New Graduate Student Employee Next Steps

Thank you for submitting your New Graduate Student Payroll forms!

In order to complete your UMass Amherst Payroll forms you must bring your original, unexpired I-9 supporting documents to the UMass Amherst Human Resources Employee Service Center (location and hours of public operation online here: https://www.umass.edu/hr/benefits-and-pay/human-resources-employee-service-center). We can accept one item from I-9 supporting documents List A or one each from Lists B & C (described on the I-9 supporting documents webpage).

FAQs

I am not yet in the United States (US), how do I complete this process?

You will be unable to complete the I-9 until you are in the US.

I'm on a F1 visa, what I-9 documents does UMass need?

UMass can accept any one item from I-9 document List A or one each from Lists B & C. Colleagues on a F1 visa often provide an unexpired passport and an I-20 issued by UMass and their most recent I-94. If you are participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) your Employment Authorization Card (EAC) is required.

I'm on a J1 visa, what I-9 documents does UMass need?

UMass can accept any one item from I-9 document List A or one each from Lists B & C. Colleagues on a J1 visa often provide an unexpired passport and an DS-2019 issued by UMass and their most recent I-94.

 I don't yet have a US  bank account, now what?

Until direct deposit is established payment will be issued via a check sent to you by mail. As soon as you secure a US bank account please complete a direct deposit form and bring the completed form, and a picture ID (eg, passport, UMass UCard), to the HR Employee Service Center. If you have already received your first payment from UMass you can, alternatively, establish direct deposit online via HR Direct.

I will be working under Optional Practical Training (OPT),  what I-9 documents does UMass need?

Your Employment Authorization Card (EAC) is required for I-9 purposes. Your I-20 is not required but if you bring that document with you the Service Center team can assist with related questions. 

I don't have original I-9 supporting documents, what now?

Legally the University cannot employ an individual who cannot provide original, unexpired I-9 supporting documents. Please review the list of  I-9 supporting documents carefully to determine what documents you can obtain and provide.

I don't have a US Social Security Number (SSN), should I still bring my I-9 supporting documents to the Service Center?

Yes! Please dome to the UMass HR Employee Service Center to complete the I-9 process! You can work, and be paid, before obtaining an SSN. Once you obtain your SSN following the process outlined on the UMass Global Affairs SSN webpage you will receive your Social Security Card via US post / mail. Bring that original card to the  UMass HR Employee Service Center as soon as you receive it (ideally no later than mid-December 2025) to ensure UMass issues your tax documents with that number.