Ibrahim Gardner
International students often face challenges when seeking employment, particularly in a new country. While every individual is unique, international students as a group are talented, ambitious, and technically skilled. However, they encounter obstacles that locals and permanent residents do not, such as visa requirements, cultural barriers, and potential discrimination. To increase their chances of employment, international students should start their job search early, network extensively, and utilise their university's career services and alumni networks. They should also be prepared for interviews, highlighting their strengths and transferable skills to prospective employers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 (Academic Student) or M-1 (Vocational Student) |
| Work eligibility | F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment; M-1 students must have permission from DHS to work |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during the school session and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session |
| Work authorisation | CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training) |
| Job search | Start preparations at least a year in advance; attend career fairs; network with peers and upperclassmen |
| Resume | Ensure it is up-to-date and lists all achievements and experiences |
| Visa process | Research requirements, deadlines, and costs; know which companies sponsor visas |
| Internships | Do an internship with an organisation that will sponsor a work visa |
What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are authorised to work for a university employer at the school they are attending or at a school-affiliated off-campus location, such as a research facility or sports stadium. However, they must be enrolled in an academic program full-time to qualify for on-campus jobs.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and can work full-time during periods when school is not in session or during the summer vacation before graduation. There are many different types of on-campus jobs available to undergraduate and graduate students, and international students are welcome to apply for the same jobs as domestic students. Some common examples of on-campus jobs for students include night desk attendants, tutors, and research assistants.
To find an on-campus job, international students can explore online job boards on the school's website, network with peers and professors, and visit their college's career centre for help and feedback on their resume. It is also important for international students to research the rules and regulations that apply to them, as access to on-campus student positions can vary from one campus to another, and there may be additional restrictions or requirements. For example, some universities offer institutionally-funded work-study programs for qualifying international students, while others may require a Social Security number to work on campus.
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Off-campus jobs
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may be eligible for off-campus employment under three categories:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is training that is considered a part of your field of study and for which you receive academic credit or which is a part of your degree requirement. This may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study. To be eligible for CPT, you must have completed at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended they apply at least 45 days before graduation. Students on OPT are allowed to accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
Severe Economic Hardship Employment
This benefit is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can prove a severe economic hardship beyond their control that arose after obtaining F-1 status. Students must also prove that on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient.
In Canada, international students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students must be full-time at a designated learning institution and ensure they meet all the requirements for working while studying. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and may result in losing student status and future permit approvals. Students can work an unlimited number of hours if they are on a scheduled break, such as winter and summer holidays.
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Visas and eligibility
International students in the United States can work on or off campus, but they must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. The type of work an international student can undertake will depend on their visa.
F-1 Visa
F-1 visas are for academic students enrolled full-time in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. F-1 visa holders can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. They can also work off-campus under the following circumstances:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is a form of temporary employment authorization for F-1 visa non-immigrant foreign students enrolled in a college-level degree program. CPT must be related to the student's field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is work authorization for up to one year in an area related to the student's major, either before or after graduation.
- Emergent Circumstances: In cases of severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control, F-1 students may be authorized for off-campus employment by USCIS.
M-1 Visa
M-1 visas are for vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. M-1 visa holders must have their off-campus employment authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS, and it must be related to their area of study.
Other Considerations
International students should be aware that their eligibility to work may depend on additional factors, such as the specific policies of their school and their ability to secure sponsorship. They should also ensure that they have the necessary documentation, such as a Social Security Number and employment authorization, before starting work.
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Networking and internships
Tap into your college community by connecting with alumni groups, professors, and even the parents of your friends. Attend career fairs, where you can meet recruiters and build relationships with potential employers. Career services at your school can also provide valuable support, with experienced career coaches who can guide you based on your specific situation and goals.
Internships are another effective way to enhance your employability. They provide valuable experience and transferable skills that employers seek. Consider CPT (Curricular Practical Training) internships, which offer temporary employment authorization for international students in the US. You can also explore remote internships, which allow you to gain experience in your field of interest from anywhere in the world, providing flexibility and cultural insights.
If you're interested in interning abroad, you can work with a program placement provider or search independently through online job boards. Summer internships are a popular choice, as they don't interfere with your studies and allow you to explore a new culture while gaining global work experience. Many students also opt to intern while studying abroad, allowing them to immerse themselves in a new environment and develop cross-cultural communication skills.
Whether you're networking or pursuing internships, it's essential to start early and be proactive. Research companies that sponsor visas and understand the requirements, as this can be a complex and time-consuming process. By combining effective networking with strategic internship choices, you can significantly enhance your job prospects as an international student.
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Job hunting websites
International students can get a job, but it may be challenging due to visa requirements and competition in the job market. To improve your chances of getting a job, it is recommended that you start preparing at least a year in advance. This includes gaining experience and transferable skills through internships, leadership roles, and other extracurricular activities. Additionally, it is important to familiarise yourself with the visa process and research companies that actively hire international students or sponsor work visas.
- Student Circus: A job search platform that helps international students secure jobs in the UK.
- GradLink UK: A specialist careers site for international students and graduates who have studied or are studying in the UK. It provides information on graduate opportunities and connections with employers worldwide, including in China, South-East Asia, the Gulf, Canada, Africa, India, and Bangladesh.
- TargetJobs: A job search platform that allows you to filter employers who accept those requiring a work permit, making it easier to find opportunities as a visa holder.
- Talent Pool: A platform advertising roles in start-ups and SMEs, with detailed resources about working in such companies.
- GraduateJobs: A website that advertises global opportunities for graduates, including vacancies posted specifically by SME companies.
- Global Jobs: A website for international students seeking job opportunities.
- Higher Education Institutions: A platform for international students to find jobs in higher education institutions.
- Independent Intergovernmental Job Search: A job search platform for independent intergovernmental organisations.
- Independent UN Vacancies List: A job search platform for independent UN vacancies.
- Handshake: A platform provided by Princeton University, where students can search for jobs and internships across multiple industries. It also provides information on employers sponsoring work authorization for international students.
- CareerShift: A job and internship search tool that aggregates opportunities from multiple sources and provides contact information for professionals. It has a specific filter for international students to find organizations that sponsor visas.
- NFAP: A non-profit organization for public policy research that regularly analyzes data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, providing career articles and tips for international students, including a step-by-step job search guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get a job, but it is more complicated than it is for domestic students. It can be challenging to find a company that will sponsor an H-1B visa, and many employers will be reluctant to hire an international student due to the extra costs and time involved.
International students should start their job search early and do plenty of research. Networking is essential, and taking advantage of your school's community and alumni groups can be beneficial. Building relationships with professors and attending career fairs can also help. It is also important to be confident and learn how to promote yourself in an interview.
Gaining experience through internships or teaching/tutoring other students can improve an international student's chances of getting a job. It is also important to be aware of the visa process and the requirements for obtaining a work visa, which can vary over time.
