Arrival in Boston and Registration Requirements

There are many things to consider before your arrival to the United States. You should come to the United States with enough money for your initial expenses. Make sure you have some U.S. currency available when you arrive. Foreign exchange services are located at Logan International Airport, Boston, and at local banks. Please keep in mind that most banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Important: Upon your arrival in the U.S. you are required to register in person at the Office of International Affairs (IAO). You should contact the IAO at (617) 636-0354 to make an appointment with an advisor. Please bring your passport and visa documentation in order to make registration as easy as possible.

Social Security Numbers and Tax Information

If you are employed in the United States, you must obtain a Social Security Number BEFORE YOU BEGIN WORKING. You must apply for a Social Security Number in order to get paid by your employer. Application is made to the local Social Security Administrative Office (SSA). You should bring your form I-20 or DS-2019, passport, I-94 card and an employment verification letter from your employer and from the OIA to the SSA office. For additional information, please visit the Social Security Administration Website.

Foreign students who have F-l or J-l visa status are not subject to pay Social Security tax (FICA) but still need this Social Security number for other tax filing purposes. If Tufts assigned you a temporary school ID number (starting with an eight- or nine-hundred number), you cannot use this number outside of Tufts. You must apply to the SSA Office for a Social Security Number.

Social Security Offices Closest to Tufts Campuses

Form I-9 "Employment Eligibility Verification"
When starting your job, you will be asked to complete form I-9, which requires you to document your identity and work authorization. The best document to present in order to comply is the Form I-688B, Employment Authorization Document (E.A.D. CARD). Copies of submitted documents will be made and kept on file at your place of employment.

Federal and State Income Tax
In most cases, foreign students and scholars are subject to all federal and states taxes if employed in the United States. Tax treaties exist between the U.S. government and some foreign countries, which may affect the amount of tax you are required to pay. You will be required to file both federal and state income tax forms by April 15 of each year for any work completed during the previous calendar year. THE LAW REQUIRES ALL FOREIGN STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS TO FILE TAX RETURNS, WHETHER EMPLOYED OR NOT. Tax forms can be obtained at banks, post offices, libraries and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Offices from January through April. The IAO keeps a limited supply of various IRS forms and informational booklets. As a non-resident, taxation is extremely complicated. When filing your tax returns, it is best to consult someone at your place of employment who is knowledgeable, visit an office of the IRS, or consult a tax attorney/tax accountant.