✨New Spring 2026 Graduate students: Welcome to your first OISS Weekly! Please make sure to read it every Friday to stay up to date with all the international events, deadlines, tips, resources etc. We wish you a great start of your spring term.
Did You Travel Internationally This Winter Break? Have you reviewed Travel Advisory page?
Once you return from abroad, remember to:
• Download your new I-94 from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and verify all details are correct.
• Upload any new travel documents (updated visa, passport, or I-94) to your OISS student portal. - The Office of International Students and Scholars |
Welcome Dr. Mengmeng Liu! - New Assistant Director of OISS
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The Center for Global Engagement is proud to welcome Dr. Mengmeng Liu as the new Assistant Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Her background in Higher Education Administration and passion for international education shape her commitment to supporting students beyond paperwork and processes.
In her role, Dr. Liu will lead immigration advising, expand international student support services, and strengthen collaboration across campus to enhance CLU’s global engagement initiatives. She is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where international students and scholars can grow, feel supported, and thrive both academically and personally.
We are excited to have her join the OISS community and look forward to the support and leadership she will bring to our international students.
Keep an eye out for a “Meet and Greet” date to stop by, say hi, and connect with Dr. Liu.
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Tax season is HERE! Be informed and prepared to file your IRS forms
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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. |
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Need Help With IRS Form 8843? |
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We have created a comprehensive guide to help you understand IRS Form 8843. This guide covers who needs to file, how to complete the form, and important deadlines you must keep in mind. Filing Form 8843 is crucial to maintaining your status with both the IRS and USCIS. Whether you are filing for the first time or need to address any missed filings from previous years, this information will help ensure you meet your filing responsibilities with Form 8843. Please read through the sections below carefully to ensure you are meeting all the requirements.
Click Here to access the information. |
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Resources for the Holidays and Office Hours |
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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: -
For Dining Services on Campus check out their hours of operation before planning to stop by.
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Students who are staying on-campus for the break can outreach to Res. Life for resources
and dorms occupancy during this timeframe.
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Take a look at "What's around you" for groceries, restaurants, delivery options.
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MPOWER Financing - Global Citizen Scholarship
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Scholarships awarded annually to international and DACA students enrolled at schools MPOWER supports. Eligibility requirements: Be accepted at, or enrolled in, a full-time degree program at a U.S. or Canadian school, and be an international student allowed to legally study in the U.S. or Canada, as applicable:
For study in the U.S., this means that the applicant meets one of these criteria: - Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S.
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Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Is a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE. |
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Missed last week's OISS Weekly? Here is our #ICYMI section. |
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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. |
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©2026 California Lutheran University |
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