
International students in New York City are enrolled in various schools and colleges, from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels, and come from diverse backgrounds, representing over 140 countries. These students often seek part-time or full-time employment opportunities, and their visa status plays a crucial role in their eligibility to work. F-1 and J-1 visas are the most common types for international students, with F-1 students typically relying on private funding sources and J-1 students receiving support from governmental or international agencies. The availability of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international students to gain practical work experience during and after their studies, providing a pathway to employment in their field of study. With the presence of prominent universities and a diverse talent pool, New York City agencies have access to a wealth of international student talent, contributing to the city's dynamic and global reputation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students in New York | Over 140 countries represented at NYU |
| Student visas | F-1 or J-1 |
| F-1 funding | Private sources |
| J-1 funding | Governmental or international agency |
| Work eligibility | OPT or CPT |
| OPT eligibility | STEM majors |
| CPT eligibility | Internship courses |
| OPT training duration | 12 months |
| CPT training duration | 20+ hours per week for 12 months |
| OPT extension | 24 months |
| STEM OPT extension | 3 years |
| J-1 training duration | 18 months |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Government agency approval required | No |
| Tax withholding | Yes |
| Tax residency status | Non-resident if in the US for less than 5 years |
| Job portals | LinkedIn, Indeed, NYU |
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What You'll Learn

International students' visa types and classifications
International students intending to pursue academic degrees or English language studies at accredited US colleges or universities generally need a student visa. There are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M. These visas are classified as non-immigrant visas. The US Department of State is responsible for the initial visa application process and issuance. The US Department of Homeland Security is then responsible for granting entry into the country and enforcing immigration regulations that affect international students.
F-Visa
The F-visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. There are three types of F-visa:
- F-1: for full-time students
- F-2: for dependents of F-1 visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
- F-3: for border commuters (Mexican and Canadian students) who reside in their country while studying part- or full-time in the US
F-1 students may accept on-campus employment during their first academic year, subject to certain conditions. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment in special situations, such as severe economic hardship. Any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official. F-1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week or request work authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and OPT for a total of 12 months.
J-Visa
The J-visa is for exchange students participating in exchange programs, including high school and university studies. There are two types of J-visa:
- J-1: for exchange students on a relevant exchange program
- J-2: for dependents of J-1 visa holders
J-1 visa holders are often funded by government or international agencies. They are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement if they are part of a government-funded program, doing graduate medical education, or if their training is listed in the Exchange Visitor Skills list. This means they must return to their home country for at least two years. J-1 students have a maximum of 18 months of academic training during and/or after their degree.
M-Visa
The M-visa is for students in vocational or non-academic programs, excluding language training. There are three types of M-visa:
- M-1: for students in vocational or non-academic studies
- M-2: for dependents of M-1 visa holders
- M-3: for border commuters, similar to F-3 but for vocational or non-academic studies
M-1 students are admitted for a fixed time, including the length of their training program and any Optional Practical Training. They usually cannot stay in the US for longer than one year, except for medical extensions. They are not allowed to work on or off-campus and cannot change their status to F-1.
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Practical training opportunities for international students
International students at universities in New York City, such as New York University (NYU) and New York Tech, have several practical training opportunities. These opportunities allow international students to gain work experience and apply their knowledge in their field of study. One such opportunity is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which enables international students to work off-campus in paid positions related to their academic program. To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed at least two semesters or one full academic year and be enrolled in a course related to internships or externships during their CPT semester. The CPT application process should be initiated 1-2 weeks before the internship begins, and students must provide an offer letter. NYU's designated school officials recommend CPT applicants to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization.
Another practical training option for international students is Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows international students to gain work experience in their field of study, either during or after their degree, for a maximum of 12 months. Students with STEM majors may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension. The OPT application process should be started 90-120 days before the anticipated start of employment, and students must work with their employer to provide the required visa sponsorship documents.
International students on F-1 visas at NYU are eligible for practical training (OPT and CPT), while those on J-1 visas can engage in academic training. Both options offer paid employment opportunities without requiring the employer to complete any forms with the USCIS or other government agencies. Additionally, international students do not need a social security number to begin working in the US legally. However, once they obtain a paid position, they can apply for a social security card using their employer's information, supervisor's details, and the tax ID of the employing organization.
Overall, practical training opportunities like CPT and OPT provide valuable avenues for international students in New York City to enhance their employability and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. These programs facilitate the transition from academic studies to professional careers, benefiting both the students and their prospective employers.
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Work eligibility for international students post-graduation
International students at New York University (NYU) come from over 140 countries and pursue various programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. levels. Most international students at NYU enter the United States on one of two types of student visas: F-1 or J-1. The F-1 visa is typically for students with private sources of funding, while the J-1 visa is often for those with governmental or international agency funding.
