Immigration Regulations

F-1 and J-1 students are expected to complete their academic program by the end date shown on their I-20 or DS-2019. If you plan to depart the United States after you complete your studies, F-1 students can remain in the country no more than 60 days after the program end date on your I-20. For J-1 students, there is a 30 day grace period. Contact ISS&GE well in advance of that end date if:

• You need additional time to complete your program.

• You plan to apply for optional practical training (OPT) upon program completion (F-1) or apply for  J-1 academic training.

• You plan to enroll in another degree program either at Marian University or transfer to another U.S. school.

• If you will not complete your degree by the end date noted on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019), you must inform ISS&GE at least two weeks prior to the end date so you can request an extension. Extensions cannot be given after the expiration date.

If you are in F-1 or J-1 status and a non-resident for tax purposes, you are required to file Form 8843 if you were present in the United States for any amount of time in the previous calendar year. For example, if you were in the United States for any amount of time in the prior year, you must complete the Form 8843 and mail it to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the deadline, typically June 15. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline has been extended until July 15, 2020.

If you had any U.S.-sourced income, you may also be required to complete the Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ. This form is due typically on April 15. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline has been extended until July 15, 2020.

We recommend you use a software to assist you with the document-filing process. There are various software options available, such as GLACIER Tax Prep and Sprintax. Marian University has purchased user codes for the GLACIER Tax Prep system and more information will be available in February. 

Marian University does not endorse any specific software plan, and more are available beyond the ones listed above. We do recommend, however, that you use one that specifically helps non-resident aliens as they are built according to their unique tax laws and treaties.

Unfortunately, tax scams are ubiquitous. Never give personal information, such as immigration or banking information, on the phone or via email to people who claim to be at the IRS. More information about the scams and how to handle them are found on the IRS website.

Marian University does not have tax experts and therefore cannot, by law, answer specific tax questions. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to meet your tax obligations.