3) Taxes & Compliance

Resident vs nonresident tax status

In the U.S., taxes are self-reported. This means the government doesn't just send you a bill; they expect you to calculate what you owe and send it to them by April 15th every year. For international students and workers, this is the most dangerous part of your finances. If you file incorrectly, it can actually lead to visa denials or problems when you apply for a Green Card later.