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Employment authorization
International students and scholars need to know the rules about working, getting a stipend, or receiving other payments in the U.S. Most types of work, whether paid or unpaid, need approval before starting. Please read the information below and talk to your OISS adviser if you have any questions before beginning any activity that might be considered work. Starting work without the right approval is considered to be a violation of your immigration status. OISS is here to help you understand the work authorization process and make sure you know when you can start and stop working.
Payments to non-U.S. citizens
The resources below are intended for any foreign national newly employed by or receiving a stipend from WashU. A foreign national is a person who is not a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.
International Wage Earners vs. Stipend Recipients
What is the difference between a wage earner and a stipend recipient? Understand the difference and corresponding tax implications.
Steps for Newly Hired Foreign Nationals
Must be completed by those who will receive a paycheck or a stipend from WashU.
FNIS Instructions
Must be completed by those who will receive a paycheck or a stipend from WashU.
Updating status to LPR or U.S. Citizen
Steps to complete once you become a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Understanding your U.S. tax obligations
U.S. tax filing is a legal requirement. International students, employees, scholars and all dependents who were physically present in the U.S. for each tax year (January 1 – December 31) must file at least one tax form, even if no U.S. source income was earned.
Read on to learn more about social security numbers, ITIN, filing taxes in the U.S. and tax documents generated by WashU for foreign nationals receiving funding from WashU. Additionally, OISS offers tax workshops for international students and scholars in the spring semester.
Disclaimer statement
The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides resources and content for general informational and educational purposes only. This information does not replace advice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a qualified tax professional. The information provided is subject to change. If your immigration status has changed in the past year or you have a complex tax situation, please consult the IRS or a qualified tax accountant.
WashU employees, including FNIS Support and OISS staff, are not authorized or qualified to provide tax-related advice or address individual tax questions beyond the general information available on university websites. For personalized assistance with tax obligations or filing, students and scholars are encouraged to seek personalized advice from a qualified tax professional at their own discretion and expense.