Immigration Rules...

There are some changes that will take effect in the near future concerning procedures at the Port of Entry.  One of those changes concerns the I-20 that will not be stamped anymore when you arrive in the U.S.  Additionally, the I-94 cards are being gradually phased out.  Although details of the timeline for implementation have not been released, the preparation for these changes is indeed already in motion. 

In the meantime, as you move in and out of the country, please make sure to “police yourselves” by checking the entry stamps that are made on your immigration documents.  Things to look for are legible stamp markings with Port of Entry and Date of Entry, along with your visa status and a “D/S” noted by hand.  When possible, ask those reviewing your documents to make the necessary changes before leaving their desk.  To ask for adjustments days or weeks in the aftermath is possible, but it is much more time and energy-consuming. 

Tax Returns

Tax Season is upon us!  We are still well over a month-and-a-half away from April 15th, which is the deadline for filing taxes every year.  As you gather your documents together, you will need:

*Form 8843 (with the exception of those who arrived this January)

*W-2 (from your employer)

*If you were employed last year (2012) and earned wages that are less than the amount of one personal exemption ($3800), you are not required to file a tax return.

*If you were employed last year and earned wages that are more than $3800, had wages or scholarship income exempt by treaty, had taxable scholarship income or are due a refund of taxes, you must file Form 1040NR-EZ or 1040NR in addition to Form 8843.

RESOURCES

Tax Treaties for Students with Wages:  http://world.utexas.edu/isss/tax/info/taxtreaties/studentwages

Tax Treaties for Students with Scholarships:  http://world.utexas.edu/isss/tax/info/taxtreaties/scholarship

Department Of Public Safety

There are increased reports of inconsistencies with the Department of Public Safety when F-1, J-1 or other visa foreign nationals are applying for or extending their Texas ID or Driver’s License.  A request has been made from Senator Rodney Ellis for dialogue on a regular basis to be constructed between the Director of DPS and Texas international educators.  The first meeting is to be scheduled in the very near future.   

"Peer Transfer"- TWU

Texas Woman’s University is now partnered with “peerTransfer” to assist students in processing tuition payments.  PeerTransfer is noted for its “secure, seamless and easy-to-navigate system for students that not only enables them to pay in their home currency, but saves them a significant amount of money while doing so.”  Some of the benefits communicated by peerTransfer in their information materials are:

+Pay from any country and any bank
+Save money on bank fees and ensure your payment is received in full
+Receive peace of mind with 24x7 multilingual customer support (phone, email, live chant or Skype)
+Track your payment from start to finish

If you are interested in learning more about this new payment option, please follow this link to the web site for peerTransfer:  https://www.peertransfer.com/school/twu/.

TEXAS STATE ID

Texas State  ID  is an identity proof for individuals living in the state of Texas.  It serves as a source of identity for most purposes like bank transactions, boarding airplanes, checking into a hotel, etc.  It is as good as a driver’s license for identity purposes and is issued to those who do not have a license or do not drive.
There are NO age restrictions to get this ID done.

Requirements:

1) Foreign passport with visa, I-94 attached.
2) A copy of I-20 for F1 students.
3) Proof of physical address (rental bill, utility bills, medical insurance card with address, SSN card, bank statements,  official letter from university with address, leasing papers)
4) Need to pay $16 cash/check.

The ID can be issued at any DPS office. An application form needs to be filled out (can be downloaded from the website or picked up at the DPS office) which requires many information fields to be populated.  After completing the application form, DPS staff verify your documents at the reception desk and then give you a slip of paper which has a  service number. One needs to wait until the number is announced along with the desk location number where you go and provide all the documents.  Here everything is re-verified again, and a photo is taken for the ID coupled with thumb impressions.

If everything goes well, there will be a request to pay $16.  That action will prompt a receipt to be printed out plus a temporary ID.   Lastly, DPS confirms all the details and asks you to sign the ID.

The permanent ID is sent to you via postal mail within 30-45 days from the date of issue.

For more details:  http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/id-cards.php

MAVNI

“MAVNI (Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest) is a program allowing certain non-citizens who are legally present in the United States to join the U.S. military and apply immediately for U.S. citizenship without first obtaining lawful permanent residence.” (from SEVIS Broadcast Message 1211-01 dated 11/8/2012) “This program is available only to certain non-citizens with particular skills: physicians, nurses and experts in certain languages with associated cultural backgrounds. Interested individuals would be utilizing Form N-400, ‘Application for Naturalization’ to apply immediately for U.S. citizenship when accepted to join the U.S. military.” (from Homeland Security – Study in the States: http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/mavni)

Student Excahnge Visitor Program

The Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has a web site for existing as well as prospective students studying in The States: http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov as well as www.ice.gov/sevis. Their office is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (except holidays): 703-603-3400 (TEL).