International Student Employment

• F-1 and J-1 students who are maintaining status may work on-campus. Employment is limited to no more than 12 hours per week at all times as per Roosevelt University’s student employment policy.
• It is your responsibility to find an on-campus job. Please visit the Student Employment page for more information on finding jobs.
• If you find a job, complete the On-Campus Work Authorization Form. This request must be completed each semester before you begin working.
• Attend the On-boarding session from Student Employment. You will need to complete additional forms for this session.
• If you are working for the first time in the U.S., you must obtain a Social Security Number for tax purposes. You should request this when you submit the On-Campus Work Authorization Form. If you already have a Social Security Number, you do not need to apply again.

USCIS offers several ways for F-1 students to work off-campus. You must have authorization from either USCIS or International Programs before beginning any employment. Please attend an employment workshop to learn more.

Summer 2018 Workshops

• Friday, April 20 - WB 911 - 11:00-12:30
• Friday, May 25 - WB 911 - 11:00-12:30
  
• Friday June 15 - WB 911 - 11:00-12:30

Fall 2018 workshops will be offered in September. Please check back for more information. 

You may also schedule an appointment for more information.  Please read the sections below on Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the 24 Month STEM OPT Extension before making an appointment.

FORMS

• Complete the Curricular Practical Training Request.  This will be sent electronically to OIP. You will receive an email from DocuSign when the request has been reviewed.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK EXPERIENCE QUALIFIES AS CPT?

F-1 students may be authorized for Curricular Practical Training if the employment experience is an integral part of an established curriculum. CPT is authorized by International Programs

• directly related to your program of study
• completed under the supervision of an academic advisor.
• you must be registered for a course corresponding to the internship or practicum for each semester of CPT (including summer semester)
• a job offer is required for CPT

Some departments have special procedures you must follow to be eligible for CPT, please contact your academic department to verify their procedures.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

In order to apply, students must be enrolled full-time in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. Graduate students whose program requires an immediate internship may be permitted to begin earlier. Students must maintain good academic standing before and during CPT employment.

HOW MUCH CPT CAN I USE?

CPT is limited to part-time (20 hours/week or less) during the academic year, but can be full-time* (more than 20 hours/week) during summer and semester breaks.

*Students who use 12 months or more of full-time curricular practical training are not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT.

HOW DO I APPLY?

1. Complete the Curricular Practical Training Request. You need to submit the request to your academic advisor or internship advisor; if you do not know who to contact, please check with OIP or your academic department.
   
   • A job offer letter from the prospective employer on company letter-head. You will need to upload this and attach it to the request.
   • Your job title and responsibilities.
   • The exact start and end dates of employment (must be future dates).
   • The number of hours you will work per week.
2. The name of your supervisor and his/her contact information.
3. Course registration in an internship or practicum course is required for each semester CPT is requested.
4. Students will receive e-mail notification from DocuSign if your CPT request has been approved. You cannot begin employment until the you receive this approval .
5. Pick-up your new I-20 from OIP. You will see your CPT Employment Authorization on page 2. You must have the new I-20 BEFORE employment can begin.

WHAT DOES MY WORK AUTHORIZATION LOOK LIKE?

You will receive a new form I-20 showing CPT Employment Authorization on page 2. You should show this authorization to your employer as proof that you are authorized to work. If your employer has questions about this authorization, they may visit the USCIS to see a list of acceptable documents to verify employment eligibility - click here for more details.

FORMS

• Optional Practical Training Request Form
• Complete and submit the Form I-765 with your new form I-20 to USCIS.  Do not submit this form until you have received a NEW I-20 with an OPT recommendation.
• You must report your employment and changes in address using the SEVP Portal, visit the SEVP Portal Help Page for more information
  
  

SEVP Portal

Students on post-completion OPT should use the SEVP Portal to comply with reporting requirements. Once your post-completion OPT has been approved, you will receive notification from  DHS to create an SEVP Portal account, please follow the instructions provided or visit the SEVP Portal Help Page for more information.  You are responsible for reporting changes in your address and employment through this portal.  

It is important that you list your preferred email address on the Optional Practical Training Request Form to insure you receive the notification to set up the SEVP Portal. You may contact OIP to reset the portal access or if you have questions about the process.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR OPT?

To be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must be an F-1 student who has been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (one fall semester and one spring semester, summer semester does not count towards the one full academic year requirement). You must be in good academic standing at the time of the application. OPT employment MUST be directly related to your program of study and appropriate for your education level.

