A Division of the International Studies Office
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CPT NOTICE
Effective immediately, UVA is suspending the authorization of non-required, course-credit CPT requests. This includes opportunities tied to academic credit, which are integral to the program of study but not required for degree completion. Visit CPT Update | International Students & Scholars Program for the latest information.
Duration of Status & Academic Mobility
On September 14, 2026, a nationwide preliminary injunction was issued, which blocks the Elimination of Duration of Status rule from taking effect and prohibits DHS and USCIS from implementing it. The government is expected to appeal the injunction. Please continue to monitor our FAQ page, which we will continue to update with any developments as the case continues.
The Department of Homeland Security's rule introduces significant changes to regulations governing F and J visa holders, including:
- The elimination of Duration of Status
- Restrictions on academic mobility
For more information visit FAQ: Elimination of Duration of Status & Academic Mobility | International Students & Scholars Program
Taxes
Tax Reporting Requirement
All individuals in the U.S. in F or J status, including dependents, must file the appropriate tax forms with the U.S. government even if the individual earned no income in the U.S.
Taxation Compliance and Software
The International Studies Office (ISO) and the Office of Human Resources Immigration Services offer free tax return preparation software (Sprintax) for the University of Virginia international community for the tax filing year.
If you earned income in the United States during the preceding calendar year you will need to file a tax return. Both earnings from on grounds employment and scholarship/fellowship payments are considered income. However, even if no U.S. income was earned, you are still required to file tax forms with the U.S. government. This tax software is the easiest method to comply with this requirement
Sprintax is a web-based tool designed specifically for non-resident alien tax filers. This program produces the required documents to file your Federal taxes (Forms 1040NR or 1040NREZ and Form 8843).
You may also need to file a Virginia tax return. Processing of the Virginia state return is available through Sprintax for an additional fee. You will need to complete VA form 760 for your Virginia return. Please follow the link below to access the required Virginia tax return forms.
If you are unsure of whether you are a non-resident or resident alien for tax purposes, the Sprintax tax software program can determine your tax status for you.
Tax Software
Please refer to the email distributed to international students and scholars at UVa from the ISO for information on accessing Sprintax.
If you do not wish to use Sprintax to file state taxes, review and file using instructions listed on the Virginia Tax Website.
If you earned no income, click here to directly access Federal Tax Form 8843
Please note:
- Even if you did not earn income in the U.S. in the preceding calendar year, you may have U.S. tax filing requirements. Please refer to Sprintax for information that will help you make that determination.
- This software is for the UVA community only. Any sharing of the passwords outside of UVA to access this tax prep site will be considered an Honor violation and will be treated accordingly.
- Neither the ISO nor the HR department can provide tax advice. We are prohibited by law and University policy from answering tax return questions or assisting with your tax returns.
- Failure to file taxes can severely jeopardize future applications for immigration benefits such as employment-based visa status or a Green Card.
If you have questions, please contact [email protected]