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New Year Greetings! ✨

We hope you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday break. Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026 to you and your loved ones!

Note:

The CGE Office is closed for in-person visits today Friday, January 2, 2026. While our team is working remotely, we will resume regular in-office support on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Additional Note:
The CGE office will be closed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, for Graduate Student Orientation.

- The Office of International Students and Scholars

IRS Tax Compliance for International Students and Scholars

Who must file taxes? EVERYONE has to file SOMETHING!

All international students, and their dependents present in the U.S. during any part of the 2025 calendar year have some type of IRS filing obligation and are responsible for filing annual tax forms (also known as "tax returns"). WHAT you will file is dependent on a number of factors.

Attend a free Sprintax Webinar and review the information on the OISS Finances webpage.

CLU has arranged $17 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. We have a limited discounted code for purchase. After purchasing, you will receive additional instructions on how to use the code within 1-2 business days. Please note that if you have a state filing requirement, you must also mail this to the tax authorities.

Tax season is HERE! Be informed and prepared to file your IRS forms 

As a non-resident in the U.S., you’re legally required to file taxes if you or your dependent(s) were present in the U.S. during 2025. Failure to file can lead to complications when applying for US visas in the future. 

Our partner "Sprintax" is specialized in tax filing for non-residents and they other several free webinars throughout tax season. Topics will include who must file, tax residency, FICA, State returns, implications of misfiling as well as how to use Sprintax to prepare a compliant tax return.

Join the Sprintax's first webinar on
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Time : 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM PST

Don't worry if you can't make it to the first webinar, they have more scheduled!
SCHEDULE 

For more information go to OISS Finances.

CAPS Resources Over the Break

Feeling stressed, homesick, or isolated?

CAPS remains available throughout Winter Break for both virtual and in-person appointments.

Visit the International Student Resource section for articles on:

• Cultural adjustment

• Homesickness

• Mental health and wellness

• Navigating transitions during break

Support is available even while campus is quiet.

CGE general support hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and students are always welcome to stop by during those times for support, questions, or a friendly check-in.

Support is available, and we’re here for you.

  Resources for the Holidays and Office Hours

Community Cupboard will remain open and accessible.

The community cupboard is moving! Look for the new location in the Student Union next semester. Community Cupboard provides free food items to any Cal Lutheran student who needs support. Trader Joe’s gift cards are also available through Campus Ministry.
Current Location: Samuelson Chapel Lounge 
Hours: 7AM - 10PM


MORE OPTIONS:

1. For Dining Services on Campus check out their hours of operation before planning to stop by.
   
   
2. Students who are staying on-campus for the break can outreach to Res. Life for resources
   and dorms occupancy during this timeframe.
   
   
3. Take a look at "What's around you" for groceries, restaurants, delivery options. 
   
   

Returning from Abroad in January 2026?

Did you miss the December deadline?

We can send you your travel I-20 via your OISS student portal while you are abroad (you will need to have access to a color printer).

Your new document will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. Make sure to submit your travel intention form (no need to submit a request if you are not traveling abroad):

Things to prepare before travelling internationally:

• Review the OISS Travel Guidance.
• Verify that your travel signature (page 2) is valid for your return to the U.S. Each signature is active for 12 months (6 months for OPT students).
• Verify that all travel documents on your OISS portal are the most up-to-date
• Verify that your I-20 is your most recent one (added a new major?)

Missed last week's OISS Weekly? Here is our #ICYMI section.

CGE General Support Hours: 
M-F: 10am / 2pm
international@callutheran.edu

Questions? 
Check out our OISS Website
Schedule an advising appointment. 

Any request? Submit it from your OISS Student Portal and
allow 7-10 business days for processing

Note from OISS: Some topics in this newsletter may involve immigration or legal considerations. This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to serve as formal legal advice. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Contact Us:
international@callutheran.edu
+1 (805) 493-3750

Mail To:
60 West Olsen Road #6400
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

©2026 California Lutheran University