Non-Immigrant Visa Holders
This webpage is a resource to support our international students and colleagues who are non-immigrant visa holders, or non-F/J visa holders. F/J visa holders should contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) office with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to study or work given my current visa status?
To see if your visa status allows you to work or study, visit this helpful visa categories chart on the ISSO website.
For more details on employment authorization for your given visa status, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. In general, only non-citizens who have permission from DHS to work can apply for a Social Security number. Find additional information about Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers (PDF) on the Social Security Administration website. If you are ineligible to apply for a social security card, you may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
I am not a U.S. citizen. Do I qualify for financial aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available for U.S. citizens and certain eligible non citizens. The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is also available for students who are considered to be a resident of Texas, but who are not able to complete the FAFSA because they are not a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen. For more information regarding financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Do I qualify for in-state tuition? Where can I get more information?
Visit the Establishing Texas Residency webpage from the Registrar’s office for information on establishing Texas residency for in-state tuition. You can also visit the Residency FAQ page for more information.
Am I required to file taxes?
Yes, even if you did not work or receive an income, all individuals residing in the U.S. must file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). UT Dallas has arranged access to Sprintax Tax Preparation, an online tax preparation software, specifically for nonresident alien students. To gain access to the software, you will need to complete the online registration form to determine your residency status as a taxpayer. Depending on how long you have been residing on U.S. soil with your status, you may be considered a resident for tax purposes and would not be eligible to utilize this service. For those classified as residents, local community resources may be available to help you file your taxes for free. You can enter your zip code on the IRS website to find places close to where you live. Or you can call this free hotline: 1-800-906-9887. For more information on using Sprintax, you can visit the ISSO page. If you have any additional questions about tax filing, contact the UT Dallas Tax Compliance Office at taxcompliance@utdallas.edu.