Current International Students

Under U.S. immigration law, it is your responsibility to maintain F-1 lawful student status.

 

Begin by reading the Instructions to Students on page 3 of your Form I-20, then carefully follow them and the information below:

You will be terminated in SEVIS during any semester or term of required enrollment when any of the following occurs:

Reducing Your Course Load as a UAFS International Student 

All international students and visiting scholars engaged in educational activities are required to purchase UAFS international student accident and illness insurance plan unless they can provide written verification that their government accepts full responsibility for any medical claims that might occur. The only exception to this regulation is proof that the student is from a country that has national health insurance. (A letter from the embassy is required.) This insurance requirement can be waived when a student provides a better insurance policy than UAFS’s insurance coverage.

 

The federal government and UAFS require all international students (both F-1 and J-1) to have adequate medical/health insurance. Adequate is defined as meeting the minimum federal insurance requirements as outlined below.

 

Federal minimum insurance requirements (22CFR 62.14) include:

Why must I have insurance?

How does medical insurance work?

Employment is defined as providing any type of work or services on either a part-time or full-time basis in exchange for money, tuition, books, supplies, housing, food, or any other benefit. You may only be employed and begin working after you have received the appropriate written authorization. Failure to observe this requirement will place you out of status. Also, employers may be cited, fined, and/or imprisoned for hiring or maintaining employment for persons who are ineligible.

Authorization typically expires upon completion of the program of studies or when the period of lawful stay ends, whichever is sooner, or expiration of employment authorizations as noted by USCIS or International Services.

On-Campus Employment

USCIS allows F-1 students to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the fall and spring semesters without special permission. You are to still report to the Office of International Relations if you are considering applying to or have applied to an on-campus job. F-1 students are eligible to work on campus as soon as you are enrolled in school full time.

Eligibility

• Must be in good lawful status (see F-1 Status Requirements)

• Must have registered as a continuing UAFS student
  
  

Requirements

• "... employment ... must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session. An F-1 student may, however, work on campus full time while school is not in session or during the annual vacation." Code of Federal Regulations (8CFR214,2(f)(9)(i)
  
  

Authorization Procedure

• Hourly Employment
  • If you are applying for employment for the first time or if you have had a change in your circumstances since your previous application, you must complete and submit a Work Study Application Form to Financial Aid.
  • Begin looking and asking for a job on campus to different departments.
  • Obtain a job offer letter.
    • If you do not have a social security number, you may make application at this time. Application Process Details 
• Obtain a Social Security Number
  
  

Social Security Number (SSN)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is:

• A unique nine-digit U.S. government- issued number used for taxpayer identification, income reporting, and record-keeping purposes
• Required before you may begin employment
• Valid for a lifetime — keep your SSN card in a safe place
  
  

Application Procedure

• Obtain a written offer of employment from your employer.
• Bring the written offer to International Relations to request a letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA) certifying that you:
  • Are in good legal status
  • Are eligible to work 
  • Have secured or have a promise of employment
  • More information
• Complete a Social Security number application.
• Take your International Relations certification letter, employer offer letter, valid passport, visa, Form I-94, Form I-20, and completed application form to the local SSA office located at:

U.S. Social Security Administration 
6801 S. Dallas St.,
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone: 1-866-931-8374

Tax Information

What is Form 8843? 

• Form 8843 is not an income tax return. Form 8843 is merely an informational statement required by the U.S. government for certain nonresident aliens (including the spouses or dependents of nonresident aliens). 
  
  

Who must file Form 8843? 

• All nonresident aliens present in the U.S. under F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 non-immigrant status must file Form 8843 “Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition”—even if they received NO income during the previous year. Form 8843 must be filed if an individual is:
• present in the U.S. during the previous year 
• a nonresident alien 
• present in the U.S. under F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 status 
  
  

Do I need a social security number or individual taxpayer identification number to file Form 8843? 

• If you already have an SSN or ITIN, the number must be included on Form 8843, regardless of your age and even if you are not required to file a U.S. income tax return (Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ). 
• For more information go to Arkansas State Income Tax Information. 
  
