Money Matters

Employment is any activity for which you receive compensation. Compensation does not only refer to receiving money. For example, baby-sitting or housekeeping in exchange for room and board would be considered compensation for services.

Self-employment (for example, offering personal services, making and selling products, or otherwise engaging in income-producing activity in the U.S.) is generally prohibited.

Income from investments, interest on bank accounts, and similar funds do not constitute employment because there is no direct service/compensation relationship. Similarly, income from foreign employers does not necessarily constitute employment in the U.S. if that money is paid abroad.

Consult your ISS adviser or a lawyer trained in immigration law about opportunities to work in the U.S. There are employment benefits for F-1 and J-1 students.

The Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) provides an estimate of annual expenses for UW international students and their dependents.

Funding your studies is a challenge faced by many international students studying in the U.S. While the University of Washington's Office of Student Financial Aid does not offer any type of scholarship, grant, or other form of aid to international students studying in the United States, there are other funding opportunties available.

Students who are not employed but receive scholarships and tuition waivers may need to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). Submit an ITIN Request Form to the Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS).

Students holding F-1 and J-1 status who are paid by U.S. sources must apply for a Social Security number.

Most F-1 and J-1 students must file forms each year with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if no income was earned. For information about your tax obligations, review ISS tax information.

The UW Office of Student Fiscal Services answers these and other questions: How much do I owe? When is it due? How do I pay it?