International Programs will recommend you for OPT, you must submit the application to USCIS for authorization. For post-completion OPT, only full-time employment can be requested. Once an application for OPT has been submitted to USCIS and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued, it is difficult to change or cancel.

HOW MUCH OPT CAN I USE?

Students are eligible for 1 year (12 months) of OPT for each new degree level. Students with majors in STEM fields may also qualify for the 24-month STEM extension.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?

Applications for post-completion OPT should be submitted approximately 90 days before the projected start date. OPT applications must be received by USCIS BEFORE the end of a student's 60-day grace period. Applications received after the end of the 60-day grace period will not be approved.

The following are estimated application date ranges for timely application processing:

• May (spring) graduates: apply February-March
• August (summer) graduates: variable, depending on completion date but generally May/June
• December (fall) graduates: apply September-October

USCIS has also created an Excel spreadsheet that allows users to calculate the amount of OPT available and generate suggested application timeline based on the Program End Date and the desired OPT start date. Click here for the Post-Completion OPT Planning Tool.

HOW DO I APPLY?

1. Submit the following to International Programs for a Recommendation

• OPT Request Form
• For post-completion OPT, you must have completed the application for graduation. 

You will receive an email notification from DocuSign when the OPT recommendation has been completed and your new I-20 is ready for pick-up.

You will be issued two (2) new forms I-20. Submit one (1) form with the OPT application, keep the other form for your records. Please be sure to sign both of your new forms I-20.

2. Prepare documents to send to USIC

USCIS must receive the OPT application no more than 30 days after the OPT recommendation has been issued. Applications received more than 30 days after the OPT recommendation will be denied.

• Completed Form I-765
• Two recent photographs on thin, glossy paper per instructions from USCIS.
  • Write your name and SEVIS number in pencil on the back of the photos.
  • Do not cut to size or staple.
• Check or Money Order for $410 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Photocopies of all previous I-20s
• Photocopies of F-1 visa stamp and passport ID pages (including your photo, passport number and expiration date)
• Printed online I-94 record. Click here to print your I-94.
• Photocopies of all previous EADs, if you have been issued one for previous OPT.

3. Mail application and all supporting documents to the USCIS

Mail the following documents directly to USCIS to apply for the EAD (your OPT card). Do NOT mail the application until after you have received your new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT.

USCIS will mail your EAD card to your home address. If you move and change your address before you receive your EAD card, you must call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to update your address. Mail from USCIS is not forwarded by the US Postal Service, so it is best that you do not change your address while waiting for your EAD.

Remember, USCIS must receive the OPT application no more than 30 days after the OPT recommendation has been issued. Please send the application in as soon as you have received the recommendation to ensure that your application is properly filed.

WHEN CAN I START MY OPT EMPLOYMENT?

You must have your EAD card to begin employment. You can begin working on or after the start date listed on the EAD and may until the end date on the EAD card.

UNEMPLOYMENT WHILE ON OPT

• F-1 students on post-completion OPT are limited to 90 days of unemployment.
• Students who are unemployed beyond the 90-day limit may be denied future immigration benefits and are in violation of F-1 student status.
• You must report your employment using the SEVP Portal. Failure to report this information may result in termination of your SEVIS record and F- student status. If you do not receive notification from SEVP to set up the portal, please contact OIP.
• Volunteer work, internships, unpaid employment, and part-time jobs may be counted as employment. If you do not find a job within the first two months of OPT, you may look for a volunteer position and/or an internship while you continue to search for a full-time, paid position. Please note that part-time employment should be at least 20 hours/week.
• If you are unable to find employment, you should make plans to change your status or leave the USA. If you will leave the USA, please contact the Office of International Programs to notify us of your departure so this information can be reported on your SEVIS record.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

You are still an F-1 Student while you are on OPT. This means that you are still responsible for reporting information to OIP and USCIS. Report your employment and change of address using the SEVP Portal.

Students must also report any changes in their address within 10 days of moving.

