International Programs

Spring Break International Travel Guidance

March 18, 2026

Greetings, international students! 

We have compiled a list of reminders about international travel for your review and have updated this guidance as of March 18, 2026. Please note that there are risks involved in international travel for international students due to increased scrutiny and enhanced screening for visa applications (if you need to get a new visa) and at U.S. ports of entry. We advise caution when considering international travel for personal reasons, as U.S. immigration policy remains subject to change.

We are here to provide information and assistance to help you navigate any decisions regarding international travel. Your safety is our priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact IPO.  

Updated Guidance as of March 18: 

• Travel to or connecting through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Iran, Lebanon, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, and Nearby Regions:
  • Defer travel to these areas until further notice due to ongoing military operations. Many countries in the region declared a state of emergency and/or closed airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations and restrictions in neighboring countries.
  • If you have a connecting flight through airports in this region, please note that there could be airport closures and flight cancellations, so check with the airline and consider rebooking your flight. 
    Stay updated through the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory pages for various countries in the region.
• Travel to Jalisco State, Mexico (including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta):
  
  • Travel can resume with precautions: use secure ground transportation during daylight hours, follow all official directives, and shelter in place if incidents occur.
  • Stay informed of developments through reliable sources.

F-1 students, please note that a DHS (Department of Homeland Security) proposed rule that would replace “duration of status” with a fixed admission period is still under review. While this rule is not yet finalized, it may move forward in the coming months. We will share updates once the final rule is published.

Before You Leave

Check Your Immigration Documents

Pack all your immigration documents in your carry-on. Please review all the documents you must carry and ensure they are valid for travel before you leave the U.S.

• Valid Passport - Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months into the future at the time of re-entry to the U.S. Some countries have an agreement with the U.S. that exempts their nationals from the six-month rule for U.S. entry purposes only.
• Valid Visa- You also need a valid visa to re-enter the U.S. (except for Canadian citizens, who do not need one). Please check the expiration date of the visa in your passport. If your visa has expired, apply for a new one by submitting the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160).

Important Note: The Department of State has implemented enhanced social media vetting for F-1, J-1, and H-1B visa applications, which may delay issuance of a visa. In addition, scheduled visa interviews might be rescheduled with minimal or no notice. If your visa has expired, the short spring break is not the best time to renew it. We strongly advise that you should avoid international travel over spring break if you do not have a valid visa.

• Valid Travel Signature - You must ensure that your I-20 has a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S. Please remember that travel signatures are only valid for one year but are suitable for multiple entries. Travel signatures can be found on the second page of your I-20. If you need a  new travel signature, please contact the International Programs Office.

Assess Your International Travel Risk

Below is a chart to help you assess your travel risk in general terms:

 

How to Use this Chart

• Evaluate Your Documents: Ensure all your immigration documents, such as your visa, passport, and Form I-20 and I-94 are current and valid. Expired or missing documents may increase your travel risk.
• Consider Past Interactions: Reflect on past encounters with law enforcement in the U.S. or at the U.S. port of entry. This may contribute to a higher travel risk if you have had any interactions that led to an arrest in the U.S. or added scrutiny at the border.
• Review Your Online Presence: Consider how immigration officials might perceive your social media and online activities. If there are potential concerns, this could heighten your risk.
• Check Travel Ban Lists: Determine if your home country was reported to be on any potential travel ban lists, as this could significantly impact your ability to re-enter the U.S.

By thoroughly examining these areas, you can better understand your travel risk and make informed decisions about international travel. Please note that this guide does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Additional factors and other personal circumstances can change your risk levels.

While Outside the U.S.

Check Recent Immigration Actions and Updates

IPO is closely monitoring recent executive orders and their potential impact. Check back often for new information to help you navigate these policy changes. Although it is possible that new executive orders or immigration policy changes that impact your ability to re-enter the U.S. could be announced, we do not know what the scope of these orders might be, what exceptions they might include, and when these orders would take effect.

While Re-Entering the U.S.

