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Academic Training for J-1 Students

Related Issues:

Verification of Employment: In order to verify to your prospective employer that you are eligible to engage in Academic Training before completing your studies, you will receive a letter from the International Center. 

Traveling Outside of the U.S. During Academic Training: If you plan to leave the U.S. and wish to return to resume Academic Training, you must have the Responsible Officer (International Center at Tufts or your program sponsor) sign the back of your Form DS-2019. If your current J-1 visa is still valid, you may still use it to re-enter the U.S. If your J-1 student visa has expired, you will need to take the signed Form DS-2019 or a new Form DS-2019, proof of financial documentation and your advisor letter plus an offer letter to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate while overseas to apply for a new J-1 visa in order to re-enter the U.S.

Social Security Tax and Number: If you are employed in the United States, you must have a Social Security Number WHEN YOU BEGIN WORKING. Application is made to the local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office. You should bring the Social Security application, your Form DS-2019 and/or Verification Letter from the International Center, your passport and your I-94 card. 

Students who have J-1 visa status do not pay Social Security tax (FICA) but still need this Social Security Number for tax filing purposes. If Tufts assigned you a temporary school I.D. number (starting with "999"), you cannot use this number outside of Tufts. You must apply to the SSA for a Social Security Number.

Form I-9, "Employment Eligibility Verification": Upon starting your job, you will be asked to complete a Form I-9, which requires you to document your identity and your work authorization. Perhaps the most convenient documents to produce in order to comply are your passport, Form DS-2019, indicating you are on a period of Academic Training, or if you are working before you complete your studies, a letter from the International Center verifying your work permission. Copies of submitted documents will be made and kept on file at your place of employment.

Federal and State Income Tax:  In most cases, international students and scholars are subject to all federal and state taxes if employed in the U.S. Tax treaties exist between the U.S. government and some foreign countries which may affect the amount of tax you are required to pay. You will be required to file both federal and state income tax forms by April 15th of each year for any work completed during the previous calendar year. Even if you do not owe any tax, you must still file tax returns whether or not you have worked for pay.

Tax forms can be obtained at banks, post offices, libraries and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices from January through April. The International Center keeps a limited supply of various IRS forms and informational booklets year round. 

As a non-resident, taxation is extremely complicated. When filing your tax returns, it is best to consult someone at your place of employment who is knowledgeable, visit an office of the I.R.S., consult a tax attorney or a tax accountant for assistance. Review a list list of tax consultants who specialize in international taxes.