WEEKLY UPDATE – Feb. 16

This week's newsletter includes information about filing taxes as an international student. As always, if you have any 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 nonresident student in the U.S., you are legally required to file a tax return if you received U.S. income during 2025 (Jan. 1, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2025). Even if you didn’t work or receive income in the U.S. in 2025, you’re still obligated to file a Form-8843 with the IRS. The University of San Francisco provides free access to Sprintax tax preparation software for you. Sprintax guides you through the tax preparation process, helps arrange necessary documentation, and checks for potential refunds or taxes owed.

On the ISSS Taxes web page, you will find more information about:

Both ISSS and Sprintax offer tax workshops to help you understand U.S. tax filing requirements for nonresidents. The ISSS workshop will take place on Tuesday, March 24, from 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. PST on Zoom, and will cover taxable scholarships, U.S. tax treaties, Social Security Number (SSN), and Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) application procedures. Register now on our appointment/workshop booking website.

Sprintax workshops take place over the course of the semester and will provide an overview of taxes for nonresident students and scholars who must file a 2025 U.S. tax return, what income forms students/scholars may receive, forms that need to be completed and sent to the IRS, and definitions for terms like FICA, ITIN, and Form 1098-T.

Find the full list of workshop dates and registration information here »

Spend the day on Sunday, Feb. 22nd, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Star Route Farms in Bolinas, CA, where international students will connect with nature, learn about sustainable farming, share a meal, and participate in community-building activities. This is an opportunity to relax, meet others, and explore the Bay Area beyond campus. Open to USF students.

Register now »

        Every Other Friday | 2:30–4:30 p.m.        Gleeson Library Atrium

The USF Food Pantry is continuing its operation this semester. The pantry is available to all currently enrolled USF undergraduate and graduate students. Students are not expected to pay for items from the pantry. Students can view additional information about upcoming pantry dates (occasional Saturday pantries will be scheduled) on their website or visit the Food Insecurity Resources web page for alternative food resources. Open to USF undergraduate and graduate students.

Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Privett Plaza

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the Center for Asia Pacific Studies and other Asia-focused programs on campus! Join the celebration at Privett Plaza for music, games, prizes, food, and a traditional lion dance by Leung’s White Crane Association. ISSS will be tabling during the event. Open to the USF Community. Learn More »

Monday, March 2 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
University Center, 1st Floor

Join USFCA Career Services for Resume Rush, where students can get one-on-one resume feedback and practical tips from career advisors. Whether you are applying for internships or jobs, this event will help you refine your resume and feel more confident in the application process. Open to USF students.

Learn more »

Tuesday, March 3 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
McLaren Complex

Connect with employers hiring USF students! Join the in-person Career and Internship Festival on Monday, March 3, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at McLaren Conference Center for networking, a free headshot, and prizes. Can’t attend? Join the virtual Job Fest on Handshake on Wednesday, March 4, 5–7 p.m. PST. Open to USF students and employers.

Learn more »

If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the registration form below by Friday, Feb. 20. Please visit the volunteer registration form link » 

Volunteers must confirm attendance by responding to the volunteer registration email they will receive after submitting the form. If you have any questions regarding volunteering, feel free to reach out to Kailin Kim directly at kkim52@usfca.edu.

Graduate students: Have questions about your resume, cover letter, interviews, or job search strategy? Join Wendy Saccuzzo for Drop-In Hours this semester! Drop-ins are available on Mondays from 12–1 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6–7 p.m. No appointment is needed—stop by to get quick, personalized guidance to help you succeed in your job search. Join here »

As you prepare for internships and full-time roles, ISSS and Career Services are collecting questions from international students about every stage of the job hunt process, including job searching, interviewing, work authorization conversations, and U.S. workplace culture. Ask us anything that’s on your mind—no question is too small. We want to make sure you feel fully prepared for what comes next! Submit your question »

If you’re an international student currently on OPT/STEM OPT and navigating life after graduation, we’d love to hear from you! Your story may be featured on ISSS media channels to support and inspire other international students as they explore job opportunities, transition into the workplace, and build their careers in the U.S. Share your story »

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 requests are processed within 10 business days. 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 web page, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments. Find upcoming workshops on the ISSS Events and Workshops calendar.

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.

Want to submit content for future newsletters? For a student feature, fill out this form, and for all other contributions, email our office at isss@usfca.edu for more information.