Immigration and Citizenship Community News April 2025

Dear Comets,

Spring is in full bloom, and we hope this semester has been going well for you! The Office of Immigrant and Citizenship Services is here to support your journey by providing important updates, resources, and opportunities tailored to your needs.

Important Updates

Tax Filing Reminder – Deadline: April 15, 2025

If you are a nonresident in the US, it’s crucial to know that if you earned income in 2024, you’re legally required to file a tax return by April 15, 2025. And even if you didn’t work or earn any income, you’ll still need to submit Form 8843 to the IRS. We have 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. We encourage you to participate in our upcoming tax webinars, where experts will offer valuable guidance—Register here. Additionally, please visit ISSO’s webpage for a full schedule of available webinar dates. Students who do not possess a Social Security Number (SSN) can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file taxes. For more information on how to apply for an ITIN, please refer to our Essential Documents Resource Center page.

Proposed New Rule Related to Social Media

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register on March 5, 2025, detailing plans to collect social media identifiers for certain immigration forms to comply withExecutive Order 14161. Although this rule is simply being proposed and not in effect, it is important to understand the potential implications that social media can have on your immigration status. In general, understand that what you post or interact with online through social media is made public which can be utilized by law enforcement and other officials to open up further investigations. Making accounts private, using aliases, and deleting posts are not foolproof methods for concealing your identity online, as law enforcement can issue subpoenas and warrants to access these accounts and their information, which often contains identifying details that can be traced back to an individual.

Alien Registration Requirement effective April 11th

Effective April 11, 2025, USCIS will begin implementing and enforcing the Alien Registration Requirement for individuals who are not already registered or who require re-registration. If you were younger than 14 years old when you last entered the U.S. you are subject to re-registration. , or  have dependent children who have turned or will turn 14 years old since their last entry into the U.S., they are subject to registration. Any noncitizen, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States, is required to re-register within 30 days after their 14th birthday. Noncitizens who have not ever previously met registration requirements should consult with competent attorneys with experience in both immigration and criminal matters to understand the implications of both registering or electing not to register. 

Update Your Emergency Contacts

In the event of an immigration related emergency, such as a medical emergency, being detained by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) at a port of entry, or being detained by law enforcement or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), University officials may be able to get in touch with your emergency contact to update them on your situation. Here’s how you can update your emergency contacts-Article – Update Contact Information …

Upcoming Events

Interview Strategies to help your Confidence

Getting ready for an interview? Not sure what to expect or how to prepare? The NSM CSC is hosting an interview strategies session to help you prepare before, during, and after your interview. Register here.

Date: Friday April 11

Time: 10:00AM-11:00AM

Location: Founders (FO) 1.202

Comets Giving Day 2025

The UT Dallas OICS Comet Care Fund (CCF) provides crucial financial assistance to immigrant students facing hardships related to their immigration or citizenship status. This fund helps cover critical immigration application fees, offers emergency financial aid, and supports students navigating legal or financial barriers. By contributing, you can help ensure that every student has the opportunity to continue their education and succeed at UT Dallas. Join us on April 9th and 10th, in making a lasting impact!

Work Authorization & Immigration Support

If you are looking for employment opportunities, ensure that you understand your visa’s work authorization policies. Our office provides consultations to help you understand your eligibilities and employment options.

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

Immigration Advising