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International Center Updates – April 21, 2021

Wednesday, April, 21st, 2021 Newsletter

International Center Updates
April 21, 2021

Travel Signatures

Are you planning to travel outside the US this summer, or are you returning to the US after spending the semester studying remotely? If so, please be aware that you will need a valid travel signature on your Form I-20 in order to re-enter the US. Please be sure to confirm whether you have a valid travel signature while planning your travel. Travel signatures are issued on page 2 of your I-20 (F-1 students), or page 1 of your DS-2019 (J-1 students and scholars). Please be aware that:

  • Signatures are generally valid for up to one year or until the I-20 / DS-2019 expiration date, whichever comes first.
  • Travel signatures for F-1 students on post-completion Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT are valid for six months.
  • Travel signatures are not required to depart the US; signatures are needed only upon re-entry to the US to continue studies and related academic activities.
  • Travel signatures are not required if you are entering the US for the first time to begin your program.

If you need a travel signature, you can request one here: https://icenterportal.tufts.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=PublicDocuments.View&File_ID=79056.

Once your request is received, an International Center advisor will review the request. It will ordinarily take 3 - 5 business days to process a travel signature request. Once the request has been processed, an updated I-20 with a travel signature will be delivered to you electronically. J-1 students and scholars needing a DS-2019 will need physical copies, and we will work with you to arrange delivery.

Form I-20 / DS-2019 Extensions

If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, and your Form I-20 or DS-2019 is expiring in May 2021, but you will need more time to complete your program, you must apply for an extension before your document expires! Take a few moments to check your I-20 or DS-2019 now and check the program end date on your form. If you need an extension, please go to https://icenter.tufts.edu/f1-extension for information about how to start the extension process online (or visit https://icenter.tufts.edu/immigration/j1-students/maintaining-j1-student-status/ for J-1 students).

Off-Campus Housing and International Students Webinar - Friday, April 23 at 9:00am EST

In this webinar we will be joined by Tufts' Off-Campus Housing staff and other students to discuss tips and tricks for conducting an off-campus housing search. The webinar is intended to supplement already existing resources and to provide students who are new to the US housing search process with information and context for searching for off-campus housing in the Medford / Greater Boston area. Interested students can register for this workshop at: https://tufts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WFh0swhIRgKesCvRopcuFg .

Tax Updates

We are happy to share some good news regarding filing your taxes for 2020!

  • The deadline for filing your 2020 tax return has been postponed from April 15, and is now May 17, 2021.
  • E-Filing through Sprintax is now live! You are now able to electronically submit your Federal tax return from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of your phone or computer, without having to print and mail your documents.

Our office has arranged tax filing software through Sprintax to assist you with the tax filing process. We encourage you to use this software to make sure your taxes are filed correctly. We have sent out information about how to use Sprintax to file your 2020 tax return – if you have not received it, please contact us to let us know.

Before your start your tax return, please take the time to review our detailed Tax-Filing Website so that you will know what to expect and have the forms you will need ready. We also invite you to join a free tax-filing webinar hosted by Sprintax for detailed information about the tax filing process and requirements, and the chance to meet the Sprintax team and ask any questions you may have. Webinars are scheduled throughout the next month:

Sincerely,

Tufts International Center
https://icenter.tufts.edu
internationalcenter@tufts.edu