Most onboarding tasks are the same for international students, but the following steps of the hiring process are different.  

Foreign National Tax Information Form

As a new international student employee, you will be required to complete the Foreign National Tax Information Form as part of your onboarding process. If you are rehired at any point in your student years, the form MUST be updated upon each rehire so that Payroll has the most up-to-date biographical information and travel history for you.

 

W-4's

As an international employee, your W-4 is subject to restrictions and therefore is issued and monitored by USC’s Payroll Department.  You will be sent a W-4 form to ensure you are completing the form correctly. Contact the Payroll Department if you have any questions.

 

FICA Exemption

If you are a J-1 or F-1 student who is considered a non-resident alien for tax purposes and is performing services for the purpose of your visa, you are granted the FICA exemption under IRS Section 3121(b)(19).

As your employer, USC is prohibited from giving you any tax advice, including what to put on a tax form, and you should rely on the official instructions of your tax advisors.