WEEKLY UPDATE – February 19
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Tax Filing for International Students
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ANNOUNCEMENTISSS Workshop RSVP and ISSS Advisor appointments will now be scheduled on the Sign-In Scheduling (formerly, 10to8) platform. Appointments made in the old system are still confirmed. Find our new scheduling website here »
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Filing Taxes
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 2023 (Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023). Even if you didn’t work or receive income in the U.S. in 2023, you’re still obligated to file a Form-8843 with the IRS. The University of San Francisco has arranged free access to Sprintax tax preparation for you. 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.
- How to determine if you are a resident or nonresident for tax purposes
- What tax forms you may receive and when you will get them
- How to use the Sprintax software to file your tax return or Form-8843 if you had no income
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Both ISSS and Sprintax will offer tax workshops to help you understand your U.S. tax filing requirements for nonresidents. The ISSS workshop will take place on Tuesday, March 26, from 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. and will cover taxable scholarships, U.S. tax treaties, Social Security Number (SSN), and Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) application procedures.
Sprintax workshops will take place over the course of the semester and will provide an overview of taxes for nonresident students and scholars who must file a 2023 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.
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The USF Food Pantry is continuing its operation this semester. The goal of the pantry is to serve as a short-term resource for students who have limited or uncertain access to a sufficient quantity of food. 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 on their website or visit the Food Insecurity Resources web page for alternative food resources. The pantry will be open next Friday, March 1, from 2:30–4:30 p.m. in the Gleeson Library Atrium.
Additionally, the USFMobile app is offering a new service, the Free Food Notification System on campus. This will notify you if there is any free food from events on campus available to students!
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Cafe International is a community space for international students to make friends and learn to live as part of the multicultural campus. Come to Cafe International to enjoy a stress-free tea break in a relaxing environment to help you recharge. Unwind, exchange stories, and build lasting friendships while savoring a cup of tea. The next event will take place on Friday, Feb. 23, from 4–5 p.m. in the Intercultural Center, UC 411/412. Registration is not required. Learn more »
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The USF-branded College Share Secured Visa credit card is available for international students and no credit score is required. The college credit card can provide several benefits for students, such as flexibility with spending, budgeting, and building credit. Some of its features are credit limits up to $1,500, qualify with little or no credit history, low security deposit required, no social security number required, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees. Also, as a student at USF, you get access to Provident's Financial Wellness Center. Feel confident about your financial choices. Learn more »
Disclaimer: Credit union deposit(s) must be pledged to secure the Visa®, with a minimum pledge of $600 and at least 120 percent of the approved credit line.
*Please note that ISSS does not endorse any credit card companies, and students considering credit cards should make sure they fully understand the terms of the credit cards.
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| Student Travel Feature: Malaysia
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Pulau Redang (Redang Island)
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"Since moving to the States in January 2022, I've been enjoying the adventure, but there are a few things from home (Malaysia) that I can't help but miss with a smile. Spicy dishes, warm sunny days, and the laughter of my people [are at the] top [of] the list. And, oh, the thought of exploring the beautiful islands back home for some diving and snorkeling brings pure joy to my heart! Here's to happy reunions and the wonderful memories that keep me smiling every day."
– Sammi Chee, BS in Chemistry ’24
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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 (select the home icon, site home, and then requests on the left-hand menu). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission
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Adviser Appointments and Workshops
Appointments can be made online. Please visit the ISSS website to schedule an appointment. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments. To schedule a workshop, select workshops from the first menu option in our scheduler. Students must complete an OPT workshop before applying for OPT.
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