ISSS News: ISAB Applications Open | Next Coffee Hour Feb 29th

isss.umd.edu

Feb 27, 2024

ISSSNews is a weekly e-newsletter sponsored by International Student & Scholar Services with the purpose of communicating news and updates on immigration regulations, opportunities and events of interest to the international UMD community.

ISSS Announcements

ISAB is accepting applications for 2024-2025

Apply Here

The ISAB at UMD is a group of international student representatives selected to provide insights on pressing student issues to the International Student& Services (ISSS) office and other campus units. Members are expected to foster and maintain strong relationships with international student organizations and the UMD international student population to understand their experiences and challenges. In turn, members can collect and share information as necessary. Grounded in improving international student support on campus, this board seeks to empower students to develop creative solutions to the identified challenges.

Apply Here

USCIS Announces Inflation Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a final rule that will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to adjust for inflation. The fee change went into effect on Feb. 26, 2024. If USCIS receives a Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024 with the incorrect filing fee, USCIS will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee. The new filing fee to request premium processing for Form I-765 will be $1,685. To learn more about Premium Processing for OPT/STEM, visit our webpage here.

All international students and scholars have a federal tax filing requirement

even if you do not have U.S. source income.

Everyone (including F1/J1 students) must file US taxes. The deadline for filing tax returns for 2023 is April 15, 2024.

If you receive income from a job or scholarship in the U.S., taxes will likely be taken out of the check. Some of these deductions could be refunded.
Even if you have not worked or received any source of income (including scholarships) while at American University, you still must file a tax return with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Visit our U.S. Taxes webpage for more information.

ISSS EVENTS

International Coffee Hour

Thursday, Feb 29th 2:30 - 3:30pm

St. Mary's Hall

International Coffee Hour is a great way to connect with other students/scholars (both domestic and international) and meet UMD staff and faculty while enjoying coffee, tea, and snacks! International Coffee Hour takes place Thursdays from 2:30pm - 3:30pm at various locations around our beautiful campus.

The next coffee hour this term will be Thursday, February 29th on the steps in front of McKeldin Library.

International Student Career Series: Work Visa H-1B and OPT

Thur, Feb 29th, 12-1:00pm Virtual

Do you need clarification about options for staying and working in the United States after graduation? Are you worried about the H1B quota? Is it true that OPT has been extended to 2 years? We are pleased to sponsor a seminar presented by an experienced immigration attorney. Topics will include a detailed discussion of the H1B visa, the most popular work visa in the US, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and options for pursuing permanent residence through employment. In addition, our speaker will provide practical strategies for talking to employers about work visa issues during interviews.

The international student career series is a group of workshops/programs facilitated and curated by professional staff that focus on specific career needs of international students. Mark your calendars! More info on each session can be found here.

Mark your calendars for March 6th, 2024! Every year in early March, the University of Maryland community comes together for a 24-hour fundraising event. This year, help ISSS launch a new International Student Support Fund, created to provide students facing global crisis access to vital resources. Learn more at our #GivingDayUMD page here.

Around Campus

Talk2Me Spanish Program April 2- May 28.

Interested in practicing Spanish with a native Spanish speaker? Register for the Spring 2024 Talk2Me program, hosted by our international partners at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile), to get paired up with a Chilean student for weekly conversations. Register by March 3.

Learn more and register.

The UMD Campus Pantry is open to help students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity. You must swipe your University ID before entering and check out before leaving. It is recommended that you bring your own reusable bag. Learn more about hours and services here.

Follow ISSS on Social Media!