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We hope you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday break. Happy New Year and best wishes for 2025 to you and your loved ones!

**REMINDER** Submit your emergency contact form and update any additional information in your OISS Student Portal if you haven't done so already. 

- The Office of International Students and Scholars

Join the Sprintax's webinar on

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 12 PM PST.

Register here

As a non-resident in the U.S., you’re legally required to file taxes if you were present in the U.S. during 2024. Failure to file can lead to complications when applying for US visas in the future. The US 2025 tax season starts this month! The information below is provided to help you prepare for the tax season when it begins. 

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 2024 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.

• If you DID EARN INCOME IN THE U.S. during the 2024 calendar year, you will need to file a federal income tax return with the IRS as required by law as well as Form 8843 by April 15, 2025. 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.
• If you earned NO INCOME IN THE U.S. during the 2024 calendar year, file ONLY Form 8843 - "Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition." Form 8843 is not a U.S. income tax return. It is an informational statement required by the IRS for nonresidents for tax purposes (including spouses or dependents of non-residents).

Did you miss the December Break deadline?

We can send you your travel I-20 via email 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:

• 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?)

Students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  as early as 90 days prior the program completion date and no later than 60 days after the program completion date. Your program completion date is the official end date of your last term/semester.

Do you need to expedite your USCIS request? USCIS Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is also available to F-1 students in these categories.

To verify your program completion date, please review the academic calendar.
USCIS must receive your application no later than 30 days from the date your OPT I-20 was issued to you, but no later than the 60th day from your program completion date whichever is earlier. (OISS Processing time: 7-10 business days)

*15-week Academic Program: Deadline of submission for the graduating class of Fall 2024: Friday, January 31, 2025*

Important: Please note that this deadline only applies to students in the 15-week program. If you are in the 11-week program and will complete your program in the Winter term, you are eligible to apply for OPT now!

Not interested in Optional Practical Training (OPT)? Here are your options:

• Apply for a new academic program at CLU or at another institution? Make sure to email international@callutheran.edu BEFORE the start date.
• Changing your current F1 status to a different non-immigrant or immigrant status? Consult with an immigration attorney regarding changing your status.
• Are you leaving the US after graduation? You must depart the U.S. within 60 days of completion of your academic program.

Questions? Email OISS at international@callutheran.edu or schedule an appointment

If you are feeling a little out of sync during these winter weeks, CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) is available for scheduled in-person or virtual appointments. For more information on CAPS, click here. Did you know that CAPS Website, also has a special resource section for international students? Read all corresponding articles: 

• Adjusting to Life in the United States — Article with helpful strategies from the U.S. News & World Report
• Western Education System: Feel the Difference — Blog article about differences between Eastern vs.Western higher education
• EduPass.org — Helpful information about studying and living in the United States
• USAStudyGuide.com — A comprehensive explanation about living in the United States as an international student

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

OISS Office Hours: 
M-F: 8am / 5pm
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

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

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

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