Lori Meadows
International students with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree can work in the United States, but there are several factors to consider. Firstly, international students on an F-1 visa can engage in internships through Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM fields. Additionally, CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, offers temporary employment authorization for F-1 visa students during their studies. Visa requirements and regulations play a crucial role, and companies may be reluctant to sponsor international students due to the associated costs and time investment. Networking, attending career fairs, and starting the job search early are recommended strategies for international students seeking employment after obtaining an AA degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start job search | Before graduating |
| Job search assistance | Career centre advisors at college |
| Skills | Leadership, event hosting, tutoring, etc. |
| Visa | F-1, H-1B, B-1/B-2 |
| OPT | Optional Practical Training, up to 12 months full-time, 24 months for STEM |
| OPT requirements | Form I-765, prior authorization from USCIS and DSO, employment related to major, 20 hours minimum |
| CPT | Curricular Practical Training, temporary employment authorization, does not have to be for-credit |
| EAD | Employment Authorization Document, received after USCIS approval |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Work visa options for international students
International students in the US are only allowed to stay for up to 60 days after completing their college degrees. During this time, they can look for job opportunities to extend their F-1 visa status. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows international students to enter the US as full-time students at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institutions.
One way to extend your F-1 visa status is through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows graduates to work, train, or intern in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields. To apply for OPT, you must submit form I-765 for employment authorization, which can take around 6 to 12 months to be processed. OPT work can be part-time (minimum 20 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week) and must be completed within 14 months after completing your degree.
If you obtain an OPT extension, you may also choose to apply for an H-1B visa, also known as the Person in Specialty Occupation Visa. This visa is suitable for those who have been accepted into a specific job position that meets certain requirements, such as possessing an advanced education degree and having a correlation between your degree, work experience, and job duties. The H-1B status is initially granted for three years and can be extended for an additional three years.
Another option is the L-1B Intracompany Visa, which is designed for members of professions holding advanced degrees or aliens of Exceptional Ability. Labor Certification is typically required for this visa, but a waiver may be obtained if the applicant's employment is in the "national interest".
Additionally, international students can consider internships or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their studies. CPT is a form of temporary employment authorization for F-1 visa non-immigrant foreign students and can help build valuable experience and relationships with potential employers.
It is important to start the job search process early, even before graduating, and to utilize the resources and guidance provided by your university's career center advisors and international students department. Researching visa requirements and company sponsorship policies is crucial, as the process can be complex and time-consuming.
International Students: Allied Health Programs Application Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
OPT and CPT programs
International students on an F-1 visa can engage in internships through Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. OPT allows graduates to work, train, or intern in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields. This program can be used to extend an F-1 visa status for a year.
To apply for OPT, you need to ensure your employment is related to your field of study and that you are deemed eligible by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must submit Form I-765 for employment authorization, which can take six to twelve months to process, along with your OPT application. You will then receive Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), upon approval. You can only start working after receiving your EAD. OPT work must be part-time (a minimum of 20 hours a week) or full-time (40 hours a week).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another form of temporary employment authorization for F-1 visa non-immigrant foreign students in the United States. Unlike OPT, CPT is utilized during the study and must be completed before graduation. CPT allows students to work while enrolled in a college-level degree program. CPT must be authorized by the school or college's International Students Office, and students must maintain a full course of study while working. CPT programs can be found by contacting a student advisor at the university, who can also provide information on eligibility requirements and sponsoring employers.
It is important to note that if you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT is acceptable and will not affect your OPT eligibility.
International Student Health Insurance: Can I Cancel My Plan?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Job search strategies
International students in the US are allowed to stay for up to 60 days after completing their college degrees. Within this time, they can look for job opportunities to extend their F-1 visa status. One way to do this is through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows graduates to work or intern in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields.
Start Early
Don't wait until you graduate to start your job search. Begin the process at least a year in advance, and talk to career centre advisors at your college to understand your options, resources, and assistance available for international students.
Gain Experience
Consider internships or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) while you're still studying. CPT is a form of temporary employment authorisation for F-1 visa non-immigrant foreign students. Internships can provide valuable experience and help you build relationships that may lead to sponsorship after graduation.
