Ibrahim Gardner
International students interested in working in US cybersecurity face several challenges, including visa and immigration issues, high tuition and living costs, and potential xenophobia in the workplace. However, the USA offers excellent internship and practical experience opportunities in this field, and top-tier educational institutions with cutting-edge programs. International students may face restrictions on off-campus work due to visa regulations and some cybersecurity roles require security clearances that are difficult to obtain without US citizenship. Building professional connections is crucial for career advancement, but networking events may be challenging to access due to visa limitations. Prospective international students should carefully plan and be aware of these obstacles before pursuing cybersecurity studies in the USA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work visa | International students can work in the US under OPT for 3 years and can ask their company for a work visa if they have a location in the US |
| Demand for skills | In-demand skills include customer-facing roles, sales engineer, consultant, GRC and audits |
| Certifications | CISSP, CEH |
| Technologies | Cloud security, Docker |
| Education | Bachelor's degree in information systems, security studies, international relations, computer science, cybersecurity, or related fields |
| Experience | Internships, participation in security conferences, and an existing network in the industry are valuable |
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What You'll Learn
- International students on internships can work in US cybersecurity
- International students with work permits can work in US cybersecurity
- Xenophobia in the US against foreigners in cybersecurity
- Getting a work visa as an international student in cybersecurity
- Necessary certifications for international students in cybersecurity
International students on internships can work in US cybersecurity
International students can work in US cybersecurity on internships, and there are a variety of opportunities available. Many internships are paid, with some offering an hourly rate, and others an annual salary. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), for example, offers a paid internship program with full benefits. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also offers a 10-week paid internship program at select field offices across the country.
The Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is another option for international students. CISA hires students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to the graduate level for paid cyber/IT internships. These internships offer a fast-paced, evolving environment where interns work closely with cyber professionals on mission-focused projects.
Some internships are only open to students working towards a Bachelor's or Master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field. However, there are also opportunities for high school students and recent graduates. For example, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers an internship program for undergraduate students.
International students on internships can gain valuable work experience and develop their cybersecurity skills. They can also earn college credit and build their resumes. It is important to note that not all internships are paid, and the amount earned can vary based on the position, employer, internship length, location, and education level.
To find internships, international students can look at government-sponsored programs, as well as job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. They can also check with their college or university to see if they can earn credits toward their degree program by completing an internship.
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International students with work permits can work in US cybersecurity
International students may also face visa and immigration hurdles when seeking employment in the US cybersecurity industry. While a student visa is typically required to study full-time in the US, international students may need a different type of visa to work in the country after graduation. Obtaining a work visa can be challenging, but one option is to seek sponsorship from an international company with a US location. Networking within the industry and attending conferences or events can also help increase the chances of finding employment.
Additionally, certain cybersecurity roles in the US require security clearances, which may be difficult for international students to obtain due to citizenship requirements and background checks. There may also be restrictions on working off-campus due to visa regulations, and some companies may have policies or limitations on hiring non-US citizens. Despite these challenges, international students with work permits can find employment in US cybersecurity, particularly with the support and guidance of their universities and professional connections.
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Xenophobia in the US against foreigners in cybersecurity
International students seeking to enter the US cybersecurity job market face numerous challenges, including visa requirements and competition from local graduates. However, a significant challenge that has been highlighted is xenophobia in the industry.
Xenophobia is a form of prejudice and hostility directed at foreigners or people from other countries. The US has a history of xenophobic incidents, with a recent rise attributed to nationalist propaganda and certain political leaders, such as former President Donald Trump. His policies, including hardline immigration stances and restrictions on travellers from Muslim-majority countries, have contributed to an increase in xenophobic sentiment.
In the cybersecurity field, a Reddit user shares their experience of xenophobia, facing difficulties in obtaining a job and being denied access to certain security controls due to their foreign status. They mention compliance requirements that restrict data access to US citizens, highlighting a structural barrier for international students in the industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated xenophobia in the US, particularly against Asians. Instances of verbal and physical harassment, as well as discrimination in housing, hospitality, and public transport, have been reported. The pandemic has unearthed latent racism and contributed to a rise in racist attacks, specifically targeting people of East Asian descent.
