Foreign Exchange
the e-newsletter for international students at La Sierra University             >> Vol. 11 Issue 4 - February 2007

Word from the OISS Office

Foreign Exchange has a new look! With it's new simpler and cleaner look, Foreign Exchange will continue to deliver all the important information you need to keep current with the Office of International Student Services at La Sierra University. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us know!

Immigration Update

USCIS Proposes Large Fee Hikes

On February 1, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed to substantially raise the processing fees of most of its applications and petitions. Fees won't be raised until USCIS publishes a final rule, however. This fee increase will substantially affect you as an international student, as the new proposed fee for OPT will be $340 instead of the current $180. Public comment on the USCIS proposal is due on or before April 2. You can comment on this proposed hike by following the instructions on page 3 of this form. To see a table with all the new proposed fees, click here.

Campus Update

TAX Returns Due April 15!

If you worked on campus at all during 2006, you are required by law to file a tax return. The U.S. tax system can be very challenging and you may need help making sure you receive the tax refund you deserve.  

IE Taxes* has offered again to do tax services for any interested international student at La Sierra University†.

Once you provide the company with your basic information, they will calculate your taxes and arrange to have your refund direct-deposited into your bank account or have the refund check mailed to you.   IE Taxes* will prepare both your federal and California tax return for only $35. Their tax preparation service is certified and bonded with the state of California. REMEMBER: You must file your taxes before or no later than on midnight April 15, 2007!

What do you need to file your taxes through IE Taxes*?

  1. W-2 (sample) form from La Sierra University or other employer. (You should only have had worked for LSU, but if you did a CPT or OPT, then you might have more than one W-2 form.)

  2. IE Taxes* 2006 Checklist.

  3. All 1099-INT forms reporting checking and savings accounts interest, 1099-DIV forms reporting dividends and capital gains, and 1099-G forms reporting government payment received.

  4. Page 2 of 1040NR-EZ.

  5. Void Check or deposit slip with account number (for direct deposit; otherwise you can have the government send you a refund check).

  6. $35 cash or check payable to Yung-Yuan Kao.

If you would like for IE Taxes* to do or file your taxes, please bring all your documents (you can download them from the above list) to the Office of International Student Services and we will, in turn, give them to IE Taxes*. The turn around time is approximately one to two weeks.

†There are other companies you can choose as well such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt. Please note that you should only pay about $45 for tax preparation. You can also file your own taxes if you would rather do so. You can do them by hand (downloading all the forms and mailing them) or you can e-file through the IRS web site. Alternatively, you can use third-party web sites such as TurboTax.com.

*OISS does not benefit from IE Taxes NOR is it responsible or guarantees IE Taxes' actions/ filings/ accuracy/ refunds amounts.