Follow the Protocols for Issues at the U.S. Port of Entry

Understand What It Means to be Sent to Secondary Inspection

Most SVC students and scholars will clear U.S. immigration after your documents are reviewed by a CBP officer. However, a few of you may be referred to another officer to verify your student or employee status or for additional questioning. This is referred to as “secondary inspection”. Although a referral to secondary inspection can lead you to think there is a problem, there is usually little cause for alarm. Some inspections will only last a short time, but some of you might need to wait a while to complete the process.

Educate Yourself About Searches of Electronic Devices & Practice Digital Hygiene

International travelers face added scrutiny and enhanced screening at the U.S. ports of entry. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued updated information (last modified January 7, 2025) on conducting border searches of electronic devices. Please note that CBP officers may ask individuals to provide access to phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices, as well as social media profiles, email, and similar accounts when entering or exiting the U.S. You should evaluate your risk regarding your social media presence and digital footprint to determine what, if any, action you should take before traveling. If you are seriously concerned about your social media or internet presence, you should speak to an experienced immigration attorney to help you consider your travel plans.

After You Arrive in the U.S.

Check Your I-94 Record

I-94 is your arrival and departure record that is automatically created online upon your entry to the U.S. After you re-enter the U.S. at the end of summer, please check your I-94 record and make sure you have been admitted in the correct visa status and the proper duration.

Questions? Email International Programs!

We are here to provide information and assistance to help you navigate any decisions regarding international travel. Your safety is our priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact IPO.  

—The International Programs Team

 

Understanding Your U.S. Income Tax Obligations

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February 20, 2026

Greetings, international students! 

All international students and scholars have a federal tax filing requirement even if you do not have U.S. source income. Below is some information about taxes. Please note, the staff at SVC are not trained in taxation and therefore cannot answer specific tax questions or help you prepare your tax forms. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to meet your tax obligations and do so accurately.

Income Tax FAQ

Do I need to file taxes in the US? 

Yes! F-1 international students who were present in the U.S. during any portion of the past calendar year may be required to file certain tax forms with the U.S. federal government. This is true whether or not you worked in the U.S., gained income in the U.S., or received a scholarship during the past calendar year (2025). Even if you didn't earn any money in 2025, you still have a legal requirement to file Form 8843 by the April deadline.

Filing Basics

• Everything is Taxed: If you earned money in 2025 (on or off campus), you likely owe federal and state taxes.
• Withholding: When you start a job, you'll fill out paperwork so your employer can take a portion of your pay for taxes automatically.
• The "Tax Return": This is a US government form that you will submit that compares what you already paid and what you actually owe.
• Refund: If you paid too much, the US government sends you money back!
• Owing: If you didn't pay enough, you'll owe the difference.
• Deadline: You must submit your Tax Return form to the US government by April 15 each year.  This is called “filing your tax return.”

When do I prepare and file my Tax forms?

• January – March: You will receive your official payment documents (like Form W-2 or 1042-S) from your school or employer. You must have these before you can file your taxes. 
• The forms provide information about the amount of money you were paid and what amount was withheld from your payment for tax purposes.
• Late February – Early April: This is the best time for most students to complete and submit their paperwork to the IRS.  This is also called “filing your return.”
• April 15, 2026: This is the final deadline to file your 2025 tax returns with the IRS.

Why does filing matter?

• It's the Law! Filing taxes is a federal requirement: The IRS expects all international students and their dependents to file tax documents every year, even if you earned $0.
  
• Protect Your Visa: Failing to file is a violation of your visa obligations. It can lead to fines, penalties, or even negatively impact your current immigration status.
  
• Future Immigration Benefits: If you apply for a Green Card or an H-1B visa later, you will likely need to provide copies of your past tax filings as proof of compliance.
  
• Missed a Year? If you forgot to file in the past, the IRS recommends filing those returns now. You can find forms for previous years on the IRS website.
  
• Avoid Extra Costs: Filing late when you owe money can result in expensive interest and monthly penalties.

Which forms do I need to file?

Your forms depend on whether you earned money in the U.S. last year: 

• Option 1: I had NO U.S. income
  Required Form: Form 8843
  Who it’s for: Students with no jobs, no taxable scholarships, and no other U.S. income.
  
• Option 2: I DID have U.S. income
  Required Forms: Form 1040-NR (the full tax return) AND Form 8843.
  Who it’s for: Students who earned wages, tips, or taxable scholarship money in the U.S..

