Foreign Nationals Payment & Tax Information

A Foreign National is a person who is not a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien. The UW welcomes Foreign Nationals.

For tax purposes, a Foreign National is generally a F-1 full-time student who has been in the US for less than five calendar years, or a J-1 teacher/researcher who has been in the US for two calendar years or less out of the last six calendar years.

For immigration purposes, a Foreign National is a person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the US who has been admitted on a visa for a temporary stay that will end when the purpose of that stay has been met.

Glossary of terms pertaining to UW Global Operations Support

Glacier is the Nonresident Alien Tax Compliance Software for UW Foreign National employees.

CBP Form I-94 is required to submit information in Glacier. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now issues all Forms I-94 electronically.

Foreign Nationals must go to the CBP website to print a copy of the form.

If you are unable to retrieve the I-94 from the website, you must contact CBP to correct the problem.

You may not begin working for the UW without a Form I-94.

After receiving an invitation to Glacier, all Foreign Nationals must create their own Glacier login and password.

A Glacier packet is required of all Foreign Nationals to determine proper tax treatment, even if you do not have a Social Security number (SSN).

If applicable, attach a copy of the following to the Glacier packet:

• Employment Authorization Card
• Social Security Card

Glacier Tax Compliance

It is critical that Foreign Nationals fill in all previous visits to the US. This information is used to perform the IRS Substantial Presence Test (SPT) to determine whether the individual is a Nonresident Alien or Resident Alien for tax purposes.

Foreign National employees must enter all of their data in the Glacier Nonresident Alien Tax Compliance software.

A completed Tax Summary packet must be submitted to the Payroll team in the ISC.

Failure to supply required Glacier forms and documentation may result in incorrect taxation.

Resources

Getting Started in Glacier

Complete your Glacier packet using this checklist

Checklist of required forms and documents

Employee Glacier Training Guide

Employee Glacier Checklist

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Administrators' Instructions

The University of Washington, through a partnership with Arctic International, uses Glacier software to compile information used to determine the accurate taxing of our Foreign National students, faculty, and staff.

Glacier is a secure web-based system that enables Foreign Nationals to track data including:

• Visa
• Passport
• Entry dates
• Country of residence
• Country of citizenship
• US address
• Foreign address
• Social Security number or ITIN

Based on this information, the UW is able to determine if the individual:

• Is eligible for any tax treaties
• Has passed a substantial presence test, or
• Has become an alien resident for US tax purposes

When a record is created by the employee, Glacier generates a tax summary page and populates the appropriate tax forms. Examples of these forms are the 8233, W-8Ben, and W-4 Federal Tax Withholding.

You can contact a Foreign National specialist by emailing the ISC.

Resources

Administrators' Glacier Training Guide

Extending Work Authorization Chart

Checklist for Paying Wages

Checklist for Paying a Scholarship or Fellowship

Federal law requires that all new employees fill out USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification to document that they are authorized to work in the United States. It is unlawful for the University to knowingly employ a Foreign National not authorized to work in the United States.

Similarly, the University can only make payments to Foreign Nationals who are legally authorized to be in the United States. It is critical that your scholarship and fellowship payments are taxed appropriately.

Information on the Form I-9

Employment Eligibility Verification is a required form for wage payments; it is not required for scholarship and fellowship payments.

Documents that prove Work Authorization include:

• Form I-20 for F-1 visa holder
• Form DS-2019 for J-1 visa holder
• Form I-797C Notice of Action or Form I-94 with stamp for H-1B visa holder
• Form I-94 for TN visa holder
• Employment Authorization Card

Information on document requirements

Completing Form I-9 in Workday 

You file your Form I-9 in Workday. Follow these steps:

1. Employee completes Name and Social Security Number in Section 1.
2. Employee presents documentation to department's Form I-9 Coordinator.
3. Department's Form I-9 Coordinator completes Section 2 of Form I-9.
4. Employee completes Section 3 of Form I-9 according to visa type:
   • Instructions for F-1 visa holder
   • Instructions for J-1 visa holder
   • Instructions for H-1B or TN visa holder
   • Instructions for Employment Authorization Card Holder
5. Leave the Social Security number (SSN) box blank if your SSN is not available at the time of hire.

Instructions on completing Form I-9

Extending Work Authorization

Work Authorization documents have expiration dates. USCIS rules require employers to re-verify Work Authorization on USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification.

These rules also apply to extending Foreign Nationals' authorization to receive scholarships and fellowships. It is critical that your scholarship and fellowship payments are taxed appropriately.

Advance notice will be provided to you as the process for reviewing or extending dates of employment eligibility can be a lengthy one.