You are responsible for reporting any change in the information to International Programs within 10 days of the change. This includes adding an second employer, quitting or losing employment, change of job title, etc. The required information includes the following information:

• Your current address
• Explain how your employment is related to your course work - this is a brief statement about how your employment relates to the degree you completed at Roosevelt.
  • For example: I received a MS in Accounting, I am working for my employer as a staff accountant.
• Are you Self-Employed (yes or no)
• Employer Name
• Employer Address
• Employer EIN (if available)
• Job Title
• Start Date
• End Date (if you change jobs or leave a position, you must report your last date of employment)
• Are you employed Full-time or Part-time (how many hours do you work per week)
• Supervisor (First and Last Name, Telephone Number, Email Address)
• If you have any additional information you would like to include in your record about your employment, you may add "Student Remarks"

DHS recommends that students keep clear records for all periods of employment and unemployment during OPT. Students should keep a record of all reports made to the Office of International Programs as well as other proof of employment. The following list contains suggested evidence of employment:

• Pay roll or income tax information (including proof of filing your taxes)
• Description of work
• Signed letter from employer stating how nature of the work is related to student’s degree, if not already implicit in job description

You may be required to prove the existence (or nonexistence) of periods of unemployment in future petitions for immigration benefits; therefore, it is very important to document the start and end dates of any periods of unemployment, along with the employment information above. Remember, this is your responsibility.

OPT TRAVEL ADVISORY

Traveling outside of the US while your OPT is pending can be a risky affair with no certainty that you will be allowed back in. After you have received your EAD card there is still a risk of not being permitted back into the US, especially if you are not employed. If travel is necessary, you should carry all of the following documentation with you when traveling:

1. Your EAD card
2. A travel endorsement signature on your current SEVIS I- 20 from International Programs
3. A letter from your employer confirming your OPT status and stating the purpose of your travel.

Note: If you do not possess a current, valid visa at the time of travel, you must apply for a new F-1 visa for re-entry to the US. OIP cannot guarantee re-entry to the USA while on OPT.

AUTOMATIC “CAP-GAP” EXTENSION FOR H-1B APPLICANTS

The F-1/H-1B “Cap-Gap” occurs when an F-1 student's status expires before they can begin approved H-1B employment in the next fiscal year beginning October 1. The Cap-Gap Extension applies to all F-1 beneficiaries of H-1B and concurrent change of status petitions. Under this rule, F-1 status is extended while the H-1B petition is pending; F-1 students may remain in the U.S. until October 1 of the next fiscal year when their H-1B status begins. The student must have a valid EAD card at the time the H-1B application is submitted to USCIS in April.

Current interpretation of the new provision suggests the extension applies not only to F-1 status, but also to work authorization, through October 1. Limits of OPT unemployment continue through the Cap-Gap Extension period. The Cap-Gap Extension terminates when USCIS rejects, denies, or revokes the H-1B petition. F-1 students may only benefit from automatic Cap-Gap extension if they have not violated their status.

An F-1 student currently engaged in a period of post-completion OPT may be eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM extension. Extension applications are accepted only for students currently working on OPT, not from students who are initially applying for post-completion OPT.

The student must have been awarded a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in an approved STEM field and work for an E-Verify employer. Students who applied before May 10, 2016 may have been authorized for 17-months. USCIS has created a STEM OPT HUB on the Study in the States webpage. I encourage you to visit this site for more information.

FORMS

• Complete the STEM OPT Request to International  Programs to request a STEM OPT extension
• Upload a copy of the Form I-983 completed by your employer with the STEM OPT Request.
• Complete and submit the Form I-765 with your new form I-20 to USCIS.  Do not submit this form until you have received a NEW I-20 with an OPT recommendation.
• Make sure that you have updated any address and employment changes using the SEVP Portal.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE STEM EXTENSION?

• DHS grants STEM OPT extensions to eligible F-1 students once per degree level (i.e., bachelor's, master's, or doctorate).
• An F-1 student is allowed two 24-month extensions total. Each extension must be used immediately after the completion of a qualifying higher level degree program. You cannot combine the two periods of STEM extension.
• The degree must be on the current STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time of application for the STEM Extension. This applies to both current and previous degrees.
• To qualify for the extension the student must be in a valid period of 12-month post completion OPT (even if the OPT is based on a non-STEM degree).
• For students requesting the extension on a previous STEM degree:
  
  • The degree must have been received within 10 years of the STEM extension application date.
  • The degree must have been awarded from an institution that is accredited by the US Department of Education and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified at the time of application for the 24-month STEM extension.
  • Students may not apply based on degrees competed outside of the US.
  • The work being done for the STEM extension must relate to the STEM degree.
• Students must work at least 20 hours per week in a paid position for an E-Verify employer.
• Volunteering and self-employment are not allowed during the STEM Extension.
• Most temporary agency and contract work will not be eligible for the 24-month STEM extension.

WHAT MUST MY EMPLOYER DO?

