New international scholars should review the following resources and take all applicable actions in a timely manner.

I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Process

All international scholars paid by CU Boulder must complete the I-9 process with Human Resources within three days of starting employment at the university.

The following documentation is required to complete the I-9:

  • Valid Passport
  • Valid I-94
    • Electronic I-94: Downloaded from the I-94 website
    • Paper I-94: Received upon entry to the U.S. (land or sea border entry) or in I-797 Change of Status Approval Notice
  • J Scholar: DS-2019
  • J Student Working on Academic Training (AT): DS-2019 with AT employment information and employment authorization and Authorization letter from your A/RO
  • F-1 Student Working on OPT: OPT Recommendation I-20 and Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • H Scholar: H-1B Approval Notice
  • U.S. Permanent Resident: Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-551)

Make an Appointment to Meet with CU International Tax Specialist

All new international employees, faculty, scholars, and researchers included (who are not permanent residents of the U.S.) are required to meet with a specialist in the CU International Tax Office to determine tax residency status and complete related paperwork. Employees who are legal permanent residents of the U.S. do not need to meet with an international tax specialist but must provide a copy of their “green card” to Employee Services.

Schedule Appointment

  • Be sure to select the Boulder Campus and accurate appointment type.
  • This appointment should take place prior to the receipt of the first CU Boulder paycheck.

Note: If you are receiving a stipend or student scholarship, you will only need to make an appointment with an International Tax Specialist if you are receiving your payment through the University of Colorado payroll. If your payment will be issued as a credit to your student account, or through accounts payable, you are not required to meet with the international tax office. If you are not sure how your payment will be issued, you should contact the paying department for clarification.

Note: If you are being paid, and have been working for CU Boulder from outside the United States, please email intltax@cu.edu to schedule your appointment. You will also want to include the email address of your hiring department contact when you email the International Tax Office.  

Bring the following documents to your appointment with the International Tax Specialist:

  • Valid Passport
  • Valid I-94 (electronic or paper)
  • J Scholar: DS-2019
  • J Student Working on Academic Training (AT): DS-2019 with AT employment information and employment authorization and Authorization letter from your A/RO
  • F-1 Student Working on OPT: OPT Recommendation I-20 and valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • H Scholar: H-1B Approval Notice
  • Non-resident employees should be prepared to review their entire history of presence in the U.S. including dates they were present in and out of the U.S. and corresponding immigration statuses

Additional information for international employees is online at Employee Services website.

Social Security Numbers

If CU Boulder will pay you and you do not already have a SSN, you must apply for one. A SSN is required in order to add you to the CU Boulder payroll. If you are a J-1 Exchange Visitor, please wait at least 48 hours from completing your immigration check in with ISSS (this includes completing your J-1 Orientation and submitting all required documentation, including proof of adequate insurance coverage) to apply for your SSN. This will allow time for your SEVIS record validation to register in the Social Security Administration’s system.

  • Please check SSA’s hours of operation before going to the SSA office to apply for a SSN.

Bring the following documents to the Boulder Social Security Administration Office to apply for a SSN:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid I-94 (electronic or paper)
  • J Scholar: DS-2019
  • J Student Working on Academic Training (AT): DS-2019 with AT employment information and employment authorization and Authorization letter from your A/RO
  • F-1 Student Working on OPT: OPT Recommendation I-20 and valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • H Scholar: H approval notice
  • One additional form of photo identification (example: CU Boulder temporary visitor ID card or Buff OneCard)

Exchange visitors in J-1 status may find it helpful to print the following SSA Emergency Memo and bring it with you when you apply for a SSN: