Arizona State University hosts a number of short-term and long-term international visitors on its campuses each year.
Depending on the nature of the visit, both visitors and sponsors should carefully consider a variety of factors related to studying and working at ASU. This guide overviews a number of those factors and provides relevant resources and contacts here at ASU.
Immigration
Due to the complex nature of immigration, Global Operations recommends that all international visitors and sponsors contact the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC). This office supports more than 10,000 international students and 700 international scholars on ASU’s five campuses.
International student questions
Erik Schmitz
Student Services Bldg.
Room 170
480.727.4776
International scholar questions
Chung-Ning Gonzalez
Discovery Hall
Room 172
480.727.7125
Costs to consider
For all international students and scholars, the ISSC is your best resource. The ISSC can provide information, resources and contacts for all costs related to hosting an international visitor. Typical costs may include:
- Tuition
- Visa application fee
- SEVIS fee
- Medical insurance
- Travel
- Participant/student payments
- Living allowance
Taxes and payments
Paying an international student or scholar begins with completing and submitting the correct tax information. To review the most current information, visit ASU’s Tax Information website.
For departments funding an international student or scholar, a Statement of Expense is due at the end of the calendar year to Tax Services. Contact Tax Services for clarification on when this applies.
- Paying internationals: Is the student or scholar receiving a stipend, a payment as a participant, or a payment as a guest of the university? See the Tax Information website for more information on paying internationals.
- Tax considerations: See the Foreign Visitor Tax Guide for information on how taxes are calculated for internationals. Also, visit the IRS website for Foreign Students, Scholars, Teachers, Researchers and Exchange Students.
- Tax treaties: Residents of certain foreign countries may be entitled to reduced tax rates, or exemption from tax, under an applicable treaty between their country and the United States. See the current list on the IRS website. Contact Tax Services for the appropriate forms to complete.
Other considerations
- Pre-departure orientation: Education USA provides pre-departure orientations around the world. Find an Advising Center in the visitor’s home country to learn more.
- Incident reporting: See Sponsoring a J-1 Research Scholar.
- Identify an emergency contact during the visitor’s entire stay.
- Review the Departments and Employers drop-down menu on the ISSC website to learn more about required visitor information.
- Language needs:
- For English proficiency requirements, see Sponsoring a J-1 Research Scholar.
- For translation needs, contact Global Operations.
- For English Tutoring, contact ASU Academic Support Services.
- Transportation: Visit ASU’s Transportation website for options in and around ASU and Tempe.
- Housing: Visit ASU’s University Housing website for information on student housing, guest housing and family housing.
- Cultural guide:
- For international students, the ASU Global Peer Mentor program can help acclimate them to their new life at ASU.
- For international scholars, the International Students and Scholars Center can provide resources and assistance.
- ASU maps
- Arizona visitors guide
- Tempe Tourism Office
- Arrival orientation
- Regular check-ins/updates with the visitors
- Access to local health care: The ISSC can provide you with a J-1 Handbook that details local health care options.
- Dietary restrictions: Visit the Sun Devil Dining website for how ASU is addressing special dietary needs around campus.
- Local connections to home culture: Visit ASU’s Student Organizations website.
- Religion and spiritual life: Visit ASU’s Religious and Spiritual Life website for connections to clubs and local faith communities.
Monitoring of visitors
If admitted through ASU, the International Students and Scholars Center will monitor the full-time status for students and non-degree seeking students. If the visitor is not a student, it is the responsibility of the sponsor to ensure visa requirements are not violated.
Return requirements
International visitors may have different return requirements depending on their visa. Contact the International Students and Scholars Center for more information.