Lana Oconnell
International students hoping to work in the USA face a competitive job market, complex visa requirements, and reluctant employers. However, there are many opportunities for those seeking to gain valuable skills and experience in their field. Students with an F-1 visa can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus, and CPT employment can be an option for paid, temporary work experience related to your degree. Off-campus employment is also possible, but prior authorization is required. Students can also consider internships, which can lead to sponsorship, or on-campus jobs, which are often available at universities and colleges. Understanding the visa requirements and building a strong resume are key steps to improving your chances of employment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1, M-1 |
| Work hours | Maximum of 20 hours per week on campus |
| Employment type | On-campus, off-campus |
| Employment requirements | Must be enrolled full-time for one year, valid F1 status, work experience must be required for the degree |
| Employment authorization | CPT, OPT, EAD |
| Employment conditions | Off-campus training employment must be related to the area of study, prior authorization from the Designated School Official and USCIS is required |
| Job search tips | Think about your personal skills and interests, gain experience through internships or entry-level roles, network and attend career fairs, start the job search before graduation |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding visa rules and requirements
International students who wish to study in the United States will generally need a student visa. There are two non-immigrant visa categories: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students.
The M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. F-1 visa students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment, provided certain conditions and restrictions are met. On-campus employment is the category most freely permitted and does not require approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). However, on-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and many schools require that students obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment.
After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the STEM Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). CPT is employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfill academic credit or a degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study. OPT is temporary employment directly related to your area of study, and all OPT employment requires prior authorization from USCIS and your school's International Student Office. Students who have graduated with a STEM-related degree can request an additional 24 months of OPT.
To apply for OPT, you must first obtain an internship offer and then work with the Designated School Official (DSO) to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with USCIS. You do not need a job offer to apply for your OPT EAD, but you cannot begin employment until you receive your