You and your department will receive notifications prior to expiration of your Work Authorization.

You are responsible for initiating the renewal process. Contact International Student Services Office (ISS) or International Scholars Office (ISO) to get started.

Then bring your renewal documents to your department's Form I-9 Coordinator.

Your department is responsible for verifying your new Work Authorization documents in Workday. Follow these steps:

1. You complete Name and Social Security Number in Section 1 of Form I-9.
2. You present documentation to your department's Form I-9 Coordinator.
3. Your department's Form I-9 Coordinator completes Section 3 of Form I-9.
4. Employee completes Section 3 of Form I-9 according to visa type:
   • Instructions for F-1 visa holder
   • Instructions for J-1 visa holder
   • Instructions for H-1B or TN visa holder
   • Instructions for Employment Authorization Card Holder

Special rules may apply to the H-1B visa allowing you to work for an additional 240 days from the expiration date of your current Work Authorization if your Work Authorization extension application is pending.

If this exception applies to you, make sure to include a copy of the Form I-797C Notice of Action when submitting your I-9 in Workday.

E-Verify for OPT/STEM Extensions

The University of Washington participates in the E-Verify process.

Only employees who are paid from a federal contract or grant with an E-Verify clause are required to go through the E-Verify process.

The UW Payroll E-Verify account number is 293411. Use this number on OPT/STEM extension forms.

The University of Washington is a withholding agent for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is required to withhold mandated taxes.

All employee wages are taxable unless specifically exempt from tax by a US law or a treaty.

Scholarships and fellowships paid to a Foreign National from a US source are taxable unless specifically exempt from tax by a US law or a treaty.

Tax Treaties

A tax treaty is negotiated between the United States and a foreign country. The purpose is to reduce double taxation on residents of the other country.

A list of current wage tax treaties is available in IRS Publication 901 .

Foreign Nationals should review the IRS Publications in link below and make an initial assessment of their tax treaty eligibility.

IRS Publication 515 Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities

To Note

A Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is required for wage reporting to the IRS and to claim tax treaty benefits.

If the you are eligible for a tax treaty benefit, Glacier will generate an IRS Form 8233 Exemption From Withholding on Compensation for Independent (and Certain Dependent) Personal Services of a Nonresident Alien Individual and an IRS Form W-4 Withholding Allowance Certificate.

IRS Form 8233 must be renewed each calendar year through Glacier.

If the ISC determines that you are eligible for a wage tax treaty exemption:

• A refund will not be made for any Federal Withholding Tax previously withheld during the current calendar year.
• Upon receipt from Glacier of a completed Form 8233 and the Treaty Attachment, Federal Withholding Tax will not be taken out of future paychecks until the tax treaty exemption dollar limit is reached.

Failure to supply the required documentation may result in incorrect taxation.

Canada Income Tax Treaty

IRS Publication 597 provides information on the income tax treaty between the United States and Canada, including provisions that often apply to US citizens or residents who may be liable for Canadian tax.

Treaty provisions are generally reciprocal; the same rules apply to both treaty countries. Therefore, a Canadian resident who receives income from the United States may refer to this publication to see if a treaty provision may affects tax they pay to the United States.

Foreign Nationals Not Eligible or Not Claiming Wage Tax Treaty

You are required to complete IRS Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. This must be submitted in Workday. A Social Security number is required. Special rules apply to nonresident aliens for tax purposes when completing IRS Form W-4.

Instructions for Nonresidents completing the IRS Form W-4

Withholding will default to single and one allowance if you do not complete an IRS Form W-4.

Foreign National Scholarship and Fellowship Recipients

If you are eligible for a Scholarship or Fellowship tax treaty, complete IRS Form W-8BEN Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals).

A Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is required.

IRS Form W-8BEN is valid for three calendar years and must be renewed through Glacier.

A list of current Scholarship and Fellowship tax treaties is available in IRS Publication 901.

If the you are eligible for a tax treaty benefit, Glacier will generate the required forms.

Scholarship and Fellowship payments are subject to 14% Federal withholding tax if there is no tax treaty exemption.

In general, United States OASDI (Social Security and Medicare) taxes apply to payments of wages for services performed as an employee in the US, regardless of the citizenship or residence of either the employee or the employer.

Exemptions to OASDI

Determination of an exemption from OASDI is based on the calendar year (January-December) you enter the United States. The calendar year may only be a partial year. For example, if you entered the United States on December 31, 2016, 2016 counts as your first calendar year.

Students on F-1 or J-1 visas are exempt from OASDI taxes for the first 5 calendar years.