• The employer must be enrolled in USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
• The STEM OPT employer must work with the student to create a formal training plan and complete the Form I-983.
  • Employers may use existing training programs for evaluating the progress of STEM OPT students, as long as the existing training program meets DHS’s requirements as outlined on the Form I-983.
  • The formal training plan must clearly state the STEM OPT student’s learning objectives and the employer’s commitment to helping the student achieve those objectives.
  • The completed Form I-983 must be submitted to the Office of International Programs with the request for the STEM extension.
  • USCIS has provided a tutorial for completing this form at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/assets/stem-opt-hub/story.html.
• STEM OPT students may participate in entrepreneurial ventures. However, they may not fill out their own Form I-983, nor act as their own employer for the purposes of the form.
• Employers are responsible for reporting any material changes to, or material deviations from, the student’s formal training plan. Material changes or deviations may include, but are not limited to:
  
  • Any change of Employer Identification Number resulting from a corporate restructuring.
  • Any reduction in student compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked.
  • Any significant decrease in hours per week that a student engages in a STEM training opportunity.
  • Changes to the employer’s commitments or student’s learning objectives as documented on the Form I-983.
• The employer and student both must notify the DSO when the student’s employment is terminated for any reason before the end of the authorized extension period. The employer must report such a change in employment to International Programs no later than five business days after the student’s employment terminates or the student has departed.
• DHS is permitted to conduct employer site visits to confirm that training plan goals are being met.
• There is a sections for employers on the STEM OPT HUB, please encourage your employer to visit this page for more information on their responsibilities.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Students who are approved for STEM OPT are responsible for reporting the following information. You are responsible for submitting this information; you will not receive reminders from the International Office.

Within 10 days of the change

• Loss of employment.
• Change of Employment. The student must file a new Form I-983 Training Plan before beginning any new employment.
• Legal name.
• Change of address.

Every 6-months students must verify the following information - please use the Employment Reporting Form to report this information.

• Legal name.
• Residential or mailing address.
• Employer name and address.
• Status of current employment.

Every Year students must verify the following information

Self-Evaluation of your Form I-983 Training Plan (pages 6-7 of the form)

• The student must submit the first assessment within 12 months of the OPT STEM start date. Evaluations must be submitted no later than 10 days following the end of the applicable reporting period.
• The student must submit a second, final assessment that recaps the training and knowledge acquired during the complete training period. Evaluations must be submitted no later than 10 days following the end of the applicable reporting period.
• The employer must print, sign and enter the date of the signature to show concurrence with the assessment information that the student entered. Once signed, the employer must return the evaluation to the student, who will provide it International Programs for recordkeeping.

Material changes to, or material deviations from, the your formal training plan. Material changes or deviations from the original Form I-983 may include, but are not limited to

• Any change of Employer Identification Number resulting from a corporate restructuring.
• Any reduction in student compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked.
• Any significant decrease in hours per week that a student engages in a STEM training opportunity.
• Changes to the employer’s commitments or student’s learning objectives as documented on the Form I-983.

WHEN DO I APPLY?

The STEM OPT application must be received by USCIS before the expiration of the current OPT period. Students may apply as early as 90 days before the end of the current OPT period.

Your OPT application must be received by USCIS within 60 days of the issuance of your new STEM OPT I-20. If the application is filed in a timely manner, an 180-day automatic work authorization extension will be granted while the application is pending. It normally takes up to 90 days for USCIS to process STEM OPT extension applications.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Submit the following to International Programs

• Complete the STEM OPT Request form.
• Submit the completed Form I-983 signed by your employer. You can find more information (including instructions on how to complete the form) on the STEM OPT HUB.
• If you are requesting the STEM extension based upon a previous degree provide a photocopy of your I-20 from the previous university and proof of the degree awarded (this may be an unofficial copy of your transcript). Additional documents may be required to verify that your degree meets the requirements for the extension and is listed on USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.

Prepare documents to send to USICS

• You will be issued two (2) new forms I-20. Submit one (1) form with the OPT STEM application, keep the other form for your records. Please be sure to sign your new form I-20.
• Completed Form I-765
  • You should select “Renewal of my permission to accept employment.”
  • The eligibility code (question 16) is (c)(3)(c).
  • Sign the form in blue ink and make sure your signature does not touch any text or lines
• Two recent photographs on thin, glossy paper per instructions from USCIS.
  • Write your name and SEVIS number in pencil on the back of the photos.
  • Do not cut to size or staple.
• Check or Money Order for $410 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Photocopies of all previous I-20s
• Photocopies of F-1 visa stamp and passport ID pages (including your photo, passport number and expiration date)
• Photocopies of all previous EADs, including your current EAD.
• Printed online I-94 record. Click here to print your I-94.

