Current International Postdocs

Please check this section for: Announcements & News | Events | Information & Resources for international postdocs.
Feel free to contact us to suggest updates or additions to this page.

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February 27, 2023

From HIO - Tax Information for International Scholars on a Harvard-issued Visa
If you were present in the United States (U.S.) during any part of 2022 in any immigration status other than B or WT/WB (ESTA), there is at least one tax form (IRS Form 8843) you must complete. If you were in F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, or O-1 status during the calendar year 2022, you must make some type of tax filing with the IRS. If you were not in the U.S. at all during 2022, you do not need to complete any tax forms at this time.
Tax Deadlines:
April 18, 2023 – Federal tax returns are due to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
April 18, 2023 – Massachusetts State tax returns are due to the Department of Revenue.
June 15, 2023 – The Form 8843 is due to the IRS if you had no U.S.-source income. You do not need a tax ID (ITIN or SSN) to file this form.

HIO Resources for Tax Season
Tax FAQ for Filing Tax Returns: The FAQ is an excellent starting point for anyone with tax questions. The FAQ includes answers to many common tax questions.

Tax Filing Overview: https://hio.harvard.edu/tax-filing-information

NOTE: Tax season is the time of year when scammers may attempt to extort money from people or steal identities by pretending to be IRS officials. Please review the HIO scam and identity theft information:
Beware of Scams and Identity Theft
Tax season is the time of year when scammers may attempt to extort money from people or steal identities by pretending to be IRS officials. Students and scholars who have received scam phone calls have reported that their caller ID said the IRS or an immigration office (e.g., SEVP, USCIS) were calling. Students and scholars have also reported scam calls wherein the caller ID reflected a call from the Massachusetts State Police or Cambridge Police, as well as scam texts claiming to be from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), requesting personal information via text message.

It is also important to note that government officials will never ask you for money or gift cards.
The IRS does not call individuals regarding their taxes and USCIS or SEVP will never call to threaten you with arrest or deportation. You should also never email your Social Security Number or give it to someone you do not know over the phone or via text or email. If you receive any calls or texts like those described above, simply hang up or do not reply! Please refer to the links below for resources and more information:
Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts
Identity Protection: Prevention, Detection and Victim Assistance
For more information about how to avoid identity theft please review the HUPD website.

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HIO Tax Resources
Tax Filing Overview for Postdocs and International Scholars

Access SprintTax Tax Preparation Software
Discount access for the software is available for all active international students and scholars under Harvard's visa sponsorship by selecting the link above and logging in through the Harvard Key system. By logging in through your Harvard Key, the discount will automatically be applied to your account.

FAQ for Tax Filing
The guide has been prepared to help international students and scholars understand their tax responsibilities in the United States (U.S.). If you were present in the U.S. in 2020 in any immigration status other than B or WT/WB (ESTA), there is at least one tax form (IRS Form 8843) that you and any  dependent family members must file with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To assist you with your tax filing, the HIO will provide you a discount code to use the Sprintax tax preparation software.

From the National Postdoc Association
  -Overview of Tax Information for Postdoc, from the National Postdoctoral Association
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Events

Video presentation - "Immigration Options for J Scholars and Post Docs October 2020." Presented by Curran, Berger & Kludt Immigration Law (posted 10.19.20)
The HMS Office for Postdoctoral Fellows and the Harvard International Office team up to provide informational sessions regarding visa options and green cards each year. This session provides updated information regarding sponsorship possibilities outside of Harvard. Given the current pandemic, we have asked the attorney scheduled to present this semester to record her presentation. NOTE: ask any questions of the speaker by posting in the comments section of the video, attorney will monitor those comments and respond.
Please note that the university does not endorse any attorney or firm nor is this presentation intended to be legal advice. If you have questions for the presenter, please feel free to leave them in comments on the link and she may respond.

Announcements & News
Undocumented at Harvard - Resource page

Future of Research: "How international scientists can advocate, and how U.S. scientists can support them,"

Traveling Abroad? Register your trip with Harvard's Global Support Services and visit traveltools.harvard.edu for health, safety & emergency resources.

Harvard GSS: Electronics Ban Information and Advice (3.22.17)

NPA Notice for International Scholars (3.16.17)

"In support of International Students" - Harvard Gazette (3.14.17)

- International Announcements Archive

Information & Resources

Harvard International Office
The HIO is part of the University’s Central Administration and offers services to international students and scholars at Harvard College, the graduate and professional schools, as well as the numerous research centers and affiliated teaching hospitals, to minimize the difficulties they may experience both upon arrival and later during their stay at Harvard. Mission: HIO provides information on a wide range of topics, including immigration issues (work permits, travel), financial questions, social and cultural differencesresources at Harvard and for spouses/family. International students are given the opportunity to participate in Harvard's International Student Host Program, which connects them with Americans living in the Cambridge and Boston areas.
Please note: Registering with the HIO does not necessarily mean that a scholar is immediately eligible for an HUID. A scholar will not receive their HUID until all of their information has been given to the HUID Office by their host department or center or until the start date of their Harvard appointment. It is important that scholars know this prior to their arrival, as they often think they can receive their HUID upon arrival before their start date or at the time of registration with the HIO. The HIO has no involvement with HUID issuance.

