International Students/Scholars
International students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas are supported through the Office of International Services (OIS).
Requirements for Maintaining Your Status
F-1/J-1 Students
- Be enrolled full-time (12+ hours for undergraduate students and 9+ hours for graduate students)
- Have good academic standing (GPA of 2.0+ for undergraduate students and 3.0+ for graduate students)
- Only have authorized employment – consult with OIS (ois@ncsu.edu) before proceeding in any employment. Note: International students are strictly limited to working 20 hour per week maximum or it will violate a student’s immigration status. However, students can work more than 20 hours per week during official semester breaks and during the summer semester as long as they are pre-registered for the fall semester.
- Maintain health insurance
- Update residential address information in MyPack every semester in MyPack Portal
- For OPT Only: Maintain updated employment address information
Office of International Services’ information on maintaining your status
J-1 Visiting Scholar/Student Intern
Requirements for maintaining your status
U.S. Tax Information
International students physically present in the United States for any part of 2020 are legally required to file tax documentation by April 15, 2021. This is true regardless of whether or not the individual received any income in 2020.
Office of International Services’ information on U.S. tax information
Social Security
A Social Security number (SSN) is a number issued by the U.S. Federal government for tax purposes. All students who are currently employed are required to apply for an SSN.
New international students must first attend a scheduled check-in with OIS before applying for an SSN so OIS can activate/validate the SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 record. After check-in, OIS recommends the student to wait at least five days before applying for the SSN. OIS also recommends that new students wait 10 days after arrival to the U.S. before applying since the Social Security Administration must confirm the port-of-entry details posted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry (there is a delay of up to 10 days for that interface to occur).
For on-campus appointment offer letters required for applying for an SSN:
- Hourly student worker appointments: Email Textiles-HR@ncsu.edu
- Graduate assistantships: The Terms and Conditions document that was signed in processing your appointment will serve as your offer letter. You and your supervisor must physically sign the document with ink pen.
Office of International Services’ information on Social Security
International Compensation and Taxation
All Foreign Nationals who are employed on campus or who will receive a fellowship, scholarship, and certain payments processed through the University Controller’s office are required to have a tax assessment. A tax assessment must be completed prior to you receiving your first paycheck.
Appointments can be scheduled by emailing ictquestions@ncsu.edu.
International Compensation and Taxation (ICT) assists NC State to successfully compensate and tax the university’s foreign national students, scholars, and employees. International Compensation and Taxation is responsible for ensuring compliance with payment and taxation regulations and procedures as well as providing guidance for the University’s employees working outside of the United States. ICT stays current with relevant U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and NC Department of Revenue (NC DOR) regulations, policies, and compliance.
University Controller’s Office information on International Compensation and Taxation
Other Resources from OIS Website
F-1/J-1 Students
J-1 Visiting Scholar/Student Intern
Get Involved!
Alternative Intercultural Service Break
The Alternative Intercultural Service Break (AISB) program is a unique experience for both international and domestic NC State students to spend their break participating in activities, making new friends and engaging in service projects in a local community. Throughout the trip, team members participate in a variety of cultural, educational, recreational and reflective activities.
Culture Corps
Culture Corps is a unique program at NC State University that sends members of our international population out into the Raleigh community to share information about their countries and cultures. In addition, internationals can serve as “cultural consultants” to individuals on school projects. International students/scholars visit schools (most notably elementary, middle, and high schools in the Wake County Public School System), pre-schools, businesses, civic organizations, bookstores, libraries, churches, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts and home school networks to share on a variety of topics. Through presentations, demonstrations, question/answer, display tables (at festivals), etc., internationals are able to serve as ambassadors for their countries.
English Conversation Club
If you’re looking for a relaxed place to practice your English or you are a native English speaker that enjoys interacting with international students and scholars, then English Conversation Club is the place for you! We ask that participants come ready to talk and have fun! Volunteers please use the link below to register. English Conversation Club is a great place to learn commonly used idioms, practice your conversation skills and learn American vocabulary.
International Moms or Mates (IMOM)
International Moms or Mates (I.M.O.M.) is a group for female spouses of international students and scholars at NC State University. I.M.O.M. is a place for personal growth, friendship, and fun – a place to belong in an unfamiliar place. Participants do not have to have children in order to join I.M.O.M.
International Alumni
The NC State Alumni Association engages alumni and friends through programs and services that foster pride and enhance a lifelong connection to NC State. Membership to the Association is open to graduates, former students, current students, parents and friends of NC State. Your membership funds student scholarships, student leadership programs, faculty recognition initiatives and alumni programs. The NC State Alumni Association can also help you connect with other NC State alumni living throughout the United States via their regional networks. Take a look at their regional network map to find alumni near you!
International Students and Scholars Engaged In Reaching Out And Volunteering (ISSERV)
ISSERV (International Students & Scholars Engaged in Reaching out & Volunteering) is a program designed to encourage NC State’s international students, scholars, and family members to volunteer in the Raleigh community. By volunteering, internationals interact with Americans and learn more about American culture, while also sharing their own culture.
International Student Ambassadors
International Student Ambassadors serve as a representative for their specific academic department and/or country. They serve as points of contact for current, incoming, and prospective international students and scholars at NC State University.
International Student Advisory Council (ISAC)
The International Student Advisory Council (ISAC) works to improve the experience of international students at NC State by providing informed feedback and recommendations to OIS and other campus units regarding globally relevant programs, services and policies.
Orientation Volunteers
Each year OIS welcomes more than 1,000 new international students to NC State. In order to provide these students with a warm Wolfpack Welcome, we rely heavily on orientation volunteers. These opportunities include extensive training and support from the Office of International Services staff and campus partners, and provide leadership opportunities that strengthen the campus community and global learning.