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Welcome

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The Museum School is a diverse community of artists from around the world. The School greatly values its international students, faculty, and administrators who enliven the community and generously share their cultural traditions, perspectives, and interests. We've welcomed artists from over 30 countries, including: 
 
Argentina Colombia Ireland Saudi Arabia
Australia Costa Rica Israel Singapore
Austria Denmark Italy South Korea
Bahrain Ecuador Japan Spain
Brazil France Lithuania Taiwan
Canada Germany Malaysia Trinidad and Tobago
China Hungary Mexico Turkey
Cuba India Russia United Kingdom


Announcements

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Important U.S. Tax Information for International Students - Filing 2011 Tax Returns

Important U.S. Tax Information for International Students - Filing 2011 Tax Returns


If you were in the United States during any part of 2011 on a non-immigrant visa status other than a tourist visa, there is at least one tax form you must complete – regardless of your income.
 
To learn more about your tax reporting responsibilities and resources available to assist you with meeting those responsibilities, please download the US Tax Information for International Students document located under "Guides" on this page.
 
Your completed tax form should be mailed to the Internal Revenue Service by April 17, 2012.


Graduating? Most Common Options for Graduating International Students

Graduating? What's next?
 
If you will soon complete your current program of study at the School, you should begin to consider your future plans as they relate to your immigration status. Take a moment to read over the most common options for graduating international students. Contact the International Student Advisor for more information.
 

Most Common Options for Graduating International Students

60-day post-completion grace period: Upon completion of your studies, which is the last day of the last semester (or term) that you are enrolled*, you are automatically granted a 60-day grace period to lawfully remain in the United States. The purpose of the grace period is to give you time to either:

  1. prepare for departure from the country by the end of the grace period;
  2. transfer to another institution; or
  3. apply for another visa classification

*Please note that the date of completion may be different from the date listed on your current I-20 and is not the date of your graduation ceremony. The date of completions for students who are completing their program this semester is May 11. The date of completion for students who will finish their coursework over the summer is linked to the last date that the course meets or the end of the term that you are enrolled in.

Optional Practical Training: Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of your F-1 student status that allows for temporary employment in the field of study for purposes of gaining practical experience. Please see the attachment under the Forms and Guides sections for more information regarding OPT. Applications must be submitted before the end of the 60-day grace period.

Transfer to a new school: If you plan to continue your education at another School, your SEVIS record will need to be transferred to that school. If you wish to maintain your F-1 student visa status, your SEVIS record should be transferred to the new school prior to the end of the 60-day grace period.

Change to a new program at the Museum School: If you plan to continue your education at the Museum School, you will need a new I-20 that reflects the new program of study. You should request the new I-20 prior to the end of the 60-day grace period.


International Student Advising

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International students may obtain information and advising on immigration matters from the International Student Advisor (ISA) located in the Student Affairs Office. Services and information provided by the International Student Advisor include; I-20 signatures, visa information, employment options, income tax information, as well as many other immigration procedures and policies.
For more details, please visit international.smfa.edu or download the International Student Guide on this page.

Contact Information for the International Student Advisor:
International students are welcome to drop by the Student Affairs Office at any time with questions or concerns. However, it is advisable to make an appointment to meet with the International Student Advisor ahead of time.
Office of Student Affairs
Located on the first floor, A-side of the main School building
Phone: 617.369.3617
Fax: 617.369.4264
 
Don’t wait until the last minute:
When you need immigration assistance, please allow proper time for processing.
 

• Signature on I-20 for travel – 1-3 days

• Program Extensions – 1-2 weeks

• School Transfer – 1-2 weeks

• Curricular Practical Training – 1 week

• Optional Practical Training – 2 months or more


Guides

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International Student Guide: Resources & Responsibilities
International Student Guide (.pdf, 223K)
Curricular Practical Training - Internship Authorization
CPT Guidelines.pdf (.pdf, 81K)
Optional Practical Training - Off-Campus Employment Authorization
OPT Guidelines & Application (.pdf, 1874K)
Social Security Numbers
SSN Guide + Application (.pdf, 188K)
Tax Information
US Tax Info for International Students (.pdf, 86K)
Learn about your responsibility for filing yearly tax paperwork with the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Instructions for Completing the W-4, Federal Withholding Form (.pdf, 72K)
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Travel Advisory for International Students (.pdf, 76K)
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Resources

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Immigration Information


Living and Studying in the U.S.

This online guide contains up-to-date information about everything an international student needs to know about studying and living in the United States. It covers topics from college admissions and financial aid to culture shock and clothing sizes. http://www.edupass.org/
 
Foreignborn.com provides free online services to immigrants and foreign-born individuals and families entering and living in the United States. Their online guides address topics such as US visas & immigration, Green Cards, health insurance, medical care, banking & credit, college & university study, Social Security, and more. http://www.foreignborn.com/