WEEKLY UPDATE – March 23

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 a taxable scholarship 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 obliged to file Form 8843 with the IRS. The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026.

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) to access the discounted filing software. Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents, and check if you are 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 2025 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 24, 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 now »

Apply by Sunday, March 22

The Global Matters Advisory Committee at the University of San Francisco is launching their new E-Pal Program, an initiative connecting undergraduate students through meaningful virtual cross-cultural exchange. Participants will be matched with a peer and engage in guided conversations and activities throughout the semester. The program is open to all undergraduate students, and selected participants will complete a brief interview during the week of March 23–27. Open to USF undergraduate students.

Interested students can learn more and apply »

Tuesday, March 24
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
University Center 1st Floor

Looking for an internship? Join the Career Services Center to meet employers who are actively hiring USF students for internship opportunities across a wide range of industries. This event is open to students of all years and majors and is a great chance to explore career paths, practice networking, and connect directly with recruiters. Bring copies of your resume and come ready to introduce yourself — campus casual attire is encouraged. Open to USF Students.

Register now »

Tuesday, March 24
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
University Center 2nd Floor

Join USFVotes at their weekly Resource Pop-Up to learn how you can get involved in civic engagement, support community mutual aid efforts, and prepare for the 2026 midterm elections on Nov. 3. Stop by to pick up helpful materials, including Know Your Rights resources, and learn ways to support and advocate for our communities. To get involved, email usfvotes@usfca.edu or connect with them on Instagram @usfvotes. Open to the USF Community.

Learn more »

Friday, March 27
2:30–4:30 p.m.
Gleeson Library Monihan Atrium

The USF Food Pantry, located in the Gleeson Library Monihan Atrium, is a resource for currently enrolled USF undergraduate and graduate students experiencing food insecurity. Students can access pantry items at no cost. ISSS will also be tabling during the Food Pantry from 2:30–3:30 p.m., so feel free to stop by, learn more about the pantry, and connect with available student resources. Open to USF Students.

Learn more »

Wednesday, April 1 | 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Fromm Hall Complex

Join Dr. Hyun-Sook Kang as she presents on her research exploring how social class shapes South Korean students’ experiences with English during short-term study abroad programs in the United States. The talk examines how prior international experiences influence motivations for learning English, beliefs about “ideal” English speakers, and approaches to language use, highlighting how brief international experiences can influence language beliefs, identity, and learning. Open to the USF Community.

Learn more »

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 in to 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. Find upcoming workshops on the ISSS Events and Workshops calendar.

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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.