Mail application and all supporting documents to the USCIS

If you do not send the application by express mail, you may complete the Form G-1145 to request an electronic notification when USCIS receives your application.

Remember, USCIS must receive the 24-month STEM OPT extension request no more than 60 days after the OPT recommendation has been issued. Please send the application in as soon as you have received the recommendation to ensure that your application is properly filed. If the application is filed in a timely manner, an 180-day automatic work authorization extension will be granted while the application is pending. It normally takes up to 90 days for USCIS to process STEM OPT extension applications.

Students in J-1 status may be authorized to participate in Academic Training to gain practical work experience in their field of study. You may be authorized for Academic Training during your program or after you have finished your study. You must receive written approval from International Programs at least two weeks before the program end date on your form DS-2019.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

• You must have a valid DS-2019 issued by Roosevelt University. If your DS-2019 was not issued by Roosevelt University, please contact your program sponsor regarding Academic Training authorization requirements and procedures.
• You must be maintaining your J-1 student status and in good academic standing.
• Academic Training must be directly related to your field of study as listed on your DS-2019.
• You must have permission from your home institution or sponsor to engage in practical training.
• You must have an internship offer and request authorization before the end date listed on your DS-2019 (no extensions or academic training authorizations can be issued after the program expiration date).

HOW MUCH ACADEMIC TRAINING CAN I USE?

• Academic Training may be granted for a maximum of 18 months or the period of time spent as a full-time J-1 student at Roosevelt, whichever is shorter. For example, if you are on a one-semester program, you are eligible for a maximum of one semester (i.e. four months) of Academic Training.
• Academic Training can be full-time or part-time.
• Internships must begin no more than 30 days after program completion.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Step I

Submit the following documents to the Office of International Programs:

• Letter from you internship employer including
  • a description of the training program
  • company’s location
  • name and contact information of your internship supervisor
  • number of hours per week you will be working
  • exact dates you will be working (beginning and ending dates).
• Letter (this may be an email or fax) from your home institution or J-1 sponsor approving your eligibility to engage in academic training based on the internship offer letter and appropriateness of training program.

Step II

• International student advisor will evaluate the above Academic Training documentation.
• If Academic Training is granted, International Programs will issue a new form DS-2019 authorizing your academic training.

Step III

• Pick up your DS-2019 and the Academic Training authorization letter from the Office of International Programs.
• Please allow 5-10 business days to complete your request. You will be notified if the request is approved.

If you are working for the first time in the U.S., you must obtain a Social Security Number for tax purposes. If you already have a Social Security Number, you do not need to apply again. You may only be issued a Social Security Number if you are working legally; you cannot request this number for any other purposes.

When you request work authorization, please notify International Programs that you need a Social Security letter. We will complete the letter at the same time as the work authorization.

Take the following documents to the Social Security Administration Office (click here to find the nearest office):

1. Job offer letter from your supervisor
2. Social Security letter from International Programs. When you complete the On-Campus Work Authorization Form you can indicate you do not have a Social Security Number and a letter will be issued.  If you are requesting the letter with your CPT or OPT, please download the Letter Request Form to request a letter.
3. Passport (including your visa stamp)
4. I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Visit the US Customs and Border Protection's website to view your I-94 record.
5. Current form I-20
6. Application for a Social Security Number. You may download this form or you may request it at the Social Security Administration Office.

You will be issued a letter from the Social Security Administration that states you have “applied for a Social Security Number." Your SSN Card will arrive in the mail 4-6 weeks after the application date. Make sure to bring your SSN card to Human Resources when you receive it.

WHO MUST FILE TAXES IN THE USA?

All F1 and J1 students (and their F2 or J2 dependents) are required to file income tax forms for each year they are present in the USA. This is required even if you did not work in the USA. If you are in the U.S. in another immigration status, this information may not apply to you.

Income taxes are due on April 15 in the following year; some years this may be 1-2 days later if April 15 is a weekend or holiday. For example, if you lived in the USA for any part of 2017, you are responsible for filing 2017 income tax forms by April 17, 2018.

You are responsible for completing these forms. Unfortunately, during the "tax season" there is an increased chance of tax scams - the IRS has posted this notice of Five Easy Ways to Spot Suspicious Calls. Remember, the IRS (or other US Government agencies) does not use unsolicited email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issue; the IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.

