International Students: Eligibility For Us Industrial Jobs

International students in the US face several challenges when applying for industrial jobs, including visa requirements, cultural differences, and a lack of awareness among employers. While on-campus employment is the most freely permitted category, off-campus jobs must be related to the student's area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS. F-1 students, for instance, can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and must maintain their lawful status. Transitioning from a student visa to a work visa requires careful planning, often relying on employer sponsorship and eligibility determined by USCIS. International students should familiarize themselves with regulations, utilize career services, and network extensively to navigate the complex US job market and improve their chances of finding employment.

On-campus jobs for international students

International students in the US can work part-time on their campus without requiring additional work authorisation, unlike off-campus work. This is a great way to earn some extra money, gain work experience, and make new friends. However, international students on an F-1 visa can only work on-campus after completing a program if they are continuing their education at the next program level at the same school.

There are a few restrictions to be mindful of. Firstly, international students cannot work for more than 20 hours a week during the school term. They may, however, work full-time during periods when school is not in session or during the summer vacation before graduation. Secondly, international students on an F-1 visa are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. Lastly, international students do not qualify for federal financial aid and hence cannot apply for federal work-study jobs.

There are many on-campus job opportunities for international students, such as:

• Department assistant: providing administrative and secretarial support for a department, handling departmental matters, and providing support to specific teams or projects.
• Front-of-house assistant or runner in cafes, restaurants, or other dining facilities on-site.
• Barista: working in a campus cafe will not only allow you to earn but also provide you with employee discounts.
• Campus tour guide: this role will require you to be outgoing and friendly as you will be giving group and personal tours and talking about what your college offers.
• University receptionist: duties may include general office support, administration, customer service, and communication with students and staff via phone and email.
• Research study assistant: this is one of the highest-paying part-time jobs for international students, and duties include working on various projects, carrying out research, maintaining lab equipment, and collating results.
• Teaching assistant or tutor: helping fellow students with their course content, reading, or assignments.
• Bookstore assistant: many universities have bookstores on campus, and this is a great way to gain experience and benefit from employee discounts.
• Sales assistant: sales jobs are a great way to interact with others and make some extra money.

To find on-campus jobs, you can check your college's online job board, visit different places on campus that you might like to work in, such as the library or cafeteria, and ask if they are hiring, or visit your college's career centre for help and feedback on your resume.

Off-campus jobs for international students

International students in the US, typically holding an F-1 visa, can work part-time under certain conditions that adhere to US immigration regulations. F-1 visa holders are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. However, off-campus jobs for international students are subject to stricter requirements and limitations.

Only F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program and are facing severe economic hardship may be authorised by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work off-campus. This is determined by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) definition of emergent circumstances, which includes world events such as natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises. To apply for off-campus employment, students must first explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will then recommend the student and provide an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status."

Once the student has the new Form I-20, they must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. If approved, USCIS will send a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), which permits off-campus work for one year or until the completion of the student's program, whichever comes first. Students cannot begin working off-campus until they receive their EAD and have been enrolled for at least a year. Additionally, off-campus employment must be directly related to the student's major.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is a type of off-campus employment that is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school." To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for the student's degree or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorisation from the school's International Student Office and notification to USCIS are required, and the student must have been enrolled full-time for one year on valid F-1 status. CPT employment must be an integral part of the student's degree program, and a qualifying job offer must be received before submitting the CPT authorisation request.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is another option for off-campus employment, which can be applied for after being enrolled for at least nine months. Similar to CPT, OPT requires an EAD from USCIS, and employment can occur anywhere in the US. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT. Additionally, students on OPT should be mindful of travel regulations; leaving the country after completing their degree but before receiving their EAD and obtaining a job may result in denied readmission.

Part-Time Jobs

Part-time jobs offer international students financial support, practical exposure to American work culture, and a way to improve their English language skills. Top companies offering part-time jobs in the US include Bank of America, Amazon, and Walmart. Students can search for part-time roles on online job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster.

Work visa requirements

International students on F1 visas are allowed to work on-campus without USCIS approval, although on-campus job opportunities are limited. F1 students can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester, and the employment may not be given to a US student.

