INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER
OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES - SPRING 2025
UPDATES FROM OIS
Guidance in Uncertain Times: Predicting the Unpredictable by Being Vigilant
Semper vigilans – always be vigilant. To follow that maxim, OIS has created a special link on our web page so you could continually find the most recent information about any governmental action or Executive Order made which is pertinent to you. You will find a compendium of previous communication on this matter, informative links, alerts, etc.
OIS’ goal is that our international community is aware of what is actually happening, not being stressed over unregulated/unofficial information that might be found on the Internet or gleaned via rumors and hearsay, which happens often.
Even though no current Presidential Executive Order has a direct effect on you, our University officials, my office, and professional associations will also be vigilant of these issues because you will hear rumors about what could happen. Our site will have the information for you.
Rather than constantly crowding your inboxes, OIS recommends regularly visiting our webpage Current U.S. Administration and its Actions, AND the following:
Maintain your legal non-immigrant status
Acquaint yourself with Fordham’s policy and procedure - Protocol for Responding
Carry documents - Refer to January 28th message
Contact / report any interaction with DHS officials at all times
Do not react immediately to a Federal governmental action- - - most are given a “stay”, then an appeal, etc.
Make appointment with OIS to discuss, if needed
A possible positive balance:
President Trump has stated and quoted about international students: “What I want to do, and what I will do is - you graduate from college, I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country (USA).”
Pres. Trump has also many times stated that the US must attract and retain the best and brightest international talent
Elon Musk (leader of DOGE) & Vivek Ramaswamy (former co-leader of DOGE) - have connections to international education: Musk is a former international student, and Vivek is the child of a former international student
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Update Your Address: Ensure your address information is current and correct!
U.S. Phone Numbers Required: As mandated by SEVIS (Federal Law), you must enter your U.S. phone number in my.fordham.edu.
Check Your I-20 Completion Date: Refer to page 1 of your I-20 under "PROGRAM START/END DATE" (or section 3 of your DS-2019) to find your completion date. If you anticipate needing more time beyond this date, contact your academic advisor and alert OIS by submitting a Program Extension Request at least three weeks before your current I-20 expires.
Enroll Full-Time: All students must enroll full-time in classes. This means at least 12 credits per term for undergraduates and at least 9 credits for graduates. (Only students in their last term may enroll less than full-time.)
Deviation from Full Course of Study: If you are NOT in your last term and plan to enroll in fewer than the required credits, you must complete the Deviation from Full Course of Study form, available in the Current Students section of our website.
IRS TAX COMPLIANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS
As a nonresident in the U.S., it’s crucial to know that if you earned income in 2024, you’re legally required to file a tax return by 15 April 2025. Even if you didn’t work or earn any income, you’ll still need to submit Form 8843 to the IRS.
Fordham has partnered with Sprintax, to make the tax-filing process easier for you. Sprintax will guide you through every step of your tax filing. Their tax experts will help you prepare the necessary documents and even check if you’re eligible for a tax refund. Take advantage of this resource and make tax time stress-free!
To prepare your tax documents with Sprintax today, simply:
Register here and follow the simple instructions.
Complete the online questionnaire
Enter your unique code: FORD500F24 in the box on the ‘Review your order’ page
Sprintax will then prepare your tax return.
Once you complete the preparation process in the Sprintax software, you must print, sign and mail your documents to the IRS. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to E-file your federal tax return. However, this will depend on certain eligibility criteria. If you have a state filing requirement, you must also mail this to the tax authorities. Finally, if you only need to file Form 8843, this will also need to be mailed to the IRS.
Upcoming Sprintax educational tax webinar for Fordham Students:
To further support you in filing your taxes through Sprintax, OIS has arranged a specialized webinar exclusively for Fordham’s nonresident students. Sprintax tax experts will walk you through the process step by step and answer your questions.
Sprintax Nonresident Tax Session for Fordham University Students
Friday, February 21
11:00 AM
Register here to receive the webinar link
OIS cannot advise on tax matters. Please direct any tax questions to Sprintax who can assist you via their 24/7 live chat support.
1042-S INFORMATION
While Fordham does issue 1042-S to international students and vendors, not everyone is entitled to receive one and there are specific circumstances that govern the generating of a 1042-S.
Payroll
In order for a student/employee to receive a 1042-S from the Payroll Department, the following criteria must be met:
International student or employee must interview with Diana Ferrante to determine their tax status (they need to e-mail internationalapplicantinfo@fordham.edu to set up an appointment and download forms)
A valid Social Security Number is required to be input in to Banner Payroll
A treaty must be in place between the US and the host country in order to receive treaty benefits
Student/Employee must have earned income at Fordham and be on Fordham payroll. This does not include scholarships/fellowships.
