WEEKLY UPDATE – March 24

This week's newsletter includes information to remind you about filing taxes as an international student. As always, if you have any general questions, you can contact our office by chat, phone, or email. If you have specific immigration questions, you can also make an appointment with your ISSS adviser online.

It’s important to be aware that, as a non-resident student in the U.S., you are legally required to file a tax return if you received U.S. income or taxable scholarship during 2024 (Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024). Even if you didn’t work or receive income in the U.S. in 2024, you’re still obliged to file Form 8843 with the IRS. The tax filing deadline is April 15.

USF has arranged a free Sprintax tax filing service that can be accessed through MyISSS. Please make sure to use the link to Sprintax in MyISSS (on the homepage under the announcement titled Nonresident Tax Filing) so that you can get the software discount. Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents, and check if you’re due a tax refund or if you owe taxes. On the ISSS Taxes web page, you will find more information about:

Sprintax workshops take place during the tax filing season and cover information for non-resident students and scholars who must file a 2024 U.S. tax return, what income forms students/scholars may receive, and forms that need to be completed and sent to the IRS. You can view the full list of workshop dates online. Additionally, you can check out their frequently asked questions and video library for non-residents filing taxes.

ISSS also offers a tax workshop to help you understand U.S. tax filing requirements for non-residents. The workshop will take place this Tuesday, March 25, from 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. PDT and will cover taxable scholarships, U.S. tax treaties, and Social Security Number (SSN) and Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) application procedures.

Register Here »

Join our team and help support international students while gaining skills in customer service, social media, content design, and video editing. Perfect for a USF student with a passion for serving the USF international student community. Apply now to make an impact on campus!

Tuesday, March 25 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Gleeson Plaza

Stress Less Day 2025 aims to alleviate student stress with activities like pet and massage therapy, games, crafts, and mental health resources. Attendees also have a chance to win a $100 Clipper Card. The event is sponsored by Health Promotion Services, Off-Campus Living, the Office of Sustainability, and the Division of Student Life. 

Wednesday, March 26 | 1–2 p.m.
University Center | 411/412

Cafe International is a community space for international students to mingle, bond, and find support at USF. It is hosted by the Cultural Centers’ international community intern, Devi! The space, food, and activities, are provided, you just need to come!

Saturday, March 29 | 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Fromm Hall

The Cultural Centers and the Office of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) are excited to present the sixth annual USF Women of Color Leadership Conference. The conference is FREE and open to the public, featuring women of color affiliated with USF who facilitate various sessions centered on women of color leadership, empowerment, freedom dreaming, and liberation.

Register Now »

April 7–14 | Times Vary

Course registration opens on April 7 for continuing doctoral and graduate students and April 14 for continuing undergraduate students. Check out the University Registrar's website for important registration information and step-by-step instructions about online registration. On their website, you can also find your final exam schedule, request transcripts and enrollment verification letters, and search for specific courses. You can also contact their office by email or call (415) 422-7260.

Learn More »

Tax season is here! Filing taxes can feel overwhelming, especially for international students. In this episode of Global Connections, host Rashi Bhatt sits down with Christy Li, assistant director & ISSS adviser, to break down tax essentials — including filing requirements, tax residency status, key documents, Sprintax, and ISSS tax resources.

During the new presidential administration, ISSS is monitoring and communicating immigration updates that may affect our international students. Visit our International Student Support web page for updates and resources.

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of any ISSS webpage, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.

Our podcast focuses on mindfulness, diversity, and inclusion, featuring episodes that cover diverse topics. Subscribe for engaging narratives, consistent audio quality, and a cohesive visual identity, and join us in building a mindful and inclusive USF community.

Thank you for reading the weekly ISSS newsletter! To submit content for future newsletters, please complete the ISSS Newsletter Intake Form by 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week before the newsletter's release. While all submissions will be reviewed, inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed.