Janice Lozano
International students often bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to companies, and many organizations are keen to tap into this talent pool. However, hiring international students can be a complex process for employers due to visa requirements and work authorization procedures. International students themselves may also face challenges when navigating the job market in a foreign country, with many unsure of which companies are open to hiring them. This is where platforms like Handshake come in, allowing students to filter for companies that offer visa sponsorship and making it easier for employers to connect with this valuable talent pool. In this article, we will explore the benefits of hiring international students, demystify the process for employers, and provide practical tips for international students navigating the job market in a new country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | International students in the US typically hold F-1 visas, which allow them to work but within certain conditions and restrictions. F-1 visa holders can work on-campus and off-campus under specific circumstances. J-1 visas are also mentioned, allowing students to work on "academic training" provisions. |
| Work eligibility | International students are eligible to work in internships after the first year of their programs and do not require visa sponsorships from organizations. Students with F-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. |
| Work authorization | Work authorization is obtained through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is required to complete a course or degree program, while OPT is directly related to the student's course of study but is not part of the curriculum. |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Students with OPT permission will be issued an EAD by the USCIS, which indicates their name, photo, and valid dates of employment. The processing time for EAD can take up to 3 months, and students can only start working after receiving it. |
| H-1B visa | An employer must file an application for an H-1B visa, which allows foreign individuals to work legally in the US for up to three years, with a possible three-year extension. The visa is valid for employment with the company that petitioned for it, and individuals can work for a maximum of six years under this visa. |
| Employer requirements | Employers are not required to sponsor visas for international students with OPT and AT. To hire an international student, employers typically only need to provide a Job Offer Letter. |
| Competitive advantage | Hiring international students can provide a competitive advantage due to their global and intercultural fluency, with organizations being connected globally. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for international students
To visit a company in the US as an international student, you will need to obtain a visa. The type of visa you will need depends on your purpose for visiting the company. If you are planning to work at the company, you will need a different visa than if you are just visiting the company for educational or informational purposes.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa for international students wishing to study in the US. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled full-time in an academic program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This includes colleges, universities, academic high schools, and other academic institutions. Your school will issue you a Form I-20, which you must present at your visa interview. In addition, you must demonstrate English proficiency and have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. With an F-1 visa, you may be eligible to work in the US under certain conditions, such as through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa is for international students pursuing vocational studies at SEVP-approved schools. Similar to the F-1 visa, you must demonstrate English proficiency and have sufficient funds for your studies. However, M-1 visa holders may have more restrictions on their ability to work in the US compared to F-1 visa holders.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is a visitor exchange visa for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs. This includes visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants. J-1 visa holders must contact their responsible officer to determine if they are eligible to work outside of their program of study.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a type of work visa for foreign professionals. To be eligible, you must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a specialty occupation. The employer must file an application for the H-1B visa and demonstrate that the position meets the requirements. The H-1B visa is typically valid for three years, with a possible three-year extension.
L-1 Visa
The L-1 visa is for intra-company transferees. To be eligible, employees must have worked at an affiliated foreign office for at least one year before being transferred to the US. The L-1 visa is valid for up to three years, with a possible extension for up to two more years, depending on the employee's role.
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On-campus employment
Eligibility for On-Campus Employment:
To be eligible for on-campus employment, international students must maintain their F-1 status and be enrolled full-time in an academic program. Additionally, they must have a Social Security Number (SSN) to work both on and off-campus.
Work Hours for International Students:
International students are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year when classes are in session. However, during academic breaks, they can work up to 40 hours per week.
Types of On-Campus Jobs:
The range of on-campus jobs available to international students varies across different institutions. These jobs can include positions in campus bookstores, cafeterias, residence halls, learning centers, and research facilities. Some universities also offer institutionally-funded work-study programs that international students may qualify for.
Job Search Strategies:
Finding on-campus jobs as an international student can be competitive, so it's essential to start the job search early. International students can utilize online job portals, university job platforms, career centers, networking, and job fairs to explore opportunities. Visiting different departments, connecting with peers and professors, and leveraging social media can also help identify potential job openings.
Understanding Regulations:
It's important for international students to understand the regulations surrounding on-campus employment. On-campus jobs must be qualifying positions that do not displace U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs). Additionally, the work must take place at the school or an educationally affiliated off-campus location, directly providing services to students.
In summary, on-campus employment offers international students a valuable opportunity to gain work experience, earn income, and enhance their overall college experience. By understanding the eligibility requirements, work regulations, and job search strategies, international students can successfully navigate the on-campus job market and benefit from these opportunities.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the United States on an F1 visa are allowed to work, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). While on-campus employment is the most freely available option, there are four categories of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Severe Economic Hardship Employment, and emergent circumstances.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a type of off-campus employment that trains students in their field of study and for which they fulfil academic credit or part of their degree requirement. It may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their field of study. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT must be part-time during the academic year (20 hours per week) but can be full-time during breaks and summer vacation. Students interested in CPT must consult their International Student Counselor and make an appointment with International Student Services to determine their eligibility.
