WEDNESDAY, 01 APRIL 2026

Editor鈥檚 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. Next International Coffee Hour: Wednesday, April 8 at 3:00pm!

        2. Upcoming ISSS Programs

        3. Craft and Connect with B-Healthy: April 9

        4. Grad Finance 101 with Fleishman: April 29

        5. Immigration Document and Travel Reminders

        6. Income Tax Reminder - Deadline April 15

        7. Leadership Volunteers Needed for Fall 2026 International Student Orientation

        8. The Clock is Ticking on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application

        9. Extension of Stay

        10. Alumni: Opt in to Keep your Binghamton Email Account Active

        11. Ending Employment with 麻豆社

1. Next International Coffee Hour: Wednesday, April 8 at 3:00pm

Good company! Complimentary refreshments! Come relax at our , on Wednesday, April 8 from 3:00-4:30pm in the Old Champlain Atrium (Old Champlain, Room 133). April鈥檚 Coffee Hour sponsor is the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development. 

Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the sponsor 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!

2. Upcoming ISSS Programs

 

Wednesday, April 15  |  11:30am-1:00pm  |  Old Champlain Atrium

Join ISSS for a relaxing time with adorable therapy dogs! Enjoy time with furry friends while also doing coloring, origami, and other de-stressing activities.

Friday, April 24  |  2:00-3:30pm  |  Old Champlain Atrium

Celebrate Earth Week with fun bingo games. Come play, meet others, and enjoy a relaxed event focused on simple ways to appreciate our planet, you might even win a prize!

Monday, April 27  |  1:30-3:30pm  |  Old Champlain Atrium

Join the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives (IEGI) for the opportunity to decorate flowerpots and plant small flowers! Let's add a touch of nature to our spaces and create something beautiful together!

Participants will receive all necessary materials at the event, so come and bring some friends and celebrate the season of spring with flowers and creativity! Please note: The first 36 participants are guaranteed a flowerpot to decorate.

If you have any questions about any of these events, contact Annie Smith: dsmith66@binghamton.edu, ISSS Programming Coordinator. All are welcome!

3. Craft and Connect with B-Healthy

Thursday, April 9  |  3:00-5:00pm  |  Old Champlain Atrium

Join B-Healthy and International Student & Scholar Services for a collaborative craft experience on April 9th from 3鈥5 PM in the Old Champlain Atrium. Enjoy painting, bracelet making, stress toys, and more in a fun, creative environment designed to help you unwind and recharge. It鈥檚 a great opportunity to connect with others, explore creative outlets, and take a break from your day. Whether you stop by briefly or stay awhile, all are welcome to join and be part of a welcoming campus community.

4.

Wednesday, April 29  |  4:00-5:00pm  |  UU111

Grad Finance 101 is designed to help newly graduated students move into this next phase with clarity, confidence, and a practical plan. Led by Financial Literacy Program Specialist Michael Wan, in collaboration with the Graduate School this session focuses on the real financial decisions students face as they step out of school and into the professional world.

By the end of the session, students will leave with a stronger understanding of how to manage their finances, make informed decisions, and approach life after graduation with greater confidence and control. 

If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Fleishman Center: careers@binghamton.edu.  

5. 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 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 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 鈥減ublic.鈥 The Department of State has indicated that they will be conducting a comprehensive and thorough vetting of each applicant鈥檚 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.

6. Income Tax Reminder - Deadline April 15

    • If you were in the U.S. in F or J status at any point in 2025, you are required to file a U.S. tax document, even if you had no income.
    • The deadline for filing federal and New York state taxes is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 

To complete your tax forms using Sprintax:

    1. Access Sprintax through BU Brain (). Log in, navigate to the Student Tools card, scroll down, and select Sprintax.
    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 your unique code that was included in the April 1st Newsletter email in the box on the 鈥楻eview your order鈥 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:

    • Wednesday, April 1, 1:00pm ET 鈥
    • Tuesday, April 7, 8:00am ET 鈥
    • Tuesday, April 14, 2:00pm ET 鈥

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

7. Leadership Volunteers Needed for Fall 2026 International Student Orientation

The ISSS is currently recruiting Leadership Volunteers for the Fall 2026 International Student Orientation! All international and domestic students are welcome! Leadership Volunteers are a select group of current 麻豆社 students who join ISSS staff to welcome new international students during Fall International Student Orientation.

The Fall 2026 International Student Orientation is a two-day orientation on Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12. Leadership Volunteer Training will likely take place Monday, August 10.

During Orientation, Leadership Volunteers greet new international students at check-in, welcome them during the introductory meeting, participate in group events, provide reassurance and essential information, and most importantly contribute to a warm and sincere presence for new international students during their first few days on campus. Many new students tell the ISSS how important the Leadership Volunteers were to their initial experience at 麻豆社. Many Leadership Volunteers tell the ISSS how valuable the training was to their own professional and personal development.

If you would like to volunteer, please by Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 8:00am. If you have any questions please contact ISSS Programming Coordinator, Annie Smith, dsmith66@binghamton.edu.

8. The Clock is Ticking on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application

F-1 students who will be graduating in May 2026 and plan to apply for Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), are reminded to submit their application to the ISSS office as soon as possible. It can take 7-10 business days for the ISSS office to process a new OPT I-20. After an I-20 is created, an OPT application must then be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and then it can take 3-5 months to receive your EAD card. USCIS must receive an OPT application no later than sixty days after the degree conferral date, which is May 17, 2026. Click here for additional information regarding the OPT application requirements.  If you have any questions contact us at intlwork@binghamton.edu. 

9. Extension of Stay

If your I-20 or DS-2019 is ending this semester but you will need additional time to complete your degree, you must apply for an extension at least one month before your I-20 or DS-2019 will expire. You can review the requirements for an I-20 or DS-2019 extension on the ISSS website. If you have questions about the extension process, you should speak with an ISSS advisor during advising hours or email intlext@binghamton.edu. 

10. Alumni: Opt in to Keep your Binghamton Email Account Active

If you have recently graduated from 麻豆社, you will need to opt in to keep your 麻豆社 email account active. You can opt in by logging in through . For more details about keeping access to your email address, Google Drive, and other accounts, view the Alumni Association Email FAQ. 

11. Ending Employment with 麻豆社

If you will be ending employment at 麻豆社, be sure to download and save any necessary pay stubs or tax documentation. Once your employment ends, you will lose access to view W-2s or other documents through the . If you work for New York state and have any questions about how to access these documents, contact Human Resources directly. Students who work for the Research Foundation should contact the Research Foundation HR office with any questions.

 

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