  

If you worked on campus:

• UAFS files Form 8233 with the IRS and keeps a copy for audit purposes.
• UAFS sends W-2 Forms to you if you are from a country not covered by a tax treaty. Some tax treaties have limits. If you wish to exercise your treaty, it is your responsibility to update in Glacier, print the forms, and submit them to Business Office 109.
• If you are from Mexico, Japan, South Korea, or Canada, you have the option of claiming the tax treaty or filing an income tax return according to the information on your W-4.
  
  

Income Tax Information for International Students & Scholars

International students and scholars who received U.S. sources of income during any part of the previous year must file U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) income tax forms and State of Arkansas Department of Revenue forms by the tax deadline of the current year. Income could include on-campus employment, UAFS scholarships or fellowships, or off-campus practical training. 

Any nonresident for U.S. tax purposes, even if they do not receive income from U.S. sources, must file IRS informational form 8843 each year for as long as they are a nonresident for tax purposes.

*Typical deadline for filing is April 15 of each year.

We at the Office of International Relations are not tax experts and are not authorized or in a position to answer your tax questions. If you have additional questions regarding your tax obligations, we suggest you utilize the following resources:

• Internal Revenue Service website
• IRS telephone assistance to answer general tax questions: 1-800-829-1040
• IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center: Contact them to make an appointment for free tax filing assistance
• Arkansas Department of Revenue: For information about filing taxes in the state of Arkansas
  
  

GLACIER Procedures

GLACIER is an online tax compliance system designed to allow institutions to efficiently and effectively collect information, make tax residency and income tax treaty determinations, manage paperwork, maintain data, and file reporting statements with the IRS. GLACIER is available 24 hours a day from any computer that has internet access.

GLACIER helps determine your:

• Tax residency
• Withholding rates
• Income tax treaty eligibility

As an international student at UAFS, you will be required to work through GLAICER to report your tax status. U.S. tax laws require that the university collect information from non-U.S. citizens to determine their tax status. GLACIER helps foreign individuals and UCSC collect, store, and print forms required by law.

The Finance, Payroll, and Accounting department will set you up in the GLACIER system. You then will receive an e-mail from support@online-tax.net with your GLACIER password and information on how to log on to the system. This e-mail is not SPAM; please look for it in your e-mail. 

1. Log in to GLACIER with the password and user ID given to you. You will be prompted to change your login information at that time. 
2. Complete the GLACIER tax record. You will need your Initial GLACIER Information Form and your U.S. entry documentation.
3. Print, sign, and date documents.
4. Submit the required tax forms and supporting documents to Business Center 109. These forms are due within 10 days of receiving the GLACIER e-mail.
5. Keep in contact with the Business Center for any changes or updates to the forms that need to be made. 
   
   

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a nine-digit number beginning with the number "9", formatted like a SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).

The IRS developed the ITIN program in 1996 so that individuals ineligible for SSNs could provide a tax number when filing a return or otherwise participating in the U.S. tax system. ITINs are intended to be used solely for tax administration purposes. They are not valid identification outside of the tax system and do not authorize work in the United States or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits.

The IRS requires that ITINs expire after five years instead of lasting indefinitely. The IRS also posts frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the its rules.

To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The Form W-7 requires documentation substantiating foreign/alien status and true identity for each individual. You may either mail the documentation, along with the Form W-7, to the address shown in the Form W-7 Instructions, present it at IRS walk-in offices, or process your application through an acceptance agent authorized by the IRS.

Acceptance agents are entities (colleges, financial institutions, accounting firms, etc.) who are authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining ITINs. They review the applicant's documentation and forward the completed Form W-7 to IRS for processing.

Each ITIN applicant must:

• Apply using the revised Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number AND
• Attach a federal income tax return to the Form W-7.

Applicants who meet an exception to the requirement to file a tax return (see the instructions for Form W-7) must provide documentation to support the exception.

For more detailed information on ITINs, refer here.

 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Eligibility

You may apply for curricular practical training (CPT) when:

• training is related to an integral part of your major or program of study
• training is temporary in nature
• you have been lawfully enrolled full time in your program of study for at least one academic year (eight months)
• you are currently in lawful status

Requirements

• You must receive a new I-20 showing your authorized CPT before you may begin your training.

