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This resource is intended for any foreign national newly employed by Áñ—†ÊÓƵ University in the United States. A foreign national is a person who is not a citizen of the United States and is a citizen of a foreign country. Foreign Nationals who are newly hired by Áñ—†ÊÓƵ University (and will receive a paycheck from Áñ—†ÊÓƵ University) must complete these steps.

Step 1: Activate Áñ—†ÊÓƵ NetID and Email

Step 2: Complete virtual check-in with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)

See the appropriate instructions below.

Step 3: Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Foreign nationals who already Áñ—†ÊÓƵ a Social Security Card should skip this step and proceed to step #4.

Only apply for an ITIN if you are NOT eligible for a Social Security Number. See the OISS Social Security resource to determine if you are eligible.

Read more about on the HR website.

Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) (processing takes 2-6 weeks)

See complete instructions and required documents at How to Apply for an SSN.

After you receive your Social Security Card:

• If you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ presented I-9 documents already, send an email to askHR@northwestern.edu  to request access to add your SSN to Section 1 of your I-9.
• If you Áñ—†ÊÓƵ not completed the I-9, start Section 1 of your I-9. See Step 4 below.

Who should apply for an ITIN?

Foreign Nationals who will receive stipends from a scholarship or fellowship, but will not be employed by Áñ—†ÊÓƵ University, such as a graduate assistantship or temporary employment, will not be eligible for a SSN and must instead apply for an . Students who receive an ITIN and later become eligible for a SSN should then apply for a SSN and cancel their ITIN.

ITIN applications are often completed with the Univeristy as part of the on-boarding FNIS process. See Step #5 below.

Step 4: Complete Form I-9

Form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the U.S. This includes citizens and noncitizens. Both employees and employers (or authorized representatives of the employer) must complete the form.

1. Complete section 1 of the I-9 no later than the first day of employment/paid status: .
2. Create a UserID and Password under the New Employees section.
3. Present acceptable documents (passport, I-94, I-20, DS-2019, I-797, or EAD) to a Áñ—†ÊÓƵ representative in your department or HR Operations no later than third day of employment/paid status.
4. Once SSN is received, contact askHR@northwestern.edu and ask for your I-9 to be opened.

Step 5: Register for Foreign National Information System (FNIS)

1. Complete the FNIS request form and submit to Payroll office or email to fntax@northwestern.edu
2. You will receive an email within 48 hours with UserID, password and additional instructions.
3. Complete data entry at  on page 1-5 and submit on page 6. See the FNIS Tip Sheet for guidance on how to complete the electronic forms.
4. Submit your data electronically and your FNIS tax forms will be ready for signature within 48 hours.
5. Visit Payroll Office to sign your paperwork and present your documents. You will need to present the following: passport, visa, immigration documents (I-20, DS-2019, I-797 and/or IAD), and most recent  I-94 Record.

Step 6: Set up direct deposit and confirm your address

1. Set up to receive your paycheck electronically.
2. Login to MyHR with your NetID and password to review and confirm your legal/mailing address.

Step 7: Learn about U.S. taxes and your obligations

Áñ—†ÊÓƵ offers the following resources to assist you in understanding your U.S. tax obligations and filing a tax return.

OISS Resource on U.S. Taxes

Tax FAQs from OISS

- from Áñ—†ÊÓƵ's Human Resources

Questions?