In the US, tax is usually automatically withheld from an individual's paycheck. The amount withheld is an estimate based on the individual's tax filing status, residency, and information provided by the employee on their tax documents (i.e. W-4, G-4, etc.). Some international students and scholars are eligible for a tax treaty benefit and may not be required to pay FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). Contact Emory's tax office at nonresident.tax@emory.edu with any questions about tax treaties or exemptions. 

Every year, a tax return must be filed with the federal government, and depending on the state, they may also need to file a state tax return.  A tax return is a report to the government showing how much someone earned, how much they were taxed, and how much they should have been taxed during the previous year. All international students and scholars have a federal tax filing requirement even if they do not have US source income.

J-1 Scholars who wish to continue their J-1 program objective at another US institution may request that their SEVIS record be transferred. The scholar must submit the following to their ISSS advisor: 

• Official invitation letter to participate in the other institution's exchange visitor program.
• J-1 Scholar Transfer Out Request Form (PDF)

The scholar's ISSS advisor will review the request to make sure the transfer supports their original exchange visitor program objective and to certify that the scholar has maintained J-1 status. Once the transfer is approved, ISSS will work with the new institution to set an official transfer-out date in SEVIS.

An F-1 or J-1 student can request a transfer of their SEVIS record to another US institution during or after they complete their Emory program. To submit a transfer request to ISSS, the student should log into ISSS Link and complete the "Transfer Out Request" e-form. If deemed eligible for a transfer, the student's ISSS advisor will process the request and initiate the transfer in SEVIS. Before obtaining a new I-20 or DS-2019 from the new school, the student will need to complete the new school's I-20/DS-2019 request process. 

Note for J-1 Students: A SEVIS transfer is only possible if they will continue to pursue their original exchange visitor program objective.

There are many options for transportation around Atlanta. The major public transportation operator for Atlanta is MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority).

During their time at Emory, international students, scholars, and their dependents may choose to travel within the US or internationally. 

When traveling within the US, it is highly recommended that Emory's international community carry their passport, printed I-94, and certificate of eligibility (I-20, DS-2019, I-797, etc.). 

ISSS provides a number of resources to help international students, scholars and their dependents to prepare for international travel including a Pre-Departure Checklist, Travel Document Checklists (by nonimmigrant status), and advising upon submission of a "Travel Information Update" e-form in ISSS Link. 

Also known as the Two-Year Rule or 212(e), the Two-Year Home-County Physical Presence Requirement is a rule that requires some J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents to return to their home country for 2 years at the end of their program unless a waiver is granted. 

An exchange visitor (EV) may be subject to 212(e) if:

• The EV's program is financed by the US government or the government of the EV's nationality or last residence;
• The EV entered the US to receive graduate medical education or training; OR
•  The EV is a national or permanent resident of a country which has deemed their specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country. This is shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List.