• You may only work up to 20 hours per week during your required periods of enrollment, typically fall and winter semesters. However, you may work more than 20 hours per week during your annual vacation period, whether or not you are taking classes.

• You must be enrolled for academic credit throughout the duration of the training unless the internship is required for graduation.

• However, if the required internship is the only class needed for graduation and you are not enrolled in any other classes, then you must  be enrolled for credit in the required internship class. 

Authorization Procedure

• Attend an International Office CPT info session or meet with an advisor.

• Obtain a signed letter from your prospective employer (cannot be a temporary, staffing, or recruiting agency employer) on company letterhead that provides:

  • Name of the firm/organization/company

  • Details on the nature of the training specifying what you will be doing for your employer

  • Type of position as part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). Full-time employment is only allowed during your annual vacation period, whether or not you are taking classes.

  • Beginning date of training that must be a future date on or after the first day of the semester or term. The beginning date must be after the day that OIR receives the letter because authorization may not be given retroactively.

  • Ending date of training that must be before the first day of classes for the next semester/term unless you have been granted approval for multiple consecutive semesters

Note: These dates become the official beginning and ending dates that will be listed on your new Form I-20.

• Review your employer letter with your academic advisor and obtain a signed letter on department letterhead that provides:

  • Certification the proposed internship (training) is related to your major program of study

  • Name of firm where you will be doing your internship

• Enroll in the appropriate work study, practicum, field program, internship, or cooperative education class. Check with your academic advisor about the course you should enroll in for academic credit. If the internship coordinator indicates in their letter that this internship is required for graduation, a non-credit internship is permitted. However, if the required internship is the only class needed for graduation and you are not enrolled in any other classes, you must be enrolled for credit in the required internship class. 

Note: If the internship is required for graduation or if it is through a cooperative education agreement, steps 1 and 3 above are not necessary; all of the information may be provided in the letter from the department internship coordinator. HOWEVER, in order to maintain your status, you must register for the required number of hours. 

• At least five days prior to the beginning date of the training, complete and submit to OIR a CPT request form along with the following:

  • Letter from prospective employer

  • Letter from internship coordinator

  • Documentation of enrollment in the related course

• International Services will review your request. If it is approved, you must return to pick up your new authorizing Form I-20 before you may  begin your training.

• You are required to renew authorization every semester.

Note: If you receive one year or more of full-time curricular practical training, you become ineligible for any post-completion optional practical training (OPT).

 

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional practical training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to your F-1 student major. To receive authorization you must submit an application to the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Post-completion OPT may only begin after the completion of your course of study (the last day of the last semester attended). 

Possible types of OPT employment situations may include:

• Short-term multiple employers (musicians and other performing artists may work for multiple short-term employers)

• Work for hire (contract work for another company, this is commonly known as 1099 contract work)

• Self-employed business owner (start a licensed business as a self-employed, full-time employee)

• Employment through an agency (work for a staffing/employment agency at other companies as assigned)

• Regular employment (work for an established business or organization)

How long may I work?

• Availability extends for one 12-month period directly after each higher educational level and may not be carried over if not used from one level to another.

• Any authorized pre-completion OPT months are deducted from the available 12 months.

• If you have a pending H-1B application, you can extend your OPT.

• If your major field of study and subsequent employment is in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM major), you may be able to extend your training.

• If you are a citizen of Canada or Mexico, you may also qualify for TN (Trade NAFTA) status.

When does my F-1 status expire?

• 60 days after completion of your studies, if you do not apply for OPT OR

• 60 days following completion of your OPT.

However, your OPT is automatically terminated when you transfer your SEVIS record to another school or begin study at another educational level with a new I-20.

May I travel outside the U.S. during my OPT?

• We advise you not to leave the U.S. between your program end date and when you receive your employment card. Such travel is considered an abandonment of your application, and you may be ineligible to reapply.

• If your OPT has been approved:

  • If you travel before you get a job, you may not be able to reenter unless you have a written job offer.

  • If you have a job, you may travel and reenter to resume employment. However, this travel time is added to your total of allotted unemployment days unless authorized by your employer. See the explanation of unemployment days under Requirements.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for post-completion OPT, you must:

• Register for required course credit during the semester or term you complete your program.

