MONDAY, 02 MARCH 2026

Editor’s Note: The ISSS Newsletter is distributed monthly. Between monthly newsletters, please follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram to learn more about programs, events, and updates.

Contents:

        1. Reminder of University Support Resources

        2. Next International Coffee Hour: Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00pm!

        3. Graduating Students: How to prepare your Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application

        4. May 2026 Graduates: Complete Your Graduation Checklist

        5. Upcoming ISSS Programs

        6. Immigration Document and Travel Reminders

        7. 2025 Income Tax Reminder

1. Reminder of University Support Resources

We understand that recent global events may be creating significant stress for our international community, particularly those with family and friends in regions directly affected by conflict. Being far from home can make these moments even more challenging to navigate, especially when staying in touch with loved ones is difficult. To support our community, we want to ensure that international students and scholars are aware of the resources and services available to them at Binghamton University.

These resources are here to provide support as you navigate life as an international student or scholar, both academically and personally. We encourage you to lean on the services available to you and to reach out if/when you need support.  As always, if you have any questions about your immigration status or options in these challenging times, please don’t hesitate to reach out to ISSS for guidance. Our team remains committed to providing support to our international community at Binghamton University. 

2. Next International Coffee Hour: Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00pm!

Good company! Complimentary refreshments! Come relax at our International Coffee Hour, 3:00-4:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4 in the Old Champlain Atrium (Old Champlain, Room 133). March’s Coffee Hour sponsors are the CARE Team and the Binghamton University Interfaith Council (BUIC).

Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the sponsors while mingling with both international and domestic students. There will be games, interactive activities, crafts, and complimentary coffee and snacks!

If you have any questions about International Coffee Hour, contact Annie Smith (dsmith66@binghamton.edu), ISSS Programming Coordinator. All are welcome!

3. Graduating Students: How to prepare your Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application

If you plan to graduate in May 2026, you can apply for OPT authorization now! The ISSS Office strongly encourages all students graduating in May 2026 to apply for their OPT authorization early because USCIS can take 3.5-5 months to process OPT applications.

How to Prepare Your Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application

This workshop is recommended for international students who are graduating in May 2026. 

During this workshop, participants will learn how to:

    • Prepare and complete all documents needed to apply to USCIS for OPT authorization
    • Understand the two-step application process
    • Learn how to pick an appropriate OPT start date

To better prepare for this workshop, review our OPT webpage prior to participation. Event dates, times, and location can be found below.

Workshop: How to Prepare Your Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application
Date Time Location
Monday, March 2 3:00 PM Virtual Workshop on Zoom
Tuesday, March 17 1:00 PM Virtual Workshop on Zoom

If you have any questions about this workshop or registration, please email intlwork@binghamton.edu. 

4. May 2026 Graduates: Complete Your Graduation Checklist

All students planning to complete their degrees in May 2026 need to complete their Application for Degree (due Friday, March 13) and the Intent to Participate Form if they wish to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Click here to see the full graduation checklist.

5. Upcoming ISSS Programs

Play Badminton with ISSS and UPD

Monday, March 9  |  2:00pm - 4:00pm |  East Gym 

Do you love to play Badminton? Would you like to enjoy some pizza with your friends? Join the Office of International Student and Scholar Services and the University Police Department to play Badminton. We are looking for individuals to play during the event! Spectators are also welcome to attend and cheer for the players! Please register to participate on B-Engaged so we can order enough pizza!


Art Museum Tour and Craft with ISSS

Thursday, March 12  |  1:00pm - 2:30pm  |  Binghamton University Art Museum

Join ISSS for a tour of the BU Art Museum! Following the tour participants will have the opportunity to make their own small faux stained glass to create mini sun catchers. 

Participants will meet the tour guides outside the Museum (Fine Arts Building, Room 219) in the hallway promptly at 1:00pm.


Board Games Afternoon with ISSS and IEGI

Monday, March 23  |  1:00pm - 3:00pm  |  Old Champlain Atrium 

Join ISSS and IEGI for a chill afternoon playing some games. We will supply a number of popular board games and decks of cards. Please feel free to bring your favorite games to share. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to join in the fun. Bring your friends and meet some new ones!

