GSU International student & scholar services February 2020 Newsletter
STAY INFORMED ...
U.S. Tax Season is Here (For Tax Year 2019)
Spring is tax season in the U.S. based on tax year 2019 (January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019). If you initially arrived in the US in 2020, there are no IRS requirements for you this year. All others have at least 1 tax form to complete.
IRS Deadline to submit tax form(s): April 15th, 2020
ISSS offers FREE tax prep software called Sprintax that is designed specifically for non-residents. ISSS advises you to ONLY use Sprintax, which is now available. Follow the iStart instructions to request the free code at the bottom by reviewing the tax information >> HERE << .
ALERT: Tax Season is also Fraud Season
· ISSS has received reports of unknown individuals pretending to be IRS agents who try to collect tax payments via high pressure calls or emails.
THIS IS A SCAM!
· If you receive such contact, ignore it or ask ISSS first. For more details, please watch this short VIDEO about tax fraud. Spread the word!
Travel Signature Reminder
Don’t forget to have your form I-20 or DS-2020 signed before you depart the U.S over the spring break if your current travel endorsement is more than 6 months old. For details on this requirement and request process, please click >> HERE.
Tip: Don’t wait till the last minute! All requests in iStart take 3-5 days to process.
Visit the U.S. Capital – Washington, D.C.
ISSS will sponsor an exciting, low-cost day trip to Washington, D.C. this Spring. Participants will visit all the major sites of the U.S. Capital and have plenty of free time.
Dates: May 5-8, 2020. Departure after Spring semester finals and return in time for Maymester classes.
Estimated Cost: $350. Includes round-trip flight and 3 nights shared hostel rooms.
To Apply: If you are interested in attending this trip, please contact Dawn Edwards at msun13@gsu.edu.
For more details about the trip, please click HERE.
CPT/OPT Employment Workshops
· ISSS employment workshops are offered to prepare you to apply for CPT or OPT and to answer specific questions. All workshops are held in Sparks Hall, Suite 248 (See dates and times to the left).
· Workshops are MANDATORY before applying for CPT or OPT. You can attend either the CPT, OPT or both sessions.
· OPT applicants should complete the workshop only in the semester you plan to graduate.
· There is no cost. A minimum of 4 students must sign up in advance, or the session will be cancelled.
· Registration is required: Log-in to iStart and click "Session Sign-ups" to register for the in-person workshop of your choice.
More info >> HERE <<
Full-Time Enrollment Reminder
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:
All international students must be properly enrolled or re-enrolled via the “registration adjustment” process if you were dropped for non-payment, by Tuesday, February 11th. Details are >> HERE <<
Fall 2020 V.I.S.A Leaders Needed!
VISA (Volunteer International Student Assistant) Leaders are needed for the Fall 2020 orientation.
· Do you need leadership experience for your résumé? Are you looking to make new friends and help new international students at GSU?
· This is a short-term paid, on-campus position, and you don’t need CPT or OPT authorization. VISA Leaders are also provided a 3-day FUN training program.
· Application form will be available online by the end of the month. STAY TUNE!
· For more information, click >> HERE << or contact Amaka Oriala at noriala1@gsu.edu.
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Just click the Facebook icon to the left to get helpful reminders about deadlines, workshops, events and campus jobs right on our Facebook page. For questions about any of the information mentioned above, contact:
International Student & Scholar Services
Georgia State University
252 Sparks Hall
404.413.2070 (phone)
isss@gsu.edu (email)
isss.gsu.edu (website)