• Accrue less than a total of one year of any full-time curricular practical training.

• Be in lawful status for at least one academic year.

• Submit your OPT application so that it is received by USCIS between 90 days before and 60 days after the completion of your program. USCIS must receive your OPT I-20 within 30 days of the designated school official’s signature date.

• Complete your program by the date specified in the letter from your academic advisor .

• Receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and wait until your OPT start date.

REQUIREMENTS

• Your employment must be related to your degree, paid or unpaid, and for at least 20 hours per week or full-time if you are self-employed.

• You should keep records for each employment experience including the position held, proof of the duration of that position, job title, supervisor's contact information, and description of the work.

• You may accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment; exceeding this time limit will cause you to lose your status.

  • Each day during the authorized OPT period that you do not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment. The only exception is the period of up to 10 days between the end of one job and the beginning of the next; these will not be included in the total.

  • Travel outside the U.S. while unemployed counts in the calculation.

  • If you travel while employed either during a period of authorized leave or as part of your employment, the time spent outside the U.S. will not count as unemployment if authorized by your employer.

• USCIS has placed responsibility upon you to report any employment events as defined below within 10 days. This is done through a form sent to International Relations. The following table suggests the best way to report the required information.
  
  

Application Procedure

Because your EAD will only be delivered to the address listed in your application, if you are planning to move, you may elect to list our office address on your I-765.

5210 Grand Ave.,
Fort Smith, AR 72904

However, if you do, you must keep your address, email, and phone updated with the OIR so we can reach you when your EAD arrives.
 

Step 1 — Attend an International Relations OPT info session or meet with an advisor.
 

Step 2 — Submit the following to International Services:

• Signed letter from your academic advisor on letterhead stating your degree title and expected completion date

• Completed OPT Request Form which will result in a new Form I-20 recommending your OPT

• Completed Application for Employment Authorization Form I-765—answer Item #16 on page 10 with ( c ) ( 3 ) ( B )

Step 3 — Five days later return to International Services and do the following:

• Pick up, sign, and copy your new Form I-20

• Pick up an envelope addressed to the USCIS Service Center

Step 4 — Mail your application, paying attention to the following:

• Make a copy of everything you send to USCIS for your personal records.

• Assemble your application materials in the following order:

  • Completed Form I-765

  • $380 cashier’s check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security

  • Copy of your new application Form I-20, properly endorsed, showing recommendation of your OPT on the third page and dated within 30 days of USCIS receipt

  • Copy of your Form I-94 Number 

  • Copy of your last EAD (front and back) if you have received one. If no prior EAD has been issued, you must submit a copy of your federal government issued identity document, such as a passport showing your picture, name, and date of birth; a birth certificate with photo ID; a visa issued by a foreign consulate; or a national ID document with photo and/or fingerprint. The identity document photocopy must clearly show your facial features and your biographical information. It is recommended that the photocopy be slightly enlarged and in color.

  • Two identical passport-style color photos of yourself taken within 30 days of filing, preferably in a small plastic bag.

Step 5 — After you have sent your application to the USCIS Dallas lockbox:

• Wait until your EAD arrives before you start working.
• Make sure that you fax, send, or leave a copy of your EAD with International Relations.
• Report your employment information as described above as soon as your OPT begins.
• Report any changes in the above information within 10 days and confirm it again every six months even if there have been no changes.
• Terminate your employment when your EAD expires or when you transfer your SEVIS record to another school or begin study at another educational level with a new I-20 whichever occurs earliest.

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Change of Address During the Application Process for OPT

If you move during the processing of your OPT application to an address not in your application materials, within 10 days of the move, submit the information to both places listed below:

• USCIS — using Electronic AR-11 to inform those processing your application of your new address.
• UAFS — by email to update your personal information which also automatically updates your address in the SEVIS database. Submitting #1 does not update #2. Remember: You must update to UAFS within 10 days of any address change.

Special permission is not required for you to travel within the U.S.

Documents required for travel, unless otherwise noted, include:

An F-1 student may transfer between SEVP-certified schools. The transfer process is a way to electronically move Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records, your I-20, and retain the same SEVID identification (ID) number for the student.