DRAFT- Starting a Graduate Assistantship

As a graduate assistant, you are probably getting lots of emails about different orientations, meetings, and forms to fill out. It is a lot to keep track of and do during your first few weeks in the United States. Here are steps to start a graduate assistantship successfully.

Step One: Arrival

You can arrive to the United States 30 days before your program starts. On your I-20 form, look at the 'Earliest Admission Date' to see when you can arrive.

Additionally, your hiring department may want you to start work on a specific date. Before booking travel, please contact your department to confirm your start date and learn about required orientations.

Step Two: Initial Immigration Check In

Before your hiring department can add you to the payroll system, you must complete an initial immigration check in with International Student Services. You can learn more about that process here: Completing the Initial Immigration Check In

You may start this process as soon as you enter the United States.

Step Three: HR Process and Paychecks

After you complete the initial immigration check in, your hiring department will add you to the payroll system. They will also help you fill out an I-9 form, W-2 form, and other documents required to work in the United States. Please make an appointment with your department to complete the employment onboarding process.

Graduate Assistants receive one paycheck each month. When you arrive to campus, your department will add you to their payroll system. If you arrive too late in the month, you may miss your first paycheck. Ask your department when you should arrive to be added to their payroll system.

Step Four: Apply for a Social Security Number

A social security number (SSN) is used in the United States to track a worker’s earnings and tax obligations. Each person only receives one SSN in their lifetime, so if you already have one, you should not apply for another.

It takes several weeks after applying to receive an SSN, so you can start working at UTK before you receive one. Once you are mailed your SSN card, please give the number to your hiring department. You can learn more about applying for an SSN here: Getting a Social Security Number (SSN)