Tax form for OPT

[kathleen86]

Hi! A possible employer thinks that they cannot hire me because I am no longer a registered student (graduated in May 2018), but I am still on a student visa under OPT (optional practical training). Can I fill out a W9 tax form for them or do I have to be a resident alien? They are willing to hire students who are in school but not me and we have the same visa.

[krypton9591]

they technically can, however if you are on OPT you are supposed to be at a job that relates to your degree field. so if it's a non related job I'd advise finding a different potential employer

[newacct]

Hi! A possible employer thinks that they cannot hire me because I am no longer a registered student (graduated in May 2018), but I am still on a student visa under OPT (optional practical training). Can I fill out a W9 tax form for them or do I have to be a resident alien? They are willing to hire students who are in school but not me and we have the same visa.

Did you show them your EAD? They shouldn't really care whether you are on OPT or some other basis of EAD.