Scholars (non-students) on J-1 visas are exempt from OASDI taxes for the first 2 calendar years.

Students and scholars on J-2, H-1, E3, and TN visas are required to pay OASDI taxes.

Social Security Number and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

IRS regulations mandate that Foreign Nationals must have either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in order to receive any tax treaty benefits.

If a foreign national is receiving wages, you must apply for a Social Security number with the Social Security Administration.

If a foreign national is receiving Scholarship or Fellowship payments, but not wages, you may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

When you receive your Social Security Number:

•  Present your Social Security Card to your department. Your department will update the information in Workday.
• If you are a Foreign National student, you are also required to present your Social Security Card to the Registration Office, 225 Schmitz Hall, for updating in the Student database.

Failure to notify your department and the Registration Office may result in incorrect taxation.

Payments made to a Foreign National who performs services outside of the United States are not subject to Federal Withholding Tax, or OASDI (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. Nor is there any US reporting obligation.

If this circumstance applies to you, complete the UW Certificate of Foreign Status and provide proof of citizenship and residency (i.e., a copy of picture page of your passport).

Instructions on completing the UW Certificate of Foreign Status

You department must submit a confirmation letter stating that all services will be performed outside of the US.

Sample confirmation letter

Your department should forward to the ISC:

1. Completed UW Certificate of Foreign Status
2. Proof of your citizenship
3. Confirmation letter

Scanned copies of documents are acceptable.

UW Foreign National employees who live and work outside of the United States will not receive any United States tax forms.

 Annual IRS Reporting

For tax purposes, all Foreign Nationals are required to fill out Form 8843 Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition.

Resources and information on annual IRS reporting requirements are available through the International Student Services Office (ISS).

Nonresident alien students and scholars use Glacier Nonresident Tax Compliance System to file their individual tax return with the IRS.

Annual Forms Requiring Renewal

IRS Form 8233 and Tax Treaty Attachment for tax exemption on wages are generated through Glacier. These forms must be renewed every year.

IRS Form W-8BEN for tax exemption on Scholarship/Fellowship/Stipend payments is also generated through Glacier and is valid for three years.

University of Washington employees cannot provide personal, legal, or tax advice.

Documents Filing Requirements

For instructions on how to fill out IRS forms, click on the X in the forms column in table below.

If you are a UW employee and a:	W-2	1042-S	1099-R	Stipend Letter	1098-T	1099-Misc
Employee
US Citizen or Immigrant	X
Foreign National Nonresident Alien for Tax Purposes Visa Types: F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, EAD	X Wages over tax treaty limits ($ or time)	X Wages over tax treaty limits ($ or time)
Foreign National Resident Alien for Tax PurposesVisa Types: F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, EAD	X Wages over tax treaty limits ($ or time)
Undergraduate Student
US Citizen or Immigrant Visa Types: F-1, J-1					X
Foreign National Nonresident Alien for Tax PurposesVisa Types: F-1, J-1		X Wages under tax treaty limits ($ or time)
Foreign National Resident Alien for Tax Purposes Visa Types: F-1, J-1					X
Graduate Student/Doctoral Candidate
US Citizen or Immigrant					X
Foreign National Nonresident Alien for Tax Purposes Visa Types: F-1, J-1		X Wages under tax treaty limits ($ or time)
Foreign National Resident Alien for Tax PurposesVisa Types: F-1, J-1					X
Retiree
US Citizen or Immigrant			X
Foreign National Nonresident Alien for Tax PurposesVisa Types: F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, EAD		X Wages under tax treaty limits ($ or time)
Foreign National Resident Alien for Tax Purposes Visa Types: F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, EAD			X
Non-UW Student Scholarship/Fellowship Recipient
US Citizen or Immigrant				X
Foreign National non-resident alien for tax purposesVisa Types: F-1, J-1		X
Foreign National Resident Alien for Tax Purposes				X
Independent Contractor
US Citizen or Immigrant						X
Foreign National Nonresident Alien for Tax Purposes Visa Types: B-1, VWB, B-2, VWT, F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, EAD		X
Foreign National Resident Alien for Tax Purposes Visa Types: B-1, VWB, B-2, VWT, F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, EAD						X

Resources

Global Operations Support

IRS Form W-2

Instructions for IRS Form W-2

IRS Form 1042-S

Instructions for IRS Form 1042-S

IRS Form 1099-R

Instructions for IRS Form 1099-R

Instructions for Stipend Letter

IRS Form 1098-T

Instructions for IRS Form 1098-T

IRS Form 1099-Misc

Instructions for IRS Form 1099-Misc