Douglas Olsen
International students often face challenges when seeking employment due to their temporary visa status and the associated costs and complexities for employers. Most international students in the US hold F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant visas, which allow them to work under certain conditions, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). While CPT provides valuable work authorization for F-1 students, it may not eliminate employer hesitancy due to concerns about additional paperwork, temporary work visas, and the potential for higher turnover rates among international employees. However, companies that hire international students gain a competitive advantage by tapping into a diverse talent pool with sought-after skills like Global and Intercultural Fluency. Resources like United OPT exist to help international students navigate the job market and connect with companies open to sponsoring visas. Ultimately, while challenges exist, international students can enhance their employability by starting their job search early, sharpening their skills, and targeting companies with a track record of hiring international talent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Challenges | Companies may hesitate to hire international F1 students due to concerns about additional paperwork, time and cost. There may also be concerns about the student's dedication and length of employment. |
| Opportunities | International students can bring "Global and Intercultural Fluency" to companies, giving them a competitive advantage. |
| Visa Requirements | F1 students can accept internships and practical training without requiring visa sponsorship. However, for long-term employment, they may need to transition to an H-1B visa, which requires employer sponsorship. |
| Job Search Strategies | International students can refer to career services at their school or online resources for lists of companies that hire international students. Networking and researching companies' records in visa sponsorship can also help. |
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What You'll Learn
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
The process of applying for CPT involves several steps. Firstly, students should take the CPT Certification Course and obtain the certificate in PDF format. They should then discuss their CPT plans in detail with their Academic or Faculty Advisor and obtain a Detailed Training Description. The advisor may recommend CPT by completing the Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form and assisting with enrollment in a Registrar Designated CPT course, if applicable. Students must gather all the required documents and submit their CPT application through the designated portal, ensuring that the application is complete and valid to avoid rejection.
It is important to note that CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization. Additionally, CPT authorization is strongly recommended for all unpaid internships, even if employment authorization documents are not typically required. CPT is a significant authorization as it allows F-1 students to engage in practical training as part of their academic curriculum.
While there are companies that hire international F-1 students, there are also challenges and hesitations expressed by employers. Some of the concerns include the additional paperwork and unfamiliarity with the hiring process for international students. There may also be a perception that international students are more likely to leave the country or company after a certain period. However, resources and organizations like United OPT are dedicated to helping international students find job opportunities and companies that sponsor visas. It is beneficial for students to research companies' records in visa sponsoring and their experience with hiring international alumni.
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OPT/STEM-OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment benefit for eligible international students in the US who are on F-1 student visas. OPT allows students to work for a maximum of 12 months, with the possibility of a 24-month extension for those with STEM degrees. To be eligible for OPT, F-1 students must have been enrolled in an academic program for at least one year, and the employment must be directly related to their major area of study.
The process for hiring international students on OPT can be beneficial for companies, as it can bring diverse perspectives, cultural diversity, language skills, and specialized skills to the workplace. However, some employers hesitate to hire international students on OPT due to concerns about temporary work visas, additional paperwork, and the potential for employees to leave the US eventually.
To hire an international student on OPT, employers should understand the immigration implications and their responsibilities. There is no cost to the employer for the STEM OPT recommendation process, but USCIS processing fees may apply. Employers must also ensure that the student has received work authorization from USCIS and that the employment meets the criteria for qualifying STEM OPT employment.
Students may change employers during STEM OPT and work for more than one employer simultaneously, but all employment details must be reported within 10 days of any change. Additionally, F-1 students cannot qualify for STEM OPT extensions if they are self-employed or provide their own training. The employer must sign Form I-983 and provide the practical training experience.
Overall, hiring international students on OPT can provide companies with access to a diverse talent pool and fresh perspectives, but it is important for employers to be aware of the associated responsibilities and requirements.
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H-1B status
International students in the US are typically enrolled in academic programs under one of two non-immigrant student immigration statuses: F-1 or J-1. The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa for international students enrolled full-time in US academic institutions.
Many students want to transition to working in the US after their studies, and the H-1B visa is one of the most popular work visas available. The H-1B is a nonimmigrant work visa for foreign nationals employed in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The F-1 to H-1B pathway is designed for graduate students to enter the nonimmigrant worker job market after graduation.