Network
Attend career fairs and networking events to meet potential employers and stand out by showcasing your unique strengths. Building connections can significantly improve your chances of finding a job in a competitive market.
Tailor Your Applications
Ensure your resume is up to date and tailored to each position you apply for. Research the company and the role, and highlight how your skills and experiences align with their requirements. Employers often prioritise skills and experiences over grades, so focus on your unique strengths and transferable skills.
Understand the Visa Process
Research the visa requirements, options, deadlines, and costs. Understand the rules around OPT and other visa options, such as H-1B or B-1/B-2 visas. Know which companies sponsor visas and what you need to do to obtain authorisation. The International Students Office and Career Development Centre at your college can provide valuable information and resources.
Stay Positive
The job search process can be challenging, but it's important to stay positive and confident about your abilities. Don't be discouraged by rejections, and remember that perseverance will pay off. Keep an eye on companies that actively hire international students, and consider freelancing or short-term consulting to maintain your skills and marketability.
How International Students Can Get an ITIN
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Internships and employment requirements
International students in the US on an F-1 visa can engage in internships through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows graduates to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields. This means that internships can form part of this practical training, offering real-world experience post-graduation.
To apply for OPT, you need to ensure your employment is related to your field of study and that you are deemed eligible by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). OPT work can be part-time (a minimum of 20 hours a week) or full-time (40 hours a week). It is important to note that OPT employment requires prior authorization from both USCIS and your school's International Student Office. You can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but you cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least a year.
Another option for internships is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is utilized during your studies. CPT is a form of temporary employment authorization for F-1 visa non-immigrant foreign students in the US while they are enrolled in a college-level degree program. Permission for CPT is given by your school or college’s International Students Office, following the regulations established by USCIS.
Additionally, you can explore internships with organizations that sponsor work visas. This not only helps you gain experience but also increases your chances of employment by allowing more time to establish relationships with potential employers.
It is important to start your job search early, even before you graduate. Career fairs, career centre advisors, and your school's International Students Office and Career Development Centre can provide valuable resources and guidance on internships and employment requirements for international students.
Babysitting Opportunities for International Students in the US
You may want to see also
Explore related products
EAD, F-1 visa, and travel considerations
International students on an F-1 visa can remain in the US for up to 60 days after graduation to look for jobs or engage in tourism. They can also participate in internships through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and work in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields.
To apply for OPT, students must submit Form I-765 for employment authorization, along with their OPT application. It is recommended to apply several months before graduation, as processing can take up to six to 12 months.
Regarding travel, F-1 students on OPT should be cautious about leaving the country before receiving their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and securing a job. Departing the US before obtaining an EAD and employment may jeopardize their chance of securing a postgraduate work visa.
When travelling, F-1 students must carry specific documents, including:
- All I-20 forms with page 3 endorsed for travel by the international student advisor within the past six months.
- A letter of employment stating dates of employment and salary.
- A valid passport.
Additionally, students with approved or pending OPT requests must carry a copy of their Form I-20 or EAD to present at the US Embassy, Consulate, or port of entry.
It is also important to note that students with expired visas and terminated records should not travel outside the US until their status is updated to Active. Travelling with a pending Form I-485 without advance permission may result in abandoning the application.
To summarize, international students on F-1 visas have the opportunity to work in the US through OPT, but they should carefully consider travel plans and ensure they have the necessary documentation, including a valid passport and EAD, before departing and returning to the country.
Gap Semesters: Options for International Students
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work after getting an AA degree in the US. They can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields.
To apply for OPT, international students must submit Form I-765 for employment authorization along with their OPT application. They should also have been enrolled for at least 9 months and received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before starting employment.
Yes, OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major and must be for a minimum of 20 hours per week. It can be part-time or full-time and must be completed within 14 months after completing the degree.
It is important to start the job search early, even before graduating. Career fairs, internships, and CPT (Curricular Practical Training) can help students gain experience and network with potential employers. Students should also research companies that hire international students and be prepared for the complex visa process and its requirements.
Yes, international students can explore other visa options such as the H-1B visa, which requires a specific job position and an advanced education degree. They can also consider the EB-2 and EB-3 visas, which are employment-based and available to skilled professionals and academics.
