International Employee Hiring Process

If you have not already done so, you must complete the SEVIS check-in process and wait for confirmation from International Services that your SEVIS record has been activated. If you need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), allow for 24 hours after receiving your confirmation to complete your application.

SEVIS Check-In

If you already have a social security card, skip to Step 3.

Take all your original immigration documents (Passport, I-94, I-20/DS-2019, EAD, Visa, Approval Notices), employment letter*, and completed application form (PDF) to a Social Security Administration Office.

Please see the information below for details on obtaining your employment letter before visiting the Social Security Administration Office.

*For Students: Your hiring department will issue you a letter stating they intend to hire you. This letter must be co-signed by the International Services Office. Please follow the instructions on the letter your hiring department gives you to obtain the required signatures.

*For All Other Employees: Your hiring department will issue you an offer letter.

When you visit the Social Security Administration office and apply for your social security card, the office will not issue your social security card immediately; they will issue you a receipt letter.

If you receive a 2-week receipt letter, proceed to Step III. If you receive a 4-week receipt letter, you must wait for your social security card to arrive before proceeding through the additional steps. If it has been more than 4 weeks since you submitted your social security number application and you have not received your card, call the Social Security Administration office you applied at to request more information. If you have difficulty, please contact a Clemson University International Employment representative.

Schedule your appointment and bring the following to your appointment:

• Social security card or 2-week receipt letter (a 4-week receipt letter cannot be accepted)
• All original immigration documents (current passport with visa, any older passports that contain US visas, Form I-94 and Form I-20/DS-2019.

Your International Employment representative will approve your department’s request to hire you if you meet all requirements.

Allow 45-60 minutes for your new-hire appointment.

Your department must complete your hiring process once International Employment approves their hire request. Wait for your department to communicate that the process is complete.

You will receive a welcome email from the Office of Human Resources. Follow the instructions in this email to set up your direct deposit and complete the form W-4 Employee Withholding Certificate.

Special Notice! On the W-4, nonresidents for tax purposes are required to select a status of ‘Single’ (regardless of actual marital status) and 1 allowance.

Nonresident aliens must follow special instructions (PDF) when completing Form W-4.