To combat xenophobia in the US cybersecurity industry, international students can focus on building their skill set, obtaining certifications, and networking within the industry. While structural barriers exist, creating connections and showcasing one's abilities can increase the chances of employment. Additionally, staying informed about visa requirements and compliance regulations is essential for navigating the job market successfully.
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Getting a work visa as an international student in cybersecurity
International students in the United States predominantly hold an F1 visa, a non-immigrant student visa. F1 students are permitted to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with the guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
On-campus employment is the most freely available and permitted category of work for F1 visa holders, but opportunities are often limited. Off-campus employment is also an option, but only in cases of severe economic hardship, emergent circumstances, or as part of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". To qualify, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Students can be paid for CPT employment.
After graduation, F1 students may be eligible to apply for post-completion optional practical training (OPT). OPT can be completed before or after graduation, but students are only eligible for a total of 12 months of practical training. Students studying STEM subjects may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension, allowing them to stay and work in the US for 24 months after graduation.
To stay and work in the US for a longer period, international students can apply for an H-1B visa. This visa is initially granted for three years but can be extended for an additional three years. To qualify, students must have employer sponsorship and approval of a labor condition attestation (LCA) from the Department of Labor. The LCA ensures that the student will not be exploited and will receive the same salary and benefits as their American counterparts.
It is important to note that there is some xenophobia in the US against foreigners working in cybersecurity. This may result in lower pay and limited access to certain information and security controls.
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Necessary certifications for international students in cybersecurity
International students pursuing cybersecurity in the US can explore various certification options to enhance their career prospects. While the specific requirements may vary, here are some necessary and popular certifications that international students can consider:
CompTIA Security+ Certification
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a widely recognised entry-level credential in the cybersecurity field. It validates core skills such as assessing organisational security, monitoring and securing cloud environments, understanding risk and compliance, and responding to security incidents. This certification is required by the US Department of Defense and serves as a strong foundation for any cybersecurity role. While there are no mandatory prerequisites, gaining prior IT experience and the Network+ certification is recommended.
CISSP Certification
The CISSP certification, offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium or (ISC)², is one of the most sought-after credentials in cybersecurity. To be eligible for the CISSP exam, candidates need at least five years of cumulative work experience in two or more cybersecurity domains, including Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture, and Software Development Security. A four-year degree in computer science can fulfil one year of the work requirement. This certification is ideal for experienced professionals aiming for advanced roles.
Academic Cybersecurity Certifications
Several universities in the US offer academic cybersecurity certifications, which provide a deep understanding of current issues in the field. Examples include Harvard's online cybersecurity certification and the University of Maryland's undergraduate and graduate-level cybersecurity programmes. These certifications are designed to be paired with other coursework and prepare students for professional certification exams and careers in cybersecurity.
University Degrees
International students can also pursue bachelor's, master's, or PhD degrees in cybersecurity at renowned US universities. For instance, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh offers a range of cybersecurity and IT degrees, covering areas such as Information Security Management and Software & Security. Other universities with cybersecurity programmes include the University of Pennsylvania, which has a Master of Computer and Information Technology degree designed for students without a computer science background.
While certifications can enhance employability, international students in the US may face challenges due to xenophobia and compliance requirements in certain jobs. Networking through conferences and building connections in the industry can help overcome these obstacles and increase the chances of finding suitable cybersecurity roles.
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Frequently asked questions
International students may face visa and immigration issues, high tuition fees, and a high cost of living. There can be restrictions on working off-campus, and some companies may not hire non-US citizens due to security clearance requirements. Networking and making industry connections can also be challenging due to visa limitations.
The USA offers top-tier educational institutions with excellent cybersecurity programs, providing world-class faculty, research opportunities, and industry connections. International students can gain valuable internships and practical experience in cybersecurity, which can lead to employment opportunities.
International students typically require a nonimmigrant F or M visa to study full-time in the US. These visas are for academic, language-training, or vocational programs, and the student's school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program.
Aside from certifications, international students can showcase their skills through CTFs, security blogs, creating security assessment tools, bug bounty programs, and building an online resume. Networking in-person at security conferences and building industry connections is also crucial for career advancement.