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. The special extension of the OPT program is only available to those employed by companies enrolled in the E-Verify program and studying specific subjects. Students may be eligible to apply for post-completion OPT upon graduation.
Severe Economic Hardship Employment
This option is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate a severe economic hardship beyond their control, such as natural disasters, wars, or financial crises. Students must also show that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient or unavailable. To determine eligibility, students must make an appointment with International Student Services.
Emergent Circumstances
In the event of world events that cause severe economic hardship, such as natural disasters, wars, or international financial crises, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may authorize off-campus employment for F-1 students. This authorization is known as Special Student Relief and involves the suspension of certain regulatory requirements.
It is important to note that off-campus employment for international students is highly regulated, and failure to comply with the eligibility requirements and authorization processes can result in losing F-1 student status and visa revocation. Students must consult with their International Student Counselor and relevant government websites for detailed information on their specific situation.
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Work visa extensions
International students on an F-1 visa are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, all employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of your F1 visa.
For instance, on-campus employment must take place either at your school or an educationally affiliated location, and the work must be directly providing services for students. An F-1 student must have remained enrolled for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing for USCIS to authorize off-campus employment. Off-campus employment authorization ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever is sooner.
If you are an international student and you want to work in the US after graduation, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work and train in the US for up to 12 months. Students with STEM-related degrees can request an additional 24 months of OPT. To apply for OPT, students must submit a completed I-983 training plan as part of their STEM OPT request to the international student services office, which processes the STEM OPT recommendation for the student. The F-1 student then files their completed OPT application, supporting documentation, and required fee to USCIS. Students who receive an OPT extension may also choose to apply for an H-1B visa, also called the Person in Specialty Occupation Visa. To obtain this visa, you must have been accepted to a specific job position that correlates with your degree and requires an advanced education degree.
There are other visa options for working in the US as an international student or graduate, including the B-1/B-2 visa, which is a temporary, non-immigrant visa that allows holders to travel to the US for business or tourism. The L-1 visa is for intra-company transferees who have worked at an affiliated foreign office for a minimum of one year. The O-1 visa is a temporary work status available to foreign nationals with "extraordinary ability" in specific fields. Finally, the E-1 and E-2 visas are for Treaty Traders and Treaty Investors, allowing foreign nationals of countries with commerce or investment treaties with the US to conduct substantial trade or make investments in US businesses.
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International student internship opportunities
International students can visit a company and even intern at them. In the US, international students do not require visa sponsorships to participate in internships. All international students are eligible to work in internships after the first year of their programs and do not require visa sponsorships from organizations. Most students hold F-1 status levels and qualify through a grant of Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
The U.S. Department of State offers a Student Internship Program with opportunities to work in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C., and at Department offices around the United States. This program is designed to provide substantive learning experiences in a foreign affairs environment. Students can participate in meetings with senior-level U.S. government or foreign government officials, draft reports, support events, and engage directly with U.S. audiences to help explain the work of the Department of State.
The UNICEF Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with UNICEF through global internship opportunities. Internships can be full-time or part-time, and UNICEF provides a monthly stipend to interns.
Some other internship opportunities for international students in the US include the CPT and OPT programs. CPT is Curricular Practical Training, which is employment that is required to complete a course or degree program. OPT is Optional Practical Training, which is employment directly related to the student's course of study but is not part of the curriculum. F-1 students can work under "practical training" provisions, and J-1 students may work on "academic training" provisions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the US, but they need to obtain prior permission from the International Student Office and ensure that the work qualifies as on-campus employment. Students on F-1 visas can work in jobs related to their major field of study under "practical training" provisions.
International students typically hold F-1 visas, which allow them to work in jobs related to their field of study. Alternatively, students on J-1 visas who are not subject to a two-year home residency requirement may also be eligible for employment.
No, international students do not require visa sponsorships to participate in US internships. However, most companies will ask if you are authorized to work in the US and if you will require sponsorship after graduation.
International students can offer a wealth of knowledge and help bridge cultural gaps. They can bring "Global and Intercultural Fluency," which is an in-demand skill for many organizations. Additionally, they can contribute unique perspectives and demonstrate resilience due to their diverse experiences.
It is important to know which companies are open to hiring international students and to use resources like Handshake to filter for visa sponsorship options. Ensure your resume is tailored to the job description and highlights your relevant skills. Be prepared for common questions about work authorization and visa requirements.
