmation that both ISSS and the Registrar’s office have approved and processed your withdrawal, you should continue attending the course.

Link for information on recent announcements by the Federal Government

Here is a helpful link from NAFSA to help keep you updated on recent announcements by the Federal Government that may affect immigration. ISSS will continue to monitor and communicate immediately shall any action from you is required.

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 our tax help 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 three in-person clinics available. These tax clinics are the only in-person options. 

NoRTH/VITA In-Person Tax Clinics:

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