Comply with U.S. Income Tax Requirements

8. Comply with U.S. income tax requirements and obtain social security number, if needed

U.S. Income Tax Requirements

F-1 foreign nationals (and their F-2 dependents) who are non-residents for federal tax purposes are required to file Form 8843 Links to an external site..

If you continue to be a non-resident for federal tax purposes, you may use the GLACIER Tax Prep Software Links to an external site. to prepare your required federal tax forms which can be accessed through our website at the beginning of each tax filing season.

Depending on how long you have been in the United States, you may be considered a resident for federal tax purposes during your OPT. Regardless of whether you are resident or non-resident for federal tax purposes, it does not impact your immigration status. This only impacts how you file required tax forms and how much your employer should withhold from your paycheck.

To determine tax residency and obtain additional information on taxes, please visit our website for detailed tax information.

Social Security Number

If you do not yet have a Social Security Number (SSN), you will be required to have one for tax reporting purposes. You may apply for an SSN as part of your I-765 application filing, or after you have received the EAD card and the ‘valid from’ date on the card has been reached.

If you already have an SSN, do not apply for a new one. Social Security Numbers are valid throughout your lifetime.

You do not need your SSN to begin working. Links to an external site. On your first day of employment, you will be asked to complete employment paperwork. If you do not yet have your SSN, you may write “applied for” in the space where the SSN is to be provided. Once you receive the Social Security Card in the mail, provide the number to your employer.