Athletes
In order for an athlete to receive a 1042-S from Controllers Department, the following criteria must be met:
International student athlete must interview with Diana Ferrante to determine their tax status (they need to e-mail internationalapplicantinfo@fordham.edu to set up an appointment and download forms)
A valid Social Security Number or Tax ID number is required in order to receive treaty benefits
A treaty must be in place between the US and the host country
A scholarship that covers room and board. It is only the room and board portion (not tuition) that generates the 1042-S
All other international students not covered by the above do NOT receive a 1042-S from Fordham. Any questions regarding 1042-S should be directed to the email address above.
I-20/DS-2019 COMPLETION INFORMATION
Check page 1 of your I-20 under "PROGRAM START/END DATE" (or section 3 of your DS-2019) to find your completion date. If you believe you will need more time beyond this date, contact your academic advisor and alert OIS by submitting a Program Extension Request at least three weeks BEFORE your current I-20 expires.
Remember that reality is always more important than what is written on your I-20 or DS-2019! You should NEVER try to re-enter the US with an I-20 or DS-2019 just because the date is still valid. If you have already completed your studies, the I-20 is no longer valid regardless of the date. Please note that the graduation date and the completion date are not necessarily the same. The completion date on your I-20/DS-2019 should reflect the date that you intend to complete all degree requirements, not the date of your graduation ceremony.
By keeping your records as accurate as possible, this ensures our office's ability to not only advise you appropriately, but to also ensure that you are keeping in compliance with federal F-1 regulations.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., ensure your travel documents are valid and endorsed. This includes:
A valid passport
A valid F-1 or J-1 visa
A valid I-20/DS-2019 with a current travel endorsement signature
Important Notes:
I-20 travel signatures are good for 1 year for current students. If you are on OPT, your travel signature is valid for 6 months. These durations are calculated based on the date of the most recent travel signature. Always make sure to bring your I-20 with you when traveling abroad!
When you re-enter the US, if you do not have your I-20/DS-2019, or the signature is not valid, you can ask for a Form I-515. Once you are in the US, you must reach out to OIS immediately so we can fix your I-515.
As a reminder, the I-94 is now an electronic record. While the OIS does not require students to submit their I-94 upon returning to the U.S., we recommend retrieving your I-94 from www.cbp.gov/i94 each time you re-enter the country.
For more information or to request a travel signature, please visit our website.
BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL SCAMMERS
While studying in the U.S., it's important to recognize potential scams. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reported scams targeting international students, often through phone calls or social media.
Scammers typically impersonate government officials, threatening students' immigration status or university standing to obtain payment or personal information. To protect yourself, familiarize yourself with common scams and report suspicious contacts.
If you receive a call or message from someone claiming to be a government or law enforcement official:
Guard your personal and financial information.
Collect contact information from the caller.
End the conversation if threats persist.
OIS has also been made aware of scammers using our phone number. If you receive a suspicious call from OIS, hang up immediately and email us to report the incident.
Additional information/links:
JOIN THE 2025 GLOBAL TRANSITION TEAM
Global Transition (GT) is an exciting orientation program designed for new international undergraduate students at Fordham. Packed with fun activities and informative sessions, it’s a fantastic opportunity for new students to familiarize themselves with Fordham, New York, and fellow classmates. This program offers a unique way for current undergraduates—both international and domestic—to connect with incoming international students and build a sense of community.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to fill various roles, including Global Transition Assistants, Global Transition Logistics Coordinators, and Global Transition Photographers/Videographers.
Applications are now open until Thursday, February 20th and 11:59 PM.
Application Link and More Information: https://forms.gle/5XpVb1qYkTaJjbyY8
Previous team members have shared how much fun they have while forming lasting friendships throughout the program. If you want to help international students adjust to life at Fordham, share your experiences, and create meaningful connections, Global Transition is the perfect opportunity!
Check out our video from GT Fall 2023 move-in day and stay tuned for updates at fordham.edu/gt
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sprintax Nonresident Tax Webinar for Fordham University Students
Attend this session to learn more about your nonresident tax filing requirements. Sprintax tax experts will walk you through the process step by step and answer your questions.
Event Details:
📆 Friday, February 21 at 11:00 AM
📍 Virtual, register below for link
One to World Events
Looking for ways to get involved and meet other international students in the greater New York area? OIS encourages students to check out events hosted by One To World. They offer a variety of programs, including walking tours, concerts, theater productions, receptions, and other social activities.
CONNECT WITH OIS
Fordham Office for International Services
Email Address: ois@fordham.edu
OIS Website: fordham.edu/ois
Appointments: https://fordhamois.as.me/schedule/6a3e69d7