The most common type of visa for international students is called the F-1 visa. By the end of 2023, there were over one million international students in the United States, a number that is expected to keep growing. In this blog, we will discuss international students’ tax obligations and their eligibility to work.
Can I work in the United States as an international student?
Yes. You may be eligible for the following employment opportunities:
Off-Campus Employment
On-Campus Employment
After Graduating Employment
What documents do I need to work in the US?
With an F-1 visa you can apply to two types of employment documents:
CPT is used by international students to work before the academic program ends, allowing F-1 visa holders to work while studying in the United States. With CPT, you can work part-time or full-time. However, being full-time for 12 months may make you ineligible to apply for OPT after you finish your program.
OPT is commonly pursued after finishing the academic program. OPT allows international students to work for 12 months (24 months for students in STEM fields) after graduating.
To apply for CPT and OPT, make sure to contact the International Student Advisor at your school for details on the application process and specific instructions. The process usually includes obtaining a job offer letter, an SSN, and completing the application form.
As an international student, do I need to file taxes?
International students in the U.S. are required to file their taxes every year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government agency responsible for collecting U.S. federal taxes, and as an international student, it is important to meet the IRS filing requirements to avoid problems in the future. The due date to file your taxes is April 15th, and you will need to file different forms depending on how you collected your income. The most common forms you are likely to receive as an international student will be the W-2 form, 1099 form, and 1098 form.
International students with less than five years in the United States are considered non-resident aliens for tax purposes. As a non-resident alien, you will be exempt from some tax liabilities, including Social Security Tax and Medicare Tax. Additionally, depending on your country of origin and your status, you may take advantage of tax treaty benefits between the United States and your country of origin.
There is no doubt that filing taxes as an international student can be a complex task. However, there are many tax benefits you may be eligible for depending on your status and your country of origin. If you would like to learn more about your benefits and requirements, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Javier Ahumada, MBA
Having once been an international student himself, Javier brings a unique perspective to our team. Serving as an Analyst, he plays a crucial role in providing expertise in tax, assurance, and client accounting services. Javier is continually learning new methods to assist our clients in achieving their financial goals and optimizing their business operations.
