International Students: Eligibility For Government Jobs

International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work, but there are several restrictions and requirements. Students can work on-campus or off-campus, but the type of work, number of hours, and location are all subject to limitations. On-campus employment is the most common type of employment for international students, with off-campus work requiring authorisation from the Designated School Official and USCIS. Students can also undertake internships, which usually count as Optional Practical Training (OPT) time. OPT is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed their studies are permitted by the USCIS to work for 12 months per educational level. However, students must be mindful of the various visa requirements and regulations, as well as the need for work authorisation and potential costs such as taxes.

Can international students apply for government jobs?

Visa requirements

To study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa. There are two non-immigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the US: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language-training program. The M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.

• F-1 Visa: You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 students, and no USCIS approval is required. However, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment after the first academic year: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension. For off-campus employment, F-1 students must obtain prior authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS, and the work must be related to their area of study. F-1 students can work full-time after completing all coursework if a thesis or dissertation is still required and the student is making normal progress toward the degree. After completing their degree, OPT work must be full-time (40 hours/week) and completed within 14 months. F-1 students can apply for a 17-month OPT extension if they are graduates from a government-designated STEM program.
• M-1 Visa: Students with an M-1 visa can accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. However, there are no mentions of off-campus employment opportunities for M-1 visa holders.
• General Visa Requirements: Students with either visa must show an ability to afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the US. Additionally, only aliens who have permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work can apply for a Social Security number.

Work experience

International students in the US can gain work experience through internships and part-time jobs, but their ability to work is subject to several conditions and restrictions.

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students in Active status are immediately eligible to work on-campus. On-campus employment at an off-campus location is also available to all F-1 students except for border commuter students. However, the employment must be for an employer educationally affiliated with the school. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.

Off-Campus Employment

After a full year at school, F-1 students may be eligible to work off-campus. This type of employment is authorized based on financial need. To work off-campus, F-1 students must first receive a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) and file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will only authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year, or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Off-campus employment authorization ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed their studies are permitted by the USCIS to work for twelve months per educational level without needing to acquire a work H-1B visa. An extension of seventeen months is available for graduates from a government-designated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program.

Internships

The U.S. Department of State offers a Student Internship Program that provides a valuable opportunity to gain work experience in diplomacy and foreign policy. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a GPA, be able to receive a Public Trust, Secret, or Top Secret clearance, and be undergraduate (juniors or seniors) or graduate students enrolled in a degree-seeking program.

Work Authorization and Visa Requirements

To work in the U.S., eligible F and M students need a Social Security Number (SSN). Additionally, students must be able to answer "yes" to the question, "Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?" and address any visa sponsorship requirements. Some employers may be deterred by the need to apply for a visa to employ an international student, so it is essential to be transparent about your work status during the interview process.

Job search tips

Job hunting as an international student in the US can be challenging, as employers may be unfamiliar with visa requirements and cultural differences. However, there are several tips you can follow to navigate the process effectively.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand your visa status and work authorization options. For instance, F-1 students may accept on-campus employment and, after their first academic year, certain types of off-campus employment with prior authorization. Familiarize yourself with the rules, regulations, and deadlines specific to your situation, as this knowledge will boost your confidence when applying for jobs.

Secondly, start your job search early, as it may take longer to find a company that sponsors employees requiring work visas. Utilize your school's career services, which likely have experience helping international students find jobs in the US. Additionally, resources like the International Student Job Center and International Student Resume Writing Center can provide valuable guidance.

When applying for jobs, be transparent about your work situation. While it is advisable to wait until the end of a positive first interview to bring up visa requirements, sharing your permanent residency status upfront can assure employers and show your honesty. Be prepared to negotiate your salary during the interview process, as this is common in many US industries. Enhance your English communication skills, particularly if the role requires extensive interaction with others. Edit your cover letters and resumes meticulously to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Lastly, build relationships and expand your network by attending in-person events and using platforms like LinkedIn. Showcase your expertise in your field and industry to make yourself appealing to potential employers. Remember to research the employer thoroughly and follow up after submitting your resume.

Resume and cover letter

As an international student, you may be eligible to work in the US under certain conditions. For instance, F-1 students may accept on-campus employment and, after their first academic year, three types of off-campus employment. However, off-campus employment authorization ends 1 year after issuance or upon completion of the program (whichever comes first).

When applying for government jobs in the US, you will need to provide a resume and, optionally, a cover letter. Here are some tips for writing a resume and cover letter that align with US standards:

Resume

• Provide all relevant information: Include your full name, mailing address, day and evening phone numbers, and email address. If your country of citizenship is different from the US, you should include this as well.
• Detail your work experience: Include all relevant work experience, including paid and unpaid work, internships, and volunteer work. Be sure to use action verbs and provide concrete examples that demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the job criteria.
• Tailor your resume: Review the qualifications, skills, and experience required in the job announcement, and tailor your resume to highlight how your background matches these. Use keywords from the job announcement in your resume where possible.
• Format your resume: Unlike resumes used in the private sector, federal resumes tend to be longer and require additional information. Be as descriptive and thorough as possible, as recruiters and hiring managers may not be familiar with your career field. Use reverse chronological order for listing your work experience, unless it is more appropriate to list your most relevant work experience first.
• Check for errors: Ensure that your resume is free of spelling and grammar errors, as this will be the first impression you give to recruiters.

Cover Letter

• Be clear and concise: Avoid flowery language, run-on sentences, and spelling and grammar errors. Use clear and concise language to describe your strengths and skills.
• Address any work authorization issues: If you require visa sponsorship, it is recommended to raise this issue near the end of a positive first interview. However, if you know that you will be receiving permanent residency status soon, share this information as early as possible.
• Edit and re-edit: Employers may use your written English to assess your spoken English, so it is important to present yourself as clearly as possible.

Networking

Utilize Career Centers:

Take advantage of the resources offered by your college's career center, such as the Becker Career Center at Union College. These centers often provide valuable information and services, including workshops on job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview preparation. They may also offer networking events, career fairs, or alumni networks that can connect you with potential employers or mentors in your field.

Online Platforms:

Use online platforms like Handshake, a career management system, to explore internship and job opportunities. Additionally, create an account on USAJOBS, a website that provides information on various government job openings and internship programs, such as the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program.

Be Transparent about Work Authorization:

When networking and applying for jobs, be transparent about your work authorization status. Some employers may not be familiar with the work permission requirements for international students. It is important to address this early in the application process or during interviews. This demonstrates your honesty and helps the employer understand your work situation.

Develop Cross-Cultural Competence:

Recognize that the job search and interview process may involve cultural differences. For example, making eye contact, even with senior personnel, is generally seen as a sign of confidence in American culture, rather than disrespect. Attend workshops or seek guidance from career centers to enhance your cross-cultural communication skills and better navigate the American job market.

Build Personal Relationships:

In the United States, personal relationships and connections can play a significant role in career advancement. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and participate in industry-specific groups to meet people in your field. Alumni networks from your college or university can also be valuable for establishing connections and gaining insights into the job market.

Consider Internships:

Internships are a great way to gain valuable work experience and build your professional network. Look for internships that align with your career goals and offer opportunities for practical training. Many internships are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students on an F-1 visa to work for twelve months per educational level without needing a separate work visa.

Remember, networking is a continuous process, and building solid professional relationships takes time and effort. Start early, be proactive, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from career professionals and mentors.

Frequently asked questions