Remember: Even if you didn't work, you and any dependents (spouses or children) must still file Form 8843 to remain compliant with your visa

Questions? Email International Programs!

If you have any questions about tax obligations, registration for classes, travel, extensions, or work authorization, you can reach out to International Programs and ask!  We wish you good luck with the rest of the quarter!

—The International Programs Team

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Important End of Quarter Information for International Students Fall 2025

 
December 3, 2025

Greetings, international students! 

As the end of the quarter and winter break approaches, we write to offer some important reminders for you to consider as you make your plans.

Please review the information below for details. Please check your I‐20 or DS‐2019 now to confirm that it is signed for travel. If not, please contact International Programs to request. Please submit requests for travel signatures in advance of your planned travel.

Over the last few months, there have been new developments and policies that may make it harder to renew an expired visa. We advise that you may want to reconsider travel if your visa is expired due to longer processing times for visa renewals. Remember, for F-1 students, the visa stamp in your passport can expire during your time here in the United States. The visa stamp in your passport is only used for entry. Here are the new policies to keep in mind for renewing a visa: 

• Visa Interview Waiver Update: All nonimmigrant visa applicants,  will now generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer. Be sure to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.
• Adjudicating Visa Applications in Country of Residence: Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas must now schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Third country renewals are no longer permitted. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.
• Increased Social Media Screening: Social media will be screened by the consular officer as part of the renewal process. Declining to remove limits to social media visibility could be viewed as a form of evasiveness or otherwise a challenge to a visa applicant’s credibility.

Travel FAQ

Are there any considerations I need to make for travel?

Rules surrounding travel and entry into the United States continue to evolve and are subject to change on short notice depending on someone’s country of origin, immigration status, and reason for entry.  The Office of International Programs continues to advise our international students to exercise caution in cases of non-essential travel. With that said, the decision to travel is an individual one that may need to balance personal or family needs against any potential risks.

What are my immigration rights at the airport when entering the United States?

We are aware that some of you might be worried about what your experience might be at the port of entry when interacting with a customs officer. We would like to remind you to be honest and courteous to the officer at the port of entry, and to have your documents ready when you’re asked for them. If you have any doubts, visit this page by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Anyone entering the US is subject to search by CBP, including their electronic devices and social media. Please be mindful of what information is on your device and what may be displayed on your social media/public profiles.

What support can International Programs offer in case of entry denials?

Options for representation when entering the US are extremely limited. International Programs will speak with CBP agents should they reach out to us with any questions but may not be able to intervene further.

Where can I find the travel signature?

For F-1 Students: On the I-20 on the second page under "Travel Endorsement"

When do I need a travel signature? 

• If you leave and plan to reenter the country - this includes travel to Canada
• If your travel signature will be more than one year old on the day you plan to re-enter the country (or 6 months if you are on Post-Completion OPT)
• If your I‐20 says “Transfer Pending” or “Change of Educational Level” on the top right side of the front page.

What documents do I need to re-enter the United States? 

• I‐20 or DS‐2019 with a valid travel signature.
• Valid passport (valid for longer than six months into the future)
• Valid F visa (if your visa is expired, you may want to reconsider travel due to longer processing times for visa renewals)

Highly Recommended: Proof of your attendance at Skagit Valley College, such as your current class schedule, payment of fees, admission letter and/or scholarship letter.

End of Program Reminders

If you are graduating this quarter or your program end date on your immigration document ends this quarter, read the important information below!

For F-1 students finishing in December: 

• If the program end date on your I-20 has changed and you need to extend it, please contact International Programs to request an extension. In order to maintain your status, this must be completed before the end date on your I-20.
• If the major stated on your I-20 is not your current one, please contact International Programs to request an updated I-20.
• If you are interested in Post-Completion OPT but have not applied yet, please review the steps and timelines for applying.
• When you graduate, your eligibility for on campus employment expires the last day of your final quarter (per SVC calendar), even if your I-20 expiration date is in the future. Do not continue working beyond the last day of the quarter without additional work authorization (e.g. approved OPT application).

Questions? Email International Programs!

If you have any questions about travel, extensions, or work authorization, you can reach out to International Programs and ask!  We wish you good luck with the rest of the quarter!

—The International Programs Team