To obtain an H-1B visa, a student must complete their coursework, obtain a degree, and then file to compete for one of the 65,000 lottery-allocated H-1B visas per year. If a student has a master's or doctorate, they can take advantage of the first 20,000 places dedicated to postgraduate degree holders. The employer must also apply for the Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor, agreeing to pay the prevailing wage for the occupation and location. The LCA is valid for up to three years of employment.
The process of finding a company to sponsor an H-1B visa can be challenging. Students can research companies' records in terms of visa sponsorship and experience with hiring international alumni. Employers may hesitate to hire international students on F-1 visas due to concerns about additional paperwork, potential for higher employee turnover, and the belief that international students may not bring enough to the table to justify the extra effort.
However, there are companies that do hire international F-1 students and sponsor their H-1B visas. Students can seek help from their career services at school, which may provide lists of companies that hire international students.
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E-1 and E-2 status
Many companies hire international F1 students, and there are resources available to help international students find these companies. However, some companies hesitate to hire international students on F1 visas due to concerns about additional paperwork, the potential for higher financial commitments, and the perception that international students may not be long-term employees.
Now, here is some information about E-1 and E-2 status:
It is important to note that E-1 and E-2 statuses are distinct from F-1 student status. Individuals in E status can enrol in school as long as it does not interfere with maintaining their E status. On the other hand, F-1 status is specifically for academic students, and those in B-1 or B-2 status are prohibited from enrolling in a course of study without prior approval from USCIS.
To transition from a non-immigrant status to F-1 student status, individuals must submit Form I-539 and pay a fee of $420 for online applications or $470 for paper filing. They must also provide evidence of financial support and a cover letter explaining their reasons for seeking a change of status. Obtaining F-1 status does not automatically grant an F-1 visa, and additional steps are required to obtain the visa if travelling outside the US.
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Job search tips
While some companies are hesitant to hire international F-1 students due to the extra paperwork and potential costs involved, there are still many organizations that are open to hiring international students. These companies value the unique skills and perspectives that international students can bring to their workforce. Here are some job search tips to help you navigate the process:
Know the Visa Requirements
Before beginning your job search, familiarize yourself with the visa requirements for international students. In the US, F-1 students can work in qualifying on-campus jobs, up to 20 hours per week during school sessions and full-time during annual vacations. To work off-campus, F-1 students may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is commonly used for internships, while OPT is for full-time jobs. These are short-term work authorizations that allow international students to gain practical experience in their field of study. For long-term employment in the US, you will likely need an employer-sponsored visa, such as an H-1B, TN, or O1 visa.
Research Companies that Hire International Students
Start your job search by identifying companies that have a track record of hiring international students. Career services at your school may provide lists or resources to help you find these companies. Websites like Handshake and CareerShift allow you to filter job searches to include only those companies that offer visa sponsorship or accept OPT/CPT. Additionally, you can research H-1B Visa and Green Card sponsorship trends by employers, industry, job title, and occupation to identify companies that are more likely to hire international students.
Tailor Your Resume and Skills
When applying for jobs, ensure your resume is formatted correctly and tailored to the job description. Highlight general skills that are transferable across different countries and workplaces. Emphasize your ability to navigate diverse settings, communicate across teams, and adapt to different workplace norms. Framing your previous experiences positively can showcase your resilience and unique perspective.
Network and Build Connections
Attend virtual events, work on-campus jobs, join clubs, and expand your network beyond your home country. Building connections with a diverse range of people can open up unexpected opportunities. Don't be afraid to reach out to recruiters and let them know you're an international student seeking employment. Highlight the value you can bring to their organization through your unique skills and cultural knowledge.
Follow Up on Applications
After applying for a job, remember to follow up with the employer after 2-3 weeks. This helps ensure that they have received your application and shows your continued interest in the position. It is also essential to stay organized and keep track of your applications, especially if you are applying to multiple companies.
Remember, finding a company that hires international students can be challenging, but with persistence, flexibility, and a well-prepared strategy, you can increase your chances of success in the job market.
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Frequently asked questions
F-1 is one of two non-immigrant student statuses (the other being J-1) under which most international students study in the US.
International students can bring "Global and Intercultural Fluency" to organisations, giving them a competitive advantage.
Companies need to confirm an international student's work authorisation before their employment start date. The only additional paperwork required to hire an international student is a Job Offer Letter.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorisation that allows F-1 students to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study.
Some companies view hiring international students as costly and time-consuming. There may also be additional paperwork and reporting requirements.
