How International Students Can Access The $1200 Stimulus Check

International students may be eligible for stimulus checks, but this depends on several factors. These include the student's visa status, income level, and whether they are claimed as a dependent. F-1 or J-1 visa holders are typically considered non-residents for tax purposes and are therefore ineligible for stimulus payments. However, exceptions exist for those who qualify as resident aliens for tax purposes, either by holding a Green Card or passing the Substantial Presence Test. Additionally, eligible students must have a valid Social Security Number and have filed their tax returns.

F-1 visa holders

International students on F-1 visas are not eligible for the $1,200 stimulus check. To be eligible for the stimulus check, you must be a permanent resident or a citizen. F-1 visa holders are considered non-immigrants, and they are required to have a residence abroad which they have no intention of giving up.

F-1 visas are for international students enrolled in academic programs or English Language Programs at US colleges or universities. To qualify for an F-1 visa, applicants must meet several criteria, including:

• Enrolment in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
• Attendance at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (SEVP)
• Full-time student status
• English proficiency or enrolment in courses leading to English proficiency
• Sufficient funds to support oneself during the entire course of study
• Maintenance of a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up

Upon completion of their program, F-1 visa holders have 60 days to leave the US unless they have applied and been approved to stay and work under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program. F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment in certain situations, such as severe economic hardship, but any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.

Income requirements

International students may be eligible for stimulus checks if they meet certain requirements. These requirements include having a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and having filed their 2018 or 2019 tax returns. According to the IRS, citizens, permanent residents, and residents for tax purposes can claim the stimulus check under the CARES Act.

To be considered a "resident for tax purposes," an international student must hold a Green Card or pass the Substantial Presence Test. The Substantial Presence Test considers the number of days an individual is present in the US. International students who spend 31 days in the US during the current year and 183 days over a three-year period, including the current year and the two preceding years, are considered residents for tax purposes.

F-1 or J-1 visa holders who qualify as tax residents for 2020 and file a resident tax return on Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ are eligible for stimulus payments unless they are claimed as dependents on someone else's tax return. However, it is important to note that F-1 and J-1 visa holders are typically considered non-residents for tax purposes and are therefore generally not eligible for stimulus payments.

The income requirements for the stimulus checks state that individuals with an adjusted gross income of $80,000 or more and married couples with an adjusted gross income of $160,000 or more do not qualify for the stimulus payment. These income thresholds are set to ensure that the stimulus payments are targeted towards individuals and families with lower incomes who may need additional financial support.

Social Security Number

International students with F-1 visas can be eligible to receive stimulus checks, but only under certain conditions. To be eligible, students must have filed a 2018 and/or 2019 tax return as a resident for tax purposes using Form 1040. They must also fall within the income threshold, have a Social Security Number, and have filed taxes.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is an important piece of US administrative paperwork that is needed for many tasks. If you are a foreign student coming into the country, you will need to be authorized to work in the US, either by having a valid F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa or by being authorized for optional practical training (OPT). You must also have employment or a job offer that requires you to have an SSN.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue an SSN, upon request, to international students for employment purposes only. To apply for an SSN, you will need to visit an SSA office in person and fill out an application with Form SS-5. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as your passport, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and visa documentation. If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you must also show the SSA your Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, Form I-20. If you are a J-1 exchange visitor, you must show your Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status in Form DS-2019. F-1 students must also provide evidence of on-campus employment and verification of enrollment status. J-1 students must provide evidence of employment eligibility from the sponsor.

It can take up to four weeks to receive your SSN after submitting your application and supporting documents. It is important to keep your SSN in a safe and secure location and not provide it unless required.

Filing taxes

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are typically considered nonresident aliens by the IRS and are subject to specific tax filing requirements. Even if you did not earn any income during your stay in the US, you may still be required to file a tax return.

Federal Tax Filing Requirements

All international students in the US have a federal tax filing requirement, regardless of whether they have US-source income or not. However, if your only income is from interest on US bank deposits, you may not need to file a federal tax return. The federal tax return form for nonresident aliens is Form 1040-NR, which is used to assess your federal income and taxes. Additionally, you must file Form 8843 with the IRS by the specified deadline, even if you had no income during the tax year.

State Tax Filing Requirements

In addition to federal taxes, most states in the US collect state income tax. Nine states have no tax-filing requirements, while the remaining states have varying tax rates and deductions. Depending on the state you reside in, you may be required to file a state tax return and pay state income tax, even if you do not owe any federal income tax.

Taxable Income for International Students

International students on F-1 visas are generally exempt from FICA taxes on wages earned for services performed in the US. However, if you receive a taxable scholarship or fellowship grant, you must report it on your tax return. Other forms of taxable income for international students include rental income, investment income, or income as an independent contractor. You will typically receive a 1042-S form from your school or institution if you have taxable scholarship income.

Tax Refunds and Stimulus Checks

International students on F-1 visas may be eligible for tax refunds from the US. To claim a refund, you must file your tax return and meet certain requirements, such as income thresholds. Additionally, F-1 students who filed tax returns as residents for tax purposes may qualify for stimulus checks under the CARES Act. However, eligibility for stimulus checks also depends on factors such as income level and filing status.

Resident status

An individual's resident status is a key factor in determining their eligibility for certain benefits, tax liabilities, and other legal requirements. For international students, their residency status can impact their tax obligations, visa requirements, and access to certain benefits or services. Here is an overview of the concept of "resident status" for international students in the context of the United States and Canada:

In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines an individual's residency status for tax purposes. International students in the US on an F-1 visa are generally considered "nonresident aliens" for tax purposes during their first five calendar years in the country. During this period, they are exempt from certain taxes, such as Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, they are still required to file tax returns and report any income earned in the US. After five years, F-1 students may be considered "resident aliens" for tax purposes if they meet the "Substantial Presence Test," which is based on the number of days spent in the country.

It is important to note that the residency status of "resident alien" for tax purposes does not grant the same rights as legal residency or citizenship. International students on F-1 visas are still subject to restrictions on employment and must comply with the requirements of their visa status. Additionally, their spouses or dependents accompanying them on an F-2 visa will have their residency status derived from the student's status.

In Canada, international students must determine their residency status for income tax purposes. This status is based on the residential ties they establish with Canada. If an international student establishes significant residential ties with Canada, they are considered a resident for tax purposes. This typically applies to students who reside in Canada for most of the year, even if they return to their home country periodically.

On the other hand, if an international student does not establish significant residential ties with Canada and stays in the country for less than 183 days during the year, they are considered a non-resident for tax purposes. There are specific forms and guidelines provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help individuals determine their residency status and understand their tax filing requirements.

Frequently asked questions