Are you traveling internationally over Spring Break?

As an F-1 or J-1 student, it is essential you check your I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure you have valid travel signature to reenter the United States. 

Travel Signature Validity:

• Continuing F-1/J-1 Students/Scholars: The signature on page 2 of the I-20 or on the bottom right corner of page 1 of the DS-2019 is valid for 12 months.
• F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT: The signature on page 2 of the OPT I-20 is valid for 6 months. 
• J-1 Short-term Scholars and J-1 Students on Academic Training: Travel signatures are valid for 6 months or until the end of program, whichever is sooner.

Learn how to get a travel signature and documentation required for re-entry to the U.S. at F-1/J-1 Travel

OISS Sponsored Tax Workshops

TODAY - Wed, March 13th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM (CT) - More info and zoom link

Sat, March 30th, 1:00 - 3:00 PM (CT) - More info and zoom link

Tues, April 9th, 2:00 - 4:00 PM (CT) - More info and zoom link

Tax season is here! The filing deadline for tax year 2023 is April 15, 2024, so don't delay. During these virtual workshops, Alejandro Young from Young & Associates, LLC, will present on the tax filing requirements and rules for international students and scholars. Alejandro has more than 20 years of experience in the area of tax services for internationals and has been providing tax filing workshops for the University since 2018.

Learn more about tax obligations as an international student (whether you  had a job or other source income in 2023 or not) and the various resources OISS has compiled to assist you with filing correctly from the Taxes section of the OISS website:
Understanding your U.S. Tax Obligations

OPT Q & A Sessions

With the introduction of the new OPT online tutorial, OISS has changed the format of the OPT virtual workshops. The online OPT course (delivered via the Homebase platform) is a comprehensive guide to applying for OPT, eligibility, timelines, and reporting requirements. Students interested in applying for OPT should FIRST complete the online OPT course and then attend an OPT Q & A session for any follow up questions. 

Visit the OPT webpage for instructions on how to access the OPT course.

Next OPT Q& A Session:  
March 19th, 1:00 PM: Event details and Zoom link

USCIS Fee Increases Go into Effect April 1st

USCIS has announced that certain fees, including the I-765 application fee for Employment Authorization and I-539 application fee to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, will increase on April 1, 2024. Learn more and see the new fee schedule from USCIS.

An Important Reminder from Housing for Undergraduate Students

The on-campus housing contracting process for next fall has begun. If you anticipate you will need to stay on campus during winter break (December 15, 2024 - January 4, 2025), you need to select continuous housing on the contract. The priority deadline for returning student housing contracts (which include the option to request or decline continuous housing over Winter Break) is this Friday, March 15th.

See the Continuous Housing section of the Residential Services website for more information.  

Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

The Buffett Institute for Global Affairs’ new Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program will match students with a paid research assistantship and faculty mentor, enabling them to make substantive contributions to faculty research and learn how collaborative research is conducted in or across disciplines. Selected for their international or global scope, the projects’ topics of focus include investigations into global revolutionary movements, climate change media arts collaborations between the U.S. and China, efforts to reduce newborn mortality in African hospitals and more. Buffett Undergraduate Research Fellows will serve as research assistants for up to three quarters, beginning in summer 2024 and continuing during the academic year in tandem with a series of practical and professional development workshops. Deadline: March 17.

Learn more and apply today >> 

Mark your Calendar:

March 13, 5:00 - 7:00 PM: OISS Sponsored Tax Workshop 

March 19, 1:00 PM: OPT Q & A

March 16 - 25: Northwestern's Spring Break

March 26: Spring term classes begin

March 30, 1:00 - 3:00 PM: OISS Sponsored Tax Workshop

April 9, 2:00 - 4:00 PM: OISS Sponsored Tax Workshop

April 15: Deadline for filing 2023 tax returns