International students on F-1 visas are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. CPT can be authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and allows students to work up to 12 months at 20 or more hours per week. To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed two semesters or one full academic year and be enrolled in an academic program. Additionally, CPT must be directly related to the student's major and count towards their degree requirements. For F-1 students, CPT can be used multiple times as long as it contributes to their degree, such as through internship courses.
On the other hand, OPT provides F-1 students with up to 12 months of practical training during and/or after their degree. Students with STEM majors may be eligible for a 24-month extension, allowing them to work for up to three years without requiring sponsorship. To apply for post-completion OPT, students can do so up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended to apply at least 45 days in advance to ensure timely processing. During their OPT, students are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
For international students on a J-1 visa, they are eligible for academic training that can be used during and/or after their degree. The sponsor of the J-1 program, often NYU, reviews and authorizes the academic training. J-1 students have a maximum of 18 months of academic training, and a written job offer is required.
It is important to note that working off-campus without proper eligibility and authorization can lead to losing F-1 student status. To work in the United States, individuals typically need a Social Security Number (SSN), which is used for taxation purposes and is necessary for both on-campus and off-campus employment.
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Tax requirements for international students
International students in New York City are required to report to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year, regardless of whether they worked during the previous year. While this does not necessarily mean that taxes must be paid, reporting one's presence in the US is a legal requirement. Penalties for not complying with this requirement include the denial of future requests for a change of status, such as permanent residency, and the denial of visa renewal.
International students at New York University (NYU) are provided with a Sprintax account, which is created specifically to help them with their federal and state tax returns, as well as Form 8843. NYU covers the costs of these services for its international students and scholars. To use Sprintax, students must create an account with a User ID and password and log in. They will then be prompted to fill out a Form W-7 if they do not have a Social Security Number. Once they have completed their tax forms, they must download, print, sign, and mail them to the IRS.
International students in the US on F-1 visas are usually considered nonresidents for tax purposes if they have been in the country for less than five calendar years. As nonresidents, they are only taxed on their New York source income, which includes earnings from work performed in New York State and income from real property located in the state. They are not liable for New York City personal income tax but may be subject to Yonkers nonresident earning tax if their income is sourced from the city of Yonkers.
The US has over 50 tax treaties with different countries, which vary in terms of the benefits offered to students, the types of income covered, the total amount of the exemption, and the number of years one could claim the benefit. If an international student's country of origin has a tax treaty with the US, they may be able to claim certain benefits when filing their taxes.
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Job opportunities for international students in New York City
International students in New York City have a variety of job opportunities available to them, depending on their visa status and qualifications. Many international students enter the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa, both of which allow for some form of practical training and paid employment. F-1 students can engage in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), allowing them to work off-campus in their field of study for up to 12 months, with STEM majors eligible for a 24-month extension. J-1 students, on the other hand, can participate in academic training for up to 18 months during or after their degree, with authorization from their program sponsor. These practical training opportunities provide a pathway for international students to gain valuable work experience and contribute their skills to New York City organizations.
New York City is home to numerous universities and educational institutions that often offer job opportunities for international students. For instance, New York University (NYU) employs international students in various roles, and Columbia University has posted job openings specifically targeting international students, such as ESL instructors. These universities recognize the value of diverse talent and are willing to sponsor students without the need for corporate sponsorship.
Beyond the education sector, international students in New York City can explore job opportunities in a range of industries. For example, financial institutions like JPMorganChase have offered positions in their Advancing Hispanics and Latinos Fellowship Program, while organizations like JUST English have sought International Student Recruitment Agency Representatives. These roles provide valuable experience and often do not require extensive waiting periods for processing by government agencies.
Additionally, online job platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn are excellent resources for international students seeking employment in New York City. These platforms regularly post part-time and full-time job openings specifically for international students. For instance, LinkedIn has posted positions such as Assistant Program Officer and Middle School PE and Health Teacher, demonstrating the diverse range of opportunities available. Indeed also offers a wealth of job listings, including positions like International Growth Representative and International Student Advisor, highlighting the demand for talent from across the globe.
In conclusion, international students in New York City have a multitude of job opportunities across various sectors. By leveraging their visa-related work benefits and utilizing educational and online job resources, international students can gain valuable work experience and establish themselves in the dynamic New York City job market.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, New York City agencies can hire international students.
Most international students enter the United States on an F-1 visa, while a small number enter on a J-1 visa.
F-1 students usually have private sources of funding, whereas J-1 students often have government or international agency funding.
The process depends on the type of visa and the nature of the employment. For F-1 students, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can be used multiple times and the only paperwork required is the job offer. For J-1 students, there is a maximum of 18 months of academic training, and a written job offer is required.
Yes, international students have taxes withheld from income earned in the United States, with some exceptions. F-1 or J-1 students who have been in the US for less than five years are nonresidents for tax purposes.








































