Refugees/Asylees 

To see if your visa status allows you to work or study, visit this helpful visa categories chart on the ISSO website.  Refugees are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, violence, or persecution and have sought safety in another country like the U.S. They are unable to return to their home country because of feared persecution based on who they are, what they believe in, or because of armed conflict, violence, or serious public disorder. For more information on the refugee process and benefits awarded, please visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Refugees webpage. 

Asylum is a form of protection which allows an individual to remain in the United States instead of being removed (deported) to a country where said person fears persecution or harm. Under U.S. law, people who flee their countries because they fear persecution can apply for asylum. If they are granted asylum, this gives them protection and the right to stay in the United States. Those who are granted asylum are called asylees. For more information, please visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) page on Asylum.

As a refugee, you may work immediately upon arrival to the United States. You should have received an employment authorization document (EAD card) which you can present to your employer. For more information, visit the USCIS Refugees webpage. You are also eligible to apply for a social security card. For more information, see the Social Security Administration website. 

As an asylee, you may also work immediately upon being granted asylee status. For more information, visit the USCIS webpage on the Benefits and Responsibilities of Asylees. You are also eligible to apply for a social security card. For more information, see the Social Security Administration website.

Refugee students and students who have been granted asylum are considered “eligible non-citizens” and can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal financial aid. For more information on eligibility requirements, please visit the Financial Aid eligibility webpage or contact the Office of Financial Aid.  

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.

Noncitizens employed in the United States may have a U.S. tax obligation. See the  Taxation of Nonresident Aliens page on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for more information. 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, or for information on what to do if you did not work/earn any income, 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.