International students are permitted to work in the United States under three specific conditions:
• On- campus job: students are allowed to work for the institution where they attend classes up to 20 hours per week. International students do not qualify for federal financial aid and therefore cannot accept a work-study position. Common places where international students work at Canisius include the library, bookstore, athletics, and dining services.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): International students who wish to complete an internship off campus can apply for CPT. Canisius requires that international students receive course credit for internships. This means that an Associate Dean must sign off on their internships meeting the internship requirements for the student’s academic major. Not every department allows students to have an internship count toward their degree. Once the Associate Dean approves of the internship and the student has filled out the necessary paperwork, the Center for International Education will help process CPT paperwork and submit it to SEVIS and create a new I-20. The student is then welcome to work off campus for that internship.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): In each student’s last semester, they are welcome to apply for OPT. OPT is a one-year temporary work authorization for F1 students. This allows individuals who graduate from U.S. colleges and universities gain practical experience in the US before they go back to their home countries. Canisius requires that international students attend an information session with ISP before they can apply.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
In order to work in the U.S., you will need a Social Security Number.
To obtain one, you will have to document that you are eligible to work in the U.S.
• Secure your Employment Letter
• Request and collect a letter from DSO at International Student Office
• Complete your Social Security Number Application online and prepare your documents to take to the Social Security Office
• Locate and go to your Social Security Office to finish the application process
U.S. TAX FILING INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Show Who Needs to File Taxes?
All international students present in the U.S. in the previous calendar year must file at least Form 8843, even if they had no income.
Show When is the Deadline?
The tax filing deadline is usually April 15 each year (e.g., for 2024 income, the deadline is April 15, 2025)
Show How Can You File?
Use online tax software (Sprintax) specifically for nonresident aliens. Sprintax is often provided for free or at a discount through Canisius. The Center for International Education will provide you with a promo code.
You will need to create an account if you have not done so already from previous years.
Show What Documents Will You Need?
Passport and visa info
I-20
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
W-2 form (if you worked)
U.S. entry/exit dates (can be found on the I-94 website, https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home)
Show What is Form 8843?
The first thing you should know about Form 8843 is that it’s not an income tax return. Instead, it is a statement you file for the US Government if you are a certain type of nonresident alien for tax purposes (including spouses and dependents of certain nonresident aliens).
Who must file a Form 8843?
All nonresidents aliens who are in the US on F-1, J-1, F-2 or J-2 visas are required to file a Form 8843. Even if you earned no US income, you must still file this form.
You must file a Form 8843 if:
- You were present in the US in the previous tax year;
- You are a nonresident alien;
- And you are in the US under F-1, J-1, F-2 or J-2 status.
Even if you don’t need to file an income tax return, you should file the Form 8843 if the above criteria apply.
However, if you have no income, you must only fill Form 8843, you should print Form 8843 and mail it to the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215 by the due date.
When is the deadline for filing a Form 8843?
The 2025 deadline for filing Form 8843, along with any tax return that is due, is 15 April 2025. It is important to file before that date to avoid any potential fines and penalties. If you had no US income and are only filing IRS Form 8843, the deadline is 15 June 2025.
Can I file Form 8843 online?
Another common area of confusion around tax time is how to submit Form 8843 online.
Currently, there is no option to file Form 8843 online.
The only way to submit Form 8843 is to complete it and mail it to the address stated above.
Show Tips For Filing
Start early! It takes time to gather documents.
Keep copies of all forms you file, including: W-2, 1042-S, 1098-T (if applicable)
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Filing with software meant for U.S. residents.
Forgetting to file Form 8843 if you had no income
Be accurate with your U.S. travel history.
Beware of scam, the IRS never contacts people by phone, email, or social media to demand payment.