STEM OPT Extensions for Employees

Global HR has developed a process to facilitate STEM OPT Extensions for eligible Georgia Tech employees. We will work with you, your supervisor and your departmental HR representative to ensure all parties have the information necessary to complete Form I-983.

If you are a Georgia Tech F-1, these forms are in addition to the forms required by OIE.

Changes to Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced changes to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) program that will require some individuals to renew their ITIN. The IRS will send a letter to taxpayers with expiring ITINs.

Which ITINs will expire January 1, 2017?

The following ITINs will expire January 1, 2017:

• ITINs with middle digits of 78 and 79 (e.g. 9NN-78-NNNN). The IRS will send Letter 5821 to taxpayers with these expiring ITINs.
• ITINs that have not been used on a tax return for Tax Year 2013, Tax Year 2014, or Tax Year 2015 

Which ITINs will NOT expire January 1, 2017?

Any ITIN that does not have a middle digit of 78 or 79 and was used on a tax return for Tax Year 2013, Tax Year 2014, or Tax Year 2015 will not expire January 1, 2017.

What should I do if my ITIN is expiring January 1, 2017?

You will need to renew your ITIN if you will be filing a tax return or claim for refund after the ITIN expires and you will be using the expiring ITIN on that tax return or claim for refund.  You should not renew an ITIN if the ITIN holder now has or is qualified to get a social security number (SSN). See Q&A12.

When may I renew my ITIN that will expire January 1, 2017?

Beginning October 1, 2016, taxpayers whose ITIN will expire on January 1, 2017 can begin the renewal process.

For more information on ITINs expiring and answers to some common questions about the program changes, visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/itin-expiration-faqs on the IRS website.

US CBP Clarifies Policies for Certain Nonimmigrant Admissions

From Morgan Lewis, 10/27/2016

The agency confirms the admissibility of certain nonimmigrants who hold visas from different employers.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently clarified its policy on admissions to the United States after an applicant for admission changes employment or adds a concurrent employer. CBP confirmed that those applying for petition-based employment (H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, and R-1) who hold valid nonimmigrant visas need only present the valid visa and an I-797 approval notice for the new (or additional) employer. TN applicants may present either an I-797 approval notice issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services or an employment letter from the new employer along with standard evidence of TN qualification. This formally confirms the CBP’s past practice of allowing certain nonimmigrants to be admitted to the United States with a petition approval in one employer’s name and a visa stamp in a different employer’s name.