Money Matters
PrintableWorking in the U.S.
Exchange Visitors
J-1 Exchange Visitors may receive compensation for the employment stated in item 5 on the DS-2019. Additionally, occasional lectures or short-term consultations, both on and off-campus, that involve wages or other remuneration may be authorized by ISS on a case-by-case basis. The occasional lectures or consultations must be authorized in advance and in writing. The activity must be directly related to the objectives of your program, be incidental to your primary program activities, and not delay the completion date of the program.
To request authorization to engage in occasional lectures or short-term consultations involving wages or other remuneration, present to ISS:
- A letter from the representative of the institution, agency, employer or department where the services will be performed, setting forth the terms and conditions of the offer to lecture or consult, including the duration, number of hours, field or subject, amount of compensation, and description of the activity.
- A letter from your primary academic department recommending the activity and explaining how it would enhance your program
ISS reviews the letters and makes a written determination that the activity is warranted and that it will not interrupt your original objective. ISS will also document the new activity in SEVIS (a government database that maintains information on exchange visitors during their stay in the U.S.).
J-2 dependents
Dependents in J-2 status may request employment authorization from USCIS. Income from the J-2's employment may be used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if the income is needed to support the J-1.
The application for employment authorization, Form I-765, may take 90 days or more to be processed. Instructions are included with the form and should be read carefully. Required documentation include photographs, copies of the DS-2019 forms, proof of the J-2's relationship to the J-1 (for example, copy of the marriage certificate), and a letter explaining why employment authorization is sought. If approved, the J-2 will be issued an employment authorization card. The card will have an expiration date, and may be renewed annually. During the period of authorized employment the J-2 may accept any kind of employment, full-time or part-time. The J-2's employment authorization is valid only while the J-1 is maintaining status.
Taxes
All J-1 Exchange Visitors who received U.S.-source income are required to file Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ by April 15 for the previous calendar year. U.S. tax laws are confusing, and the laws that apply to internationals are not the same as those that apply to U.S. citizens. To help make tax filing easier, ISS provides an on-line tax preparation service designed for J exchange visitors. This web-based program provides step-by-step instructions and assistance with preparation of the appropriate tax forms.
Banking
To transfer money to the U.S. before your arrival, your financial institution will need to make arrangements with a bank that has an office in Seattle. There may be a limit to the amount of funds which may be transferred. Banks within walking distance of the University include:
- Bank of America, 4701 University Way NE
- Key Bank, 400 NE Ravenna Blvd.
- US Bank, HUB ground floor
- Washington Mutual, 4300 Brooklyn Ave NE
- Wells Fargo, 4100 University Way NE
Expenses
Living expenses include food, lodging, public transportation, clothing and other personal items. The amounts listed below represent modest but adequate costs for most international scholars at the UW. Expenses can be expected to increase over time. Be prepared to document source and amount of funds when applying for a visa or entering the U.S.
- J-1 scholar: $1,800 per month
- J-2 spouse: $1,200 per month
- J-2 child: $600 per month
Managing your finances
Managing your finances will be one of your biggest challenges in the United States. Not only will the currency be unfamiliar to you (a dollar is referred to as "a buck," a dime is smaller than a nickel but worth twice as much), but the variety of payment options (cash, personal checks, traveler's checks, debit cards, credit cards, money orders) can be similarly confusing. But you'll learn quickly that spending money in the U.S. is really quite easy. It's paying the bills that's difficult! We recommend you prepare a monthly budget for yourself, stick to it, and carefully track your expenditures. Seattle is an expensive city, and financial caution is advised.
Social Security number
Exchange Visitors paid by U.S. sources must apply for a Social Security number. Payment of salary may be withheld until the number is issued. To obtain a Social Security number, you must:
- Report to ISS on a Tuesday at 3:00 as soon as possible after arrival on campus. This must be done prior to applying for a Social Security number.
- Visit the local Social Security Administration office no sooner than 10 days after arriving in the U.S. The office closest to the UW is located downtown at 901 Lenora Street, Suite 100. Bring with you a letter from your sponsoring department confirming the terms and conditions of employment, Form DS-2019, I-94, and passport.
- J-2 dependents who are authorized to work in the U.S. apply in person for a Social Security number at a local Social Security Administration office. J-2 dependents do not need to report to ISS prior to visiting the Social Security office. They should bring their passport, DS-2019, I-94 and employment authorization card issued by USCIS.
The primary purpose of the Social Security number is to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. A Social Security number is not required to obtain a driver's license, cell phone, insurance, admission to an academic institution or other "nonwork" reason.
Helpful websites:
Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to Exchange Visitors who require a number for tax treaty, tax return, or certain other reasons. The University of Washington is authorized by the IRS to issue ITINs to Exchange Visitors who may receive an honorarium or other non-salary payment during their stay. To apply for an ITIN, contact itin@u.washington.edu.