INCOME TAX WORKSHOP FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Representatives from IRS will present a workshop for international student. Please attend if you have questions.

• Date:   Friday, April 6, 2018
• Time:  1:00-4:00 p.m.
• Location:   WB 1017

You may wish to use an on-line system to file your taxes. You will be charged a fee for this service. Sprintax is the non-resident partner of TurboTax and can assist you with completing these forms.

ALL F1 & J1 STUDENTS WHO WERE IN THE USA FOR ANY PART OF THE PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEAR (2016)

You must file the Tax Form 8843 - Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals With a Medical Condition. You must file this form even if you did not work during the year. This form is now available on the IRS homepage.

You should complete this form to show that you are a "non-resident" for tax purposes (an "exempt individual"). This means that you may qualify for tax treaty or other benefits that reduce your tax rate if you are employed in the USA or have a taxable scholarship. You must submit this form each year to qualify as a "non-resident" for tax purposes. You should file this form during the first 5 years you are in the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 Student. You should file this form during the first 5 years you are in the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 Student.

The Tax Form 8843 must be submitted by no later than April 17, 2017.

FOR ALL F1 & J1 STUDENTS WHO WORKED DURING ANY PART OF THE PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEAR (2016)

All international students who worked for any part of 2016 must file the Tax Form 8843 AND U.S. Federal Income Tax Forms (either the 1040NR-EZ or the 1040NR Form).

Most students are considered non-residents for tax purposes.  However, you; however, if you have been in the U.S. for more than 5 years, you may need to file as a resident.  You can find help to determine your residency for "Tax Purposes" by reviewing Tax Topic 851 - Resident and Nonresident Aliens on the IRS homepage.

You must also file Illinois State Tax Forms (IL-1040).

All state and federal income tax forms must be completed and sent to the IRS no later than April 17, 2018.

• 1040NR-EZ - U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens With No Dependents
• 1040 NR-EZ Instructions
• 1040NR Form - U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• 1040 NR Instructions

• IL-1040 - Individual Income Tax Return
• IL-1040 instructions

WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE MY TAXES?

Please bring any of the following documents that you have been issued if you meet with a tax preparer. You may not have all of these documents. You should have received the appropriate documents by mail or electronically from your employer and/or the university.

• Form W-2 - This is a statement prepared by your employer(s), showing income earned and taxes withheld.
• Form 1099 - You may receive this form if you were "self-employed" or worked as a contractor.
• Form 1042-S - You may receive this form if you received a scholarship.
• Form 1098-T - This form shows the tuition that you have paid. You may only receive this form if you provide your Social Security Number or ITIN to Roosevelt University. Learn more about 1098-T Tax Information.
• Copy of last year’s return or tax forms (if you filed taxes in 2016)
• Passport, I-94, & visa
• I-20 or DS-2019
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Record of dates you entered and left the US during 2017.

TAX TREATIES

As international students and citizens of other countries, your country may have a tax treaty with the USA. You may or may not owe taxes and can often receive substantial refunds of withheld taxes if you file an income tax return. You can find more information on Tax Treaties on the IRS homepage.

HELP PREPARING YOUR INCOME TAX FORMS

The IRS provides help for all tax payers. You can find tax help on the IRS homepage for Foreign Students and Scholars or through several tax services in the Chicago area.

• Call the International Taxpayer Customer Service Telephone at 267-941-1000. This service is for non-resident tax issues. Help is available Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Eastern time.
• Call the General Toll Free Telephone tax assistance telephone number at 800-829-1040. If they cannot answer your international tax question, they will forward it to an IRS Specialist. The IRS Specialist will respond in writing, telephone, or e-mail - please make sure you are available at the time you designate to be called back!
• The City of Chicago offers free, confidential tax help at locations across Chicago from late January through mid-April. Federal and Illinois tax return preparation and e-file are offered free of charge. Please visit http://taxprepchicago.org/ for more information and a list of sites.
• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to qualified individuals; visit their homepage to see if you qualify. To locate the nearest VITA site, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
• You can find help to determine your residency for "Tax Purposes" by reviewing Tax Topic 851 - Resident and Nonresident Aliens on the IRS homepage.
• Help for Illinois state taxes can be found at http://www.revenue.state.il.us/AboutIdor/ContactUs.htm.
• Sprintax is the non-resident partner of TurboTax. You may use their service (for a fee) to file your taxes.