For off-campus employment, F1 students must have been enrolled for at least a year and have received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. Off-campus employment must be directly related to the student's major and can be authorized in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include world events that cause severe economic hardship, such as natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment that must be an integral part of the degree program or a requirement for a course for which academic credit is received. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to USCIS is required. Students must have been enrolled full-time for one year on valid F1 status (except for graduate programs requiring immediate CPT) and must have received a qualifying job offer before submitting their CPT authorization request.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another option for F1 students, who can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least nine months. OPT can be extended for an additional 17 months, up to a total of 29 months, for students in certain degree programs. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT.

International students should be aware of the complexities and misunderstandings regarding visas when job hunting in the US. It is the student's responsibility to provide employers with information about their visa requirements and restrictions. Career services at the student's school can offer valuable experience in helping international students find jobs in the US following graduation.

Job-hunting tips for international students

Job-hunting as an international student in the US can be challenging, with unique hurdles to overcome that native US citizens may not encounter. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Understand Visa Requirements

Firstly, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with your visa requirements and restrictions. Different visa classifications, such as F-1 and M-1, have specific guidelines for employment. For instance, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during vacations, but the work must be on-campus and not take a job away from a US citizen or permanent resident. M-1 students must have authorization from the Designated School Official and USCIS for any off-campus training employment, which must be related to their area of study.

Be Prepared to Educate Employers

Employers may be hesitant to hire international students due to misunderstandings about visas and cultural differences. It is your responsibility to address these concerns and inform employers about the advantages of hiring you. Highlight your adaptability, resourcefulness, and ability to navigate new circumstances, as demonstrated by your experience studying abroad. Emphasize how your cultural understanding can benefit organizations seeking to expand their international business networks.

Utilize Available Resources

Take advantage of resources specifically designed to assist international students in their job search. The International Student Job Center and International Student Resume Writing Center offer guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. These resources can help you navigate the complexities of the US job market and increase your chances of employment success.

Be Flexible

Consider expanding your job search geographically and be open to positions outside your preferred location. Additionally, be mindful of the types of employment available to you as an international student. On-campus employment opportunities are often limited, but they are the most freely permitted category for international students. Off-campus employment must adhere to specific guidelines and may require prior authorization.

Stay Positive and Persistent

Job hunting can be exhausting and demoralizing, but it's important to maintain a positive attitude and confidence in your abilities. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and be prepared to discuss them in interviews. Remember that a persistent and resilient mindset will show in your interactions with potential employers and make them more inclined to invest in you.

STEM OPT extension

International students in the US on F-1 visas may be eligible to apply for certain jobs, provided they meet the requirements. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has specific rules and regulations for international students seeking employment. One option for international students seeking to work in the US is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows for temporary employment directly related to the student's major area of study.

The STEM OPT extension is an important provision that allows eligible F-1 students to extend their OPT period by up to 24 months. This extension is specifically for students who have earned degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the following criteria must be met:

• Degree Requirements: The student must hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a STEM field from a US Department of Education-recognized accredited institution. The institution must also be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time of the STEM OPT extension application.
• Valid F-1 Status: The student must maintain valid F-1 student status throughout their stay in the US. This includes adhering to any requirements and restrictions associated with this visa category.
• Employment Requirements: The student's employment during the STEM OPT extension must meet specific criteria. The employer must be enrolled in USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program and provide a minimum of 20 hours of work per week. Additionally, the employer must complete Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, which outlines the training objectives and resources available to the student. The employer must also attest that the student will not replace a US worker and that the employment will help the student attain their training objectives.
• Timely Application: Students must apply for the STEM OPT extension before the expiration of their initial OPT period. If the application is filed on time, an automatic 180-day extension of employment authorization is granted while the STEM OPT extension application is pending.
• Eligibility Limitations: Students can only participate in the STEM OPT extension once per degree level (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate). Additionally, they cannot apply during the 60-day grace period following the initial 12-month post-completion OPT. To participate twice, students must earn a second qualifying degree at a higher education level and apply for the second extension while on their initial OPT.
• Form I-20 Endorsement: The student's Designated School Official (DSO) must endorse Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, within the last 60 days.
• Reporting Requirements: During the STEM OPT extension, students must report their employer's address to their DSO every six months, even if there are no changes.

The STEM OPT extension provides valuable opportunities for international students in STEM fields to gain practical training and work experience in the US. It is important for students to carefully review the requirements and regulations to ensure they remain in compliance with their visa status and authorization to work.

Frequently asked questions