Email this pageInternational Students
International Services Office (ISO)
Prospective Students
All international students must attend the ISO's International Student Orientation Program (ISOP) on Friday, August 22nd, 2008.
The ISOP is a program welcoming new international students to the University. Many fun and interesting events will take place introducing the incoming students to the U of R campus, the Rochester community, and the United States of America. Students, spouses, and their families will have the opportunity to attend workshops regarding immigration laws, cultural adjustment, and life in and around the University of Rochester.
More information for prospective students.
Social Security Numbers
All international students are required to obtain an U.S. Social Security Number and may be asked to work a minimal number of hours to become eligible for the Social Security Number. Your graduate program coordinator will advise you if you will be required to work. You must provide a copy of your Social Security Card to the Offices for Graduate Education within 1 week of receipt.
Tax Liability
Stipends are taxable, and you are required to report and file taxes. Publication 519 [PDF], issued by the IRS, will explain your tax liability.
International Students in the U.S. are required to file tax forms each year regardless of whether they earned any income in the U.S. The ISO provides tax workshops in the spring of each year. (These workshops are mandatory for School of Medicine and Dentistry international students.) The ISO staff does not give tax advice but will give information and referrals.
Tax treaties often exempt international students from paying taxes. Students from tax treaty countries (list available in the International Student Office) should file a Form 8233 each and every year with the Payroll and Employee Records Center.