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 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
    • 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)

Set up a Tax Profile

All international employees working at CU Boulder, or individuals receiving a stipend or scholarship payment through the CU payroll system, must complete a Sprintax Calculus profile to document their U.S. tax residency status with the International Tax Office and should anticipate keeping in touch with the tax office throughout their CU career.  

New CU employees will receive an email notification within approximately 14 days of their employment start date from CUIntlTax-noreply@Sprintax.com inviting them to complete their Sprintax Calculus profile. 

Note: Employees who are legal permanent residents of the U.S. should also complete a Sprintax Calculus profile.

Review the Mandatory Income Tax Filing website for more details.

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 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: