Employment FAQ
Permission to work must be obtained before employment begins since student visa holders' primary purpose is to study full time. Students on the F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours on campus per week during registration periods. Note, they cannot work off campus without prior approval.
Visit Employment (F-1) for more information.
Academic Training allows J-1 students up to 18 months of work authorization during their academic program or after graduation.
Visit Academic Training for J-1 Students for more information.
A social security number (SSN) is required for individuals with employment authorization to work. The number is unique and can be obtained from the local Social Security Administration office.
Only students with proper work authorization can apply for an SSN. To obtain a social security card, students need to complete an application, Social Security Card Form SS-5.
Please note that applications for social security cards are free. In addition to the Form SS-5, students must also provide the following evidence:
- An offer letter from the employer;
- A valid I-20 or DS 2019;
- A valid I-94 record;
- A valid visa stamp; and,
- A valid passport.
Check the Social Security Administration’s website to find a local Social Security office and feel free to learn about Social Security's policy on issuing Social Security numbers to non-citizens.
TAXES DUE APRIL 15
All F-1 and J-1 students and scholars are required to file for U.S. taxes. It doesn’t necessarily mean you will end up paying taxes; that is determined through many factors. At the very least every student and scholar must submit the Form 8843.
If a student or scholar is considered resident or non-resident for tax purposes, or if they received income in the last year, this will determine if you file Form 8843. In general visa holders will file Form 8843 if they:
- Were an exempt individual.
- Were unable to leave the United States because of a medical condition or medical problem.
W-2s – Paid employment
Remember, if you have been employed or received W-2s, you probably will need to file. Again, you may not owe money. You may even get a refund. You definitely must file.
You are Non-Resident for tax purposes unless you meet the substantial presence test. If you determine that you were a resident for tax purposes, you can file the regular tax forms, for example 1040, 1040EZ...Etc. You may also go through Turbo Tax, H&R Block and other certified tax accountants.
Social Security and Medicare Taxes
You may have to pay social security and medicare taxes if you are determined a resident for tax purposes.
Preparation Assistance
If you decide you need help in filing the tax forms you can go with a few options.
- GLACIER Tax Prep - Individual License Online help for Federal Tax forms
- Taxpayer Assistance Center Office - Walk-In Site (approximately 6 Miles from campus)
290 N. D St., San Bernardino, CA 92401
T: (909) 388-8108 | Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For more information and Access to the forms, please visit the sites below:
Current Year Tax Forms
- Form 1040-NR
- Inst 1040-NR
- Form 1040-NR-EZInst 1040-NR-EZ
California Current Year Tax Forms
Under “Form and Publications” type 540-NR for a complete list.
IRS Information websites
Under these treaties, residents (not necessarily citizens) of foreign countries are taxed at a reduced rate, or are exempt from U.S. taxes on certain items of income they receive from sources within the United States. These reduced rates and exemptions vary among countries and specific items of income.
NOTE: The Center for International Studies and Programs do NOT have an advisor trained in the complexities of the US tax codes and therefore, cannot advise on tax issues. If you need assistance, please consult one of the websites above.
Financial Aid for Undergraduate International Students
NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. NAFSA serves the needs of more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide at more than 3,500 institutions, in over 150 countries.
While the content on this page is focused on Undergraduate Students, Graduate students will also benefit from the information provided. Half way down the page is a section titled "Funding Sources: Web Sites with Multiple Scholarship Resources", which provides resources for finding scholarships.
OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Institute of International Education (IIE)
An extensive database of scholarships, fellowships and grants organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Funding for US Study includes all types of funding programs, for all levels of post-secondary study, across the full range of academic areas.
Offers various scholarships for multiple education levels, eligibility and grant rewards vary.
Online community site of international students studying in the USA. Provides resources pointing to various scholarships; eligibility and grant rewards may vary.
Official College Board scholarship finder to find scholarships, other financial aid, and internships. Eligibility and grant rewards vary.
Leading online resource in finding scholarships to help pay for school.
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
IEFA is the premier resource for international scholarship and grant information for students.
Points to various more websites that offer exchange programs, scholarships, internships. and more.
CSUSB SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Applications and Competitions for CSUSB Grants and Graduate Applications
InfoReady Review will allow individuals to submit grant applications for various CSUSB grant programs.
The Ochoa and Fernandez Family Scholarship
Available to a Spanish major participating in the CSU-IP program in a Spanish-speaking country. Minimum GPA: 3.2 ($1,000)
ASI Student Research and Travel
Available to currently enrolled undergraduate (min 2.5 GPA) and graduate (min 3.0 GPA) students who are seeking research funding for independent study, an academic course, an honor’s project, or a master’s research project, to present at a conference or attend a conference. ($1,000) Deadline on the 20th of each month (September-April)
ALFSS (The Association of Latino Faculty, Staff and Students)
This association has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to new and continuing CSUSB undergraduate, graduate students, graduating high school seniors, and community college transfer students.
List of more CSUSB Scholarship and aid opportunities.
List of more CSUSB Scholarship and aid opportunities.
List of scholarships and aid opportunities provided by World Languages and Literatures.
OPT and Life After Graduation
H-1B and Permanent Resident Presentation
H-1B and Permanent Resident Handout