For your convenience, HIO advisors offer office hours at various locations around the University. No appointment is needed—just drop in! The HIO main office in the Smith Campus Center is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Office hours are updated periodically as needed.

HIO Resources for Tax Season

TAX FAQ for Filing Tax Returns: The FAQ is an excellent starting point for anyone with tax questions, including answers to many common tax questions.

Tax Software: Sprintax is a web-based tax return preparation software that provides tax solutions that includes all fifty U.S. states. You will need your Harvard Key to log into the software. Federal filings are covered by the Harvard license. State filings and other services can be purchased for an additional fee.

Please Note: The state tax function is not fully automated, and each state return must be viewed by a Sprintax person. Therefore, you cannot file your state taxes on the same day that you complete your return in the program. We advise completing your state return at least two weeks before the filing deadline of April 15 to give Sprintax the time that it needs to finalize your state return.

Harvard Law School Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program
For thirty years, the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program (HIRC), in partnership with Greater Boston Legal Services, has focused on direct representation of individuals applying for U.S. asylum and related protections, as well as representation of individuals who have survived domestic violence and other crimes and/or who seek avoidance of forced removal in immigration proceedings pursuant to various forms of relief (i.e., VAWA, U-visas, Cancellation of Removal, Temporary Protected Status, etc.). HIRC is also involved in appellate and policy advocacy at the local, national, and international levels.

Undocumented at Harvard
Resources and information for undocumented members of the Harvard University community

Harvard Global Support Services
Our mission is to support and enable Harvard’s international projects and travel while mitigating risks to the University and individuals. What We Do: We provide tools and guidance that enable faculty, students, and staff to study, work, and research overseas. In support of the University’s international strategy, we work with every School and Central Administration department to simplify global operations, facilitate collaboration, and flexibly address risks.

The J Exchange Visitor Guide
"The J Guide" - Information for J Exchange Visitors Sponsored by Harvard University from the Harvard International Office

Travel Tools at Harvard
Register your itinerary, learn about Harvard Travel Assist and find visa requirements & application assistance (for US citiizens).

Tax Information for Foreign Nationals
As a Harvard postdoc you have access to the Sprintax tax preparation software to help you prepare your tax return -  "Windstar is a software program that assists certain foreign nationals in determining U.S. federal and Massachusetts state tax status. It will also prepare the appropriate tax forms required for filing Tax Non-Resident tax returns." Available via the HIO website.
The Harvard International Office also has a section on taxes and social security.  Their website includes links to tax preparers that specialize in international returns as well as contacts for state and federal government resources to help answer your questions about how to declare fellowship income, reimbursements, etc.
  -Overview of Tax Information for Postdoc, from the National Postdoctoral Association

Havard Resources

Harvard Neighbors
Harvard Neighbors is a volunteer and membership organization that for over 100 years has worked to create a sense of community for the members of this large University. Through a wide variety of activities, Harvard Neighbors helps both newcomers and more established members to become acquainted with one another. The volunteers welcome and offer support to recent arrivals; plan and host a variety of social events; and offer special activities and social opportunities for people who share common interests. Membership is open to active and retired Harvard faculty and staff (including visiting scholar and researchers, postdoc fellows and program fellows) and their spouses or partners.

Harvard Students' Spouses and Partners Association (HSSPA)
HSSPA is a volunteer-run organization open to the spouses and partners of all Harvard students, postdocs, visiting fellows and other affiliates. By joining HSSPA, you'll make friends, you'll find intellectual stimulation and will feel a sense of belonging within the University. HSSPA welcomes spouses and partners of all Harvard affiliates regardless of the gender, race, age, nationality and sexual orientation. We are a diverse group and would love to get to know you.

Harvard University Housing (HUH) for Postdocs and Visiting Researchers with Families
Harvard University Housing Blog Post by Disha Malani

Boston Area Resources

Boston Postdoc Association's Visa and Green Cards for Researchers Q&A
The leadership of the BPDA felt compelled to draft comprehensive resource explaining the different options available to postdoctoral researchers who wish to pursue an extended training period in the USA after expiry of their initial entry visa. This resource is for informational purposes only and should not replace consultation with an immigration lawyer.

Boston & Cambridge Official Visitor Guide
- Complete online version of the printed guide, easy to read in PDF format. Published by the Greater Boston Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Inc. www.bostonusa.com

The Interchange Institute
The Interchange Institute is a not-for-profit research organization established to conduct research on the process of intercultural transition, produce publications to assist newcomers to the US, design and deliver specialized cross-cultural training workshops, and train and consult to professionals in the field. They publish the Welcome to Boston: A Guide for International Newcomers which is updated annually.

COVID Info (2020 - 2022)

 

April 20, 2021 - updated presentation via YouTube -  Green Cards, Entrepreneurship, & Work Visas: What Do I Need to Know?

Updated Travel Guidance from Harvard President (8.20.20)

As of July 8 HIO has added Zoom office hours for international scholars and students: https://hio.harvard.edu/news/virtual-advisor-call

President Bacow's July 8 Message to the Harvard Community

HIO Communication (regarding updates to President's Executive Order) posted 6.23.20

HIO Communication (regarding President’s Executive Order) 4.24.20

HIO Communication 3.13.2020

COVID-19 Updates and Travel restrictions, as outlined from Harvard and Harvard University Health Services.
Harvard COVID-19 Information and Resources