Massachusetts, located in the Northeastern part of the US, lies adjacent to New York, making it an attractive destination for international students.
A tight labor market has far-reaching ramifications for current business operations as well as future economic development prospects of both Commonwealth residents and companies alike. An increasing number of employers are struggling to recruit enough qualified workers.
Visa Regulations
Massachusetts offers international students access to an outstanding selection of world-class colleges and universities, such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Tufts University, Brandeis University, Wellesley College, and Berklee College of Music - each one offering its own special academic environment and stimulating atmosphere. However, international students must carefully consider all options before making a definitive choice. This may take considerable effort in terms of time, energy, and finances - so taking ample time before making a final decision can only benefit your future!
Student visa types determine which employment activities a student can undertake while in the US. Some student visa categories do not permit off-campus work while others place limits on how many hours can be worked during each pay period. Students should become acquainted with any restrictions of their specific visa category as well as UMass Boston campus employment policy before engaging in any employment activities during official University breaks or otherwise.
Students on F-1 or J-1 student visas are expected to maintain full-time study status; failure to do so could result in the loss of immigration status and require them to file an I-539 reinstatement petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services or exit the country and reenter under another visa category.
Academic advisors working with F-1 students should be mindful of federal regulations that prohibit off-campus employment for full-time enrolled students on F-1 visas. Any students wanting to pursue off-campus training or employment should first consult with the International Programs Office before making arrangements for such work or training.
Hosting international employees or visitors in your department comes with its own set of University protocols, and the IPO can assist with sponsoring them for appropriate visa classifications. To avoid delays, all documents submitted to the IPO should contain accurate and up-to-date information, particularly names and dates of birth.
Work and Study Opportunities
Massachusetts, located in New England, boasts one of the nation's most diverse economies. Attracting global companies and top universities alike, Massachusetts provides students with internship and career opportunities at some of the world's most impressive organizations. Massachusetts also serves as a center for innovation - top schools provide them with all of the skills needed to launch successful careers.
As such, Massachusetts colleges are among the most desired destinations for international students. From Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University to lesser-known institutions like Emory University or Tufts, Massachusetts offers world-class higher education options that will meet your academic and professional goals.
Massachusetts is known for its top research universities, but Massachusetts also boasts numerous acclaimed state institutions that can compete with them on academic standards. From student-centric cities such as Boston to more remote towns and villages across the state, Massachusetts boasts numerous colleges with subject strengths that may suit you; some may lack prestige when compared with more renowned counterparts; however, such as Mass Maritime Academy having employers waiting in line to hire graduates; Mass College of Art being the only public school offering real career prospects for art majors enrolled here in particular.
Work-study programs are an integral component of college student financial aid packages. These positions offer students jobs that emphasize civic service or that relate directly to their course of study, while often being more secure than off-campus jobs due to payment through their school and being monitored for progress and reduced hours if grades begin to slip.
MIT's off-campus work-study program, created in conjunction with community partners, offers both academic and career development opportunities for its students. Each job was specifically created to address community needs and increase the quality of life for low-income individuals within the local area.
MIT provides additional on-campus work-study positions through Handshake, the Student Employment Services website for students. Please be aware that any job posted through Handshake must adhere to federal and University policies.
Work Permits
All minors 14 years old or older must obtain a work permit to work legally in Massachusetts. This process entails meeting with the Superintendent of Schools and providing specific documentation - the application can be downloaded here on the right.
The application must be filled out and signed by both a parent or guardian of a minor and completed in its entirety by both prospective employers and physicians' offices of record.
Candidates applying for a Work Permit Application checklist (linked here on the right) are strongly advised to use it as part of the application process to ensure they possess all required documents before beginning the process. All forms should be original rather than photocopies.
Be mindful that work permits only allow minors to work during school hours. Any attempts by minors to work outside these times are in violation of state law and could incur fines or other penalties.
Minors looking to secure work permits in Massachusetts must either reside there or attend school there to apply. Permits are issued by the Superintendent of Schools in their municipality of residence/attendance and applicants should come prepared with documents that prove their identity, social security number, immigration status and education records as part of the application.
The timeline for sponsoring an immigrant for a work permit in the United States varies depending on individual circumstances and processing times with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; it is usually estimated that this process takes several months.
Immigrants eligible for work permits must meet specific criteria, including being lawful permanent residents, asylum seekers or refugees with valid legal status in order to qualify. Furthermore, they must pass a background check conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before attending an interview session with them.
Taxes
Staying abreast of your taxes in Massachusetts can be tricky for employees of all experience levels, both newcomers and longtime professionals alike. Income taxes vary wildly between states; it's essential that you understand what applies in your situation. In some instances, additional payroll taxes such as Social Security and Medicare payments must also be made by employees in certain cases.
As well as federal taxes, Massachusetts also imposes a state income tax of 5% on both residents and nonresidents alike. You should make sure to account for this when filing your state returns and it would be wise to consult a tax advisor regarding all your obligations.
IF YOU ARE A NONRESIDENT OF MASSACHUSETTS, your taxable income will depend on how many days of work in Massachusetts. To calculate this figure, multiplying your total compensation for services with the number of workdays performed within MA (including those treated as being in MA because of COVID-19) and dividing by your total workdays worldwide; please be aware that this calculation doesn't account for weekends, holidays, sick leave, or paid leave days.
Nonresidents are eligible for many of the same deductions and exemptions available to residents, provided they apply specifically to MA-source income. To determine which deductions and exemptions pertain specifically to MA-source income, referring to directive on line 14g of Form 1-NR/PY will help identify which apply.
MA-source income refers to earnings generated through trade or business in Massachusetts; this may include salaries, wages, commissions, fees and other earnings derived in-state. By contrast, any interest or dividend income received from an out-of-state source (like lottery winnings and gambling earnings) does not count towards this definition of Massachusetts source income.
No Tax Status and Limited Income Tax Credit can help reduce your Massachusetts income tax liability, but to qualify, your MA gross income must fall below certain thresholds and have a permanent place of abode in Massachusetts (dormitory rooms and shared apartments are not considered permanent abodes); if this applies to you, only one tax-exempt amount per year can be claimed from shared residences.
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