Below are the steps to completing the on campus work authorization process for international students.

  • Finding an on campus job can be challenging. You must find a job that can pay you with Departmental Funds. International students do not have work-study.
  • International students are limited to working 20 hours per week when school is in session
  • International students can work full time during the summer & winter breaks.
  • Once you have a job, obtain a letter from your on-campus employer verifying the details of your position. It must include the job start date, anticipated number of hours per week and the types of tasks you will be doing.
  • We will provide you with a work authorization letter that you will need to apply for a SSN.
  • We will review instructions on how to apply for a Social Security Number as well as what documentation you will need to bring with you.
  • If you do not have a Social Security Number you MUST apply for one in order to work.
  • You must wait a minimum of 10 days after your arrival in the US before you can apply. You must also be registered in SEVIS (You can ask Kimberly or Kaoru if you have been registered in SEVIS)
  • You are NOT eligible for a Social Security Number unless you have a job or a Graduate Assistantship.
  • You cannot apply for a SSN until at least the first day you are expected to begin working.
  • When you go to the Social Security Office, you must bring the following items: (1) Your I-20 or DS-2019, (2) your passport, (3) a copy of your I-94, (4) the work authorization letter you received from the International Office and (5) the hire letter (original letter) you received from the on campus department where you will be working.
  • The Social Security Office is located at 400 Congress Street, Suite 250, Portland. They are open M-F from 9 am to 4 pm. Phone Number: 1-877-319-3076
  • BE SURE TO ASK FOR A RECEIPT when you apply for your Social Security card.
  • Your USM Supervisor will create a Work Authorization on your behalf notifying Payroll that you have been awarded an on campus work position.
  • Payroll will email you and ask you to accept the Work Authorization created by your supervisor. Once you accept it, you will receive a link to complete the online I-9 form.
  • Complete the top part of the I-9 form and submit it.
  • Contact the International Office (kphill50@maine.edu) to schedule a time to finish your I-9 form. Our office needs to complete Section 2 (Employer Review and Verification) on the I-9 Form.
  • When you meet with Kaoru to fill out your paperwork, bring the following items: (1) your receipt from the SS Office, (2) your I-20 or DS-2019, (3) your passport with your student visa stamp, and (4) your I-94.
  • Upon verification of the I-9 you will receive an email notice from Payroll asking you to activate your Sprintax Calculus Profile. Completing a Sprintax Calculus Profile is required for employment and will be used by Payroll to determine your correct tax withholding and Tax Treaty Benefit Eligibility.
  • The email notice will contain instructions on how to log into Sprintax Calculus activate your profile.
  • To complete your profile you will need to answer  the questions in each section and upload a copy of your Current Visa, Passport, I-94, and I-20(or DS-2019) to the Document exchange found in the last section of your profile
  • For Sprintax Calculus assistance please contact payroll at: payroll@maine.edu
  • If needed, a You Can Book Me Zoom meeting can be scheduled with someone from the payroll team and they can assist your profile. To book a meeting please access the following website:

Remember to be careful of your time. You are limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session. You can work full time during the summer or during the break between fall and spring.

Working more than 20 hours per week is a serious violation of your status and can result in negative consequences.