Oct. 6, 2023 Immigration Advisory

1. Survey: Your opinion matters to us!
2. Sponsored student concerns
3. Mental health and crisis support
4. Cancellation of enrollment
5. Taxes
6. Visa revalidation is NOT a visa renewal

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1. Survey: Your opinion matters to us!

International Student and Scholar Services in the Office of International Programs is here to support you. To do that effectively, we want to learn what you need. You can help us by telling us through the International Student Needs Assessment Survey about your time at WSU so far, including your experiences on campus. The survey is open to all international students at all WSU locations. It is completely anonymous, meaning that your answers cannot be connected back to you. Win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards by taking the WSU International Student Needs Assessment Survey!

Participation in this survey is voluntary and private, and we value your perspective and hope you will take this opportunity to let your voice be heard. If you have questions about the survey, please reach out to us directly at ip.intlservices@wsu.edu.

2. Sponsored student concerns

If you are a sponsored student (a foreign government or entity is paying for your education), then you have additional rules and regulations you must follow to ensure you maintain your scholarship and funding from your sponsor. These rules are in addition to the WSU and U.S. immigration rules, and it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you are following them.

If you wish to take a class at another educational institution, for example, always do the following BEFORE YOU ENROLL:

• Speak with your sponsor to see what is needed for the class to be covered by them.
• Speak with your advisor to see if they recommend you take this class and can provide any supporting documentation to your sponsor.

Again, it is your responsibility to do this BEFORE you enroll in the class. Academic advisors have the right to refuse to write letters in support of actions you took without their recommendation. So, plan ahead!

3. Mental health and crisis support

If you ever feel overwhelmed, know that this is perfectly normal. And remember you are not alone! WSU and our office are here to support you while you are going through a tough time.

Cougar Health Services offers mental health and crisis support services free of charge. Please visit Cougar Health for more information.

4. Cancellation of enrollment

If you are thinking of canceling your enrollment (dropping/withdrawing all your courses this semester), please note that this WILL impact your immigration status.

To maintain your F-1 or J-1 status, you must maintain full-time enrollment. If you cancel your classes, you will be OUT OF STATUS.

So, if you need to depart the U.S. or WSU for the semester and will be requesting cancellation of courses, please speak with an international student advisor first!

5. Taxes

Tax season is soon approaching (January through April), so it’s time to start getting familiarized with tax terms and regulations. Please visit our ISSS tax web page to learn more about taxes and what to prepare for.

6. Visa revalidation is NOT a visa renewal

Under the automatic revalidation provision, certain temporary visitors holding expired nonimmigrant visas who seek to return to the U.S. may be admitted at a U.S. port of entry by CBP if they meet certain requirements. This includes nonimmigrants who departed the United States for brief travel to Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island (for F and J nonimmigrants) for 30 days or less.

Automatic revalidation is NOT the same as applying for a new visa. If you apply for a new nonimmigrant visa you cannot take advantage of automatic revalidation.

If you travel outside the U.S. to a country other than the ones listed above, you MUST obtain a new visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad to be able to return, even if you were granted automatic revalidation in the past.

Please speak with an international student advisor BEFORE any international trip to make sure you have the necessary documents for reentry.