Just looking for a little clarity on the international implications of working abroad and PSLF. I now work in the same University (different branch) where I earned masters degree—and the school participates in the Federal Finical Aid programme, which is how I ‘earned’ the debt in the first place!

It seems to qualify on all the other criteria, except most likely not for the EIN (mentioned on this thread as well http://askheatherjarvis.com/forums/viewthread/2825/).

A year on has there been any new understanding on this front?

- thanks so much.

A while back I also posted a question about PSLF and overseas employment: http://askheatherjarvis.com/forums/viewthread/16/#32.

Now that the employment certification form is out I thought you might have more insight. 

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.  I’m considering employment at an international school after my Peace Corps service.

I recently heard from a borrower who’s employment certification was denied because he did not have and submit an EIN.  I think we need to work through the process and submit some additional documentation to try to get some of the international university positions considered.  Have you filed the employment certification docs?

The Department of Education’s Q&A document sheds some light on this:

Q47 If I am employed by a not-for-profit organization that is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, but I perform this employment outside of the United States, would the employment qualify under the PSLF program?

A47 Yes. Full-time employees of organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code may perform their work anywhere. (March 14, 2012)

Q48 I am a full-time employee of a foreign not-for-profit organization that does not operate in the United States and is not a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Will my employment with this not-for-profit organization qualify for PSLF?

A48 No. If your public service organization does not operate in the U.S. and is not a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, your employment would not qualify for PSLF purposes. 

However, if you work for a foreign not-for-profit organization that is not tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, but which operates within the United States, your employment may qualify if it meets the conditions specified in the answer to Q34. See Q56 for the definition of “the United States” for PSLF purposes. (March 14, 2012)

The document is available here: http://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/public-service-loan-forgiveness-common-questions.pdf