6. Immigration Document and Travel Reminders

As you are planning ahead for spring break or summer travel, here are a few reminders from the ISSS office:

    • F-1 and J-1 students and scholars (and their dependents) should carry a printed copy of their I-94 AND a printed copy of their I-20 or DS-2019 at all times, as documentation of your current status in the U.S.
    • If you have been approved for work authorization by USCIS and were issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you should carry your original EAD card with you at all times. This includes students who are approved for OPT or STEM OPT, as well as individuals with other EAD cards issued by USCIS.
    • All international students and scholars should provide electronic copies of their immigration documents to a trusted family member or emergency contact in case the original documents are lost or stolen. 

Before finalizing any travel plans, be sure to review these additional reminders about travel:

    • Review the ISSS Government Actions page for any recent government updates impacting travel. If your country of citizenship is included on either of the presidential proclamation lists, you should consult with an ISSS advisor before planning any travel.
    • Make sure that you have all of the required documents to return to the US, including a valid passport, a valid F-1 or J-1 visa, and an I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. If the signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 will be more than 12 months old (6 months for students on OPT or STEM OPT) when you return to the US, you should visit the ISSS office for an updated signature before you leave or request a new I-20 or DS-2019 online. Review the detailed instructions on our Travel page for more information. Students who are on OPT or STEM OPT should review our OPT Travel page.
    • Be aware of anything you have posted on social media or any public statements you have shared. The U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security have indicated that they are using AI to review information that international students and scholars have posted online, and this information may be used in decisions for visa issuance, entry to the U.S., and immigration enforcement.
    • If your passport will be expiring soon, make sure that you start the renewal process as soon as possible. Your passport must always be valid at least 6 months into the future.
    • If your F-1 or J-1 visa has expired, you should use extra caution when traveling. Be sure to schedule your visa appointment in your country of residence and as far in advance as possible. Visa processing times can vary greatly between consulates, and you may be subject to administrative processing or other delays. You should be prepared for the possibility that you may be delayed outside the U.S. for an extended period of time or even indefinitely. Individuals who are applying for visas will likely be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.” The Department of State has indicated that they will be conducting a comprehensive and thorough vetting of each applicant’s online presence, which could include additional online information beyond social media accounts.
    • If you have experienced any interaction with law enforcement, you should consult with an ISSS advisor about the potential risks of travel.
    • Monitor emails from ISSS for any updates related to travel restrictions. It is possible that new travel restrictions could be enacted while you are outside the U.S. that would prevent you from returning. 

The ISSS Office recommends that you use caution when planning travel outside the United States. Travel restrictions have the potential to affect your ability to return to the United States. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the U.S. for an indefinite amount of time.

If you choose to travel outside the United States, you should ensure that you have back-up plans in place in case you are delayed or are unable to return to the U.S. Please note that entry to the U.S. is always subject to the discretion of Customs and Border Protection, and ISSS cannot guarantee re-entry. If you face difficulty when entering the U.S., you or a CBP officer can contact ISSS during business hours at 607.777.2510. If you are re-entering the U.S. and face difficulty outside of business hours, you or a CBP officer can contact the University Police Department at 607.777.2393.

7. 2025 Income Tax Reminder

ALL students in F and J status are required to file tax returns, even if you have earned no income in the United States. If you were physically present in the U.S. in F or J status anytime between January 1 and December 31, 2025, you are required to mail Form 8843 to the Internal Revenue Service (the U.S. tax agency; IRS), even if you had no income.

To complete your tax forms using Sprintax:

    1. Access Sprintax through the myBinghamton portal. Log in and select Sprintax from the Available Links list.
    2. Create an account, or log in using your existing Sprintax account if you have used Sprintax in previous years.
    3. Complete the online questionnaire.
    4. Enter the unique code from the March 2nd Newsletter Email in the box on the ‘Review your order’ page. This will ensure you are not charged a fee for your Federal Tax Return.
    5. Sprintax will prepare your tax return.

Once you complete the preparation process in the Sprintax software, you must follow the Sprintax instructions to submit your tax forms to the IRS. If you have any questions, the Sprintax team offers 24/7 live chat support.

Sprintax 2026 General Tax Webinars
Sprintax offers webinars that explain the process by which nonresidents file taxes in the U.S. Be sure to register in advance using the links below:

For more information, see a detailed ISSS News Announcement that was sent on Friday, January 30.

 

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