Hiring a Federal Work-Study Student

Federal Work-Study employers should review the information below to assist them with hiring students with Federal Work-Study awards. 

All required forms must be completed after the student has been hired into a position and must be submitted to the Federal Work-Study office before a student may start working. These forms are required if the student has not been paid by Columbia University in the last 3 years, or if the student wishes to make any changes to previously filed information.

Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9)

Due to COVID-19 and most students being remote, the university offers the opportunity to complete the I-9 Form at an I-9 Anywhere Remote Service Center. For more information and to schedule an appointment at an I-9 Anywhere Remote Service Center, visit Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9). 

Students who are in New York City and would like to have section II of the I-9 form completed at 208 Kent Hall may schedule an appointment online.  

Please follow the instructions below:

  1. Complete Section 1 using the newi9 link.
  2. After section 1 is complete, select an appointment time to complete section 2 at 208 Kent Hall. Please be sure to select the correct campus for your appointment! 

Once you complete section one, a list of acceptable documents to establish identity and work eligibility will be provided.  

The required tax forms listed below (W-4 and one of the state tax forms) and the NYS Paid Family Leave forms must be completed and submitted to the Federal Work Study Office located at 208 Kent Hall.  Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM.  

Federal Withholding Certificate (W-4)

Federal Work-Study earnings are taxable income. This Federal Withholding Certificate form authorizes the withholding of federal taxes.

Please complete one (1) of the three (3) forms below. Explanations of who should fill out each form are available on the forms themselves.

Students might find it helpful to consult with their parents and/or a tax advisor before completing the Withholding forms.

New York State Paid Family Leave (PFL)

New York State’s Paid Family Leave Law (PFL) went into effect on January 1, 2018. PFL provides family leave benefits to eligible employees through a small employee payroll deduction. Please read the full announcement and details for waiving the benefit below.