Immigration and Citizenship Community News February 2025
February 28, 2025
Dear Community Members,
Welcome to the February edition of our Office of Immigrants and Citizenship Services (OICS) newsletter! This month, we bring you important updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), tax season reminders, and resources to help international students and immigrants navigate financial responsibilities.
Protect your personal information
The UTD Directory is a repository of information on students, faculty, staff, and guests with UTD accounts. The directory includes information including your name, local address, email address, telephone number, place of birth, and more. Students may ensure their directory information is not shared with outside sources by completing a FERPA – Request for Confidentiality. Instructions for completing a confidentiality request can be found on the Electronic Forms and Other Resources page. Current students may log in to Galaxy and their Orion Self-Service to request confidentiality on their account.
USCIS Updates
USCIS Announces Fee Increases – Beginning April 1, 2025, USCIS will implement updated fees for certain applications, including adjustment of status and work permits. If you plan to file soon, consider submitting your application before these changes take effect.
Waiver of COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status Applicants
Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS no longer requires applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
uscis.gov
Extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine
On January 10, 2025, DHS extended TPS for Ukraine for 18 months, from April 20, 2025, through October 19, 2026. This extension allows eligible Ukrainian nationals to re-register for TPS and maintain their employment authorization. Click here to learn more.
H-1B Registration for FY 2026 Opens Soon – Employers sponsoring H-1B workers should prepare for the March 2025 registration period. Ensure all required documents are ready for timely submission. Click here to learn more.
Don’t Forget to Update Your Address
Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen (unless in A or G status) must report address changes within 10 days or less online at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Change of Address or by mail using Form AR-11, found at the following link: USCIS – FORMS.
Tax Season and ITIN Application Guide
As we enter tax season, it’s essential for immigrants, including international students, to understand their tax obligations. If you earn income in the U.S., you may need to file a federal and state tax return before the April 15, 2025, deadline.
Am I required to file taxes?
Yes. Even if you did not work or receive an income, all individuals residing in the U.S. must file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Local community resources may be available to help you file your taxes for free. You can enter your zip code on the IRS website to find places close to where you live. Or you can call this free hotline: 1-800-906-9887. If you have any additional questions about tax filing, contact the UT Dallas Tax Compliance Office at taxcompliance@utdallas.edu.
Do you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?
An ITIN is required for those who need to file taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. Our office recommends reviewing the How to Apply for an ITIN guide to help you through the process.
Additional Resources.
Applying for an SSN as an Immigrant Student
Discover how immigrant students not on F1 or J1 visas can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
Applying for a Texas Driver’s License for Immigrant Students
Find out how immigrant students not on F1 or J1 visas can apply for a Texas driver’s license.
Open a Bank Account with an ITIN
Learn how to open a bank account using an ITIN and explore banking options tailored to your needs.
OICS is here for you
You can schedule an appointment with an OICS advisor or send a message through your iComet Portal, for nonimmigrant categories.
Find us on the web
Immigration and Citizenship webpage and archive of news located at – https://oics.utdallas.edu/newsletter/
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Warm regards,
Office of Immigrant and Citizenship Services (OICS)
The University of Texas at Dallas