International Independent Contractors

Independent contractors are distinct from employees and follow separate policies and processes. International Independent Contractors are non-U.S.-based service providers who perform a specific skill outside the usual scope of University activities. Examples of contractor services include, but are not limited to, translators and copy editors, local archival specialists, industry and/or region-specific consultants, and more.

Independent Contractor Criteria

Independent Contractors are most often engaged for a project that is limited in length and scope. Contractors are typically paid a fixed rate per project after a deliverable, or upon receipt of an invoice for services.

Contractors are not employees of the University and should never represent themselves as such. Moreover, current and former employees cannot be engaged as Independent Contractors.

The criteria for determining whether a service provider may be engaged as an independent contractor varies from country to country, but the following qualities tend to be globally important for an independent contractor determination:

  • Control over how, when, and where the work is done
  • A business of doing similar work for other clients (also as a contractor)
  • Use of own office, other facilities, and equipment
  • Payment of own business expenses
  • Pay based solely on services rendered (e.g. no hourly wage or vacation pay)
  • Defined project or contract end date with specific expected deliverables

Service Provider Classification

The classification of International Independent Contractors is under the purview of Global Support Services. Before any service provider may begin work, the Penn department must complete the appropriate service provider evaluation forms and submit them via BEN Helps for review. The forms, submission process, and further guidelines can be found on the Division of Finance Service Provider Classification website linked below.

Please note that contractor classification is not guaranteed. It is therefore crucial that evaluation paperwork is submitted well in advance of any proposed start date for services.

Service Provider Classification Website