International Students: Operations Job Applications Explained

International students seeking job opportunities often face a unique set of challenges due to their visa status and varying immigration laws across different countries. In the United States, international students on F-1 visas have the option to pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain temporary work authorization related to their field of study. This provides an opportunity for US employers to tap into a diverse talent pool and foster fresh perspectives in their organizations. Similarly, in Canada, international students' work opportunities depend on their study permits and the specific position they are applying for, as they may be restricted to a limited number of working hours per week. Understanding the specific regulations and requirements for hiring international students is crucial for both employers and students to navigate the process successfully.

Can international students apply for OPS jobs?

Work visa sponsorship

International students seeking work in the United States need to apply for a student visa. The type of student visa depends on the program and the sponsorship type. The two most common types of student visas are F-1 and M-1 visas. F-1 visa holders can work on campus without a permit, but they need one to work off-campus. F-1 visa holders can also apply for Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work or train in the US for up to 12 months. Students with STEM degrees can request an additional two years of OPT.

M-1 visa holders can engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies, and any off-campus training or employment must be related to their area of study. For both F-1 and M-1 visas, off-campus employment must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS before starting work. A DSO can help students understand the requirements and direct them to the necessary resources.

After completing their studies, international students can seek employment-based visa sponsorship. The H-1B visa is a common option for non-US employees, and the employer must file the necessary paperwork with the US Department of Labor and submit a petition with USCIS. The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for individuals with "extraordinary ability" in specific fields who plan to work in the US in their area of expertise.

Another option for long-term employment is to obtain Permanent Residency, often referred to as a Green Card. This process typically involves significant time and financial commitments. It is important to note that the University of Tennessee, for example, does not allow its units to hire external counsel outside of the counsel contracted by the university for Permanent Residency cases.

Work hour restrictions

International students can work in several countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia. Here is an overview of the work hour restrictions for each country:

United States

In the United States, international students on an F-1 visa can engage in on-campus employment without prior approval. However, on-campus job opportunities are often limited, and many schools require permission from the International Student Office before accepting such employment.

For off-campus employment, F-1 students must obtain authorization and ensure that the work is related to their area of study. There are several categories of off-campus employment:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT trains students in their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other related experience. CPT is typically part-time (20 hours or less per week) during the school year, and students must have CPT authorization for a specific employer and dates.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows students to work in their major field of study for up to one year before or after graduation. Post-completion OPT must be full-time (40 hours/week) and completed within 14 months of graduation. Students can accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
• Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This option is available to students who can demonstrate severe economic hardship and insufficient on-campus employment opportunities.

Additionally, F-1 students can work more than 20 hours per week during breaks and annual vacations, and they can work full-time during the summer and winter holidays.

Canada

In Canada, international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they meet the requirements specified on their study permit. They can work for multiple employers to make up these hours. During scheduled breaks, such as holidays, international students can work an unlimited number of hours.

Students must be enrolled in a full-time program both before and after the break to be eligible for full-time work during the break. They can also take courses part-time or full-time during the break without affecting their ability to work unlimited hours.

Australia

As of July 1, 2023, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time. They can work unlimited hours during holiday breaks. This rule does not apply to PhD and Master's by research students.

In summary, international students in the US, Canada, and Australia have the opportunity to work while studying, but they must adhere to specific work hour restrictions and comply with the conditions of their student visas and permits.

Work authorization

International students in the US are typically on an F-1 student visa, which allows them to come to the US to study at accredited colleges, universities, and other academic institutions. While holding an F-1 visa, international students can obtain temporary work authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a temporary employment benefit that allows eligible international students to gain practical work experience related to their major field of study.

To be eligible for OPT, F-1 students must have been enrolled in an academic program for at least one year. They can apply for OPT before or after completing their studies, but the duration of OPT is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months. However, students with STEM degrees may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing them to gain extra practical work experience in their respective STEM fields. The application process for OPT is the responsibility of the student and involves submitting a request for an OPT recommendation to an international advisor at their international services office. The USCIS processing time for OPT can vary, taking an average of 60 days but potentially lasting up to 3-4 months during peak processing seasons.

It is important to note that the work hours for F-1 students are restricted. During the school term, they cannot exceed 20 hours per week, while they may work full-time during periods when school is not in session or during annual breaks. Additionally, any off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students ends one year after issuance or upon completion of their program, whichever comes first.

For international students seeking longer-term work opportunities in the US, OPT can potentially lead to sponsorship for H-1B visas or employment-based green cards. H-1B status is initially granted for up to three years but can be renewed for a total of six years. However, the number of H-1B visas is capped annually, with 65,000 visas available for candidates with undergraduate degrees and an additional 20,000 for those with graduate degrees.

In summary, international students in the US can obtain temporary work authorization through OPT, which allows them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. This can be a pathway to longer-term employment opportunities through visa sponsorships or green cards.

Practical training

International students can apply for off-campus jobs in the US, including OPS jobs, with the appropriate work authorization. OPS jobs are typically hourly positions with no benefits or bonuses.

F-1 students can apply for Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain practical work experience related to their major field of study. This allows them to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation. The application process for OPT is the responsibility of the student and requires no action from the hiring organization. To obtain OPT work authorization, the student must first submit a request for an OPT recommendation, which is approved by an international advisor. The USCIS processing time for OPT can vary, but it typically takes around 60 days and may take up to 3-4 months during peak season. Therefore, students are advised to apply at least 90 days before graduation.

F-1 students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT, providing a total of 36 months of work authorization. This allows them to gain additional practical work experience related to their STEM field. To qualify for the extension, students must file their STEM OPT applications on time and ensure their OPT period does not expire while their extension application is pending. If students meet these requirements, their work authorization will automatically be extended by 180 days.

M-1 students can also engage in practical training, but only after they have completed their studies. For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.

Immigration implications

In the United States, most international students are on an F-1 student visa, which is a non-immigrant visa category that allows foreign nationals to study at accredited colleges, universities, and other academic institutions. F-1 visa holders are allowed to work in specific circumstances, such as during their Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. The OPT can be applied for before or after completing their studies, and the duration is typically 12 months, with a possible extension of 24 months for STEM graduates. To work during their OPT, students must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

For employers, hiring international students on OPT can be a way to foster new ideas and fresh perspectives in the workplace, as well as help international students build their professional network. Employers should be aware of the student's work authorization options and the process for obtaining an EAD. The USCIS processing time for OPT can take up to 3-4 months, so students are encouraged to apply early.

In Canada, according to a discussion on Reddit, international students with study permits may be limited to working 20 hours per week unless they have a full-time student status and are authorized to work under the immigration act. To work full-time, they may need a work permit. It is recommended to refer to official government sources for specific requirements and eligibility.

Frequently asked questions