Archives

Students and scholars must apply for and obtain a valid visa stamp (also simply referred to as a “visa”) before entering the U.S.

Sometimes students and scholars visiting the U.S. confuse the term “visa” with the concept of “immigration status”. It is important to know the differences between these important words.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization available to F-1 international students who participate in a training experience as part of a curricular requirement. CPT opportunities are called a variety of names at WashU including, but not limited to, practicums (Brown School), externships (Law School), internships (Olin Business and Sam Fox), co-ops (McKelvey Engineering), clinical […]

If you receive funds from WashU, you must go through the appropriate payroll process.

When you receive money or income from a U.S. source, you may be required to pay federal, state, or local taxes. This money may be withheld from your paycheck if you are employed or receive a stipend, or you may be required to pay taxes on your own to the appropriate tax agency. Although employment […]

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to individuals by the U.S. government for tax and other purposes. The primary purpose of an SSN is to track an individual’s earnings and their contributions to the Social Security system, which is a federal program. In addition to its use in the […]

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who plan to seek employment in the U.S. in their fields of study. Post-completion OPT authorization allows F-1 students to work in a job directly related to their major after they graduate from WashU or, in some cases, while they work […]

F-1 students who hold degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) may be eligible to apply for a 24 month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT), for a total of 36 months of post-completion OPT. Only students who have completed degrees in a STEM designated field qualify for this extension. You can locate your […]

On-campus employment for J-1 students is limited to 20 hours per week when classes are in session. The 20-hour total can be split between different types of employment, if authorized. All work must be authorization and authorization is specific to the employer. Full-time employment is allowed during official school breaks and annual vacation (i.e., summer […]

Primary immigration status holders may bring a spouse and/or children to the U.S. in dependent status. Applicants for dependent status must demonstrate a lawful spousal or parent-child relationship to the primary immigration status holder. Spouse and children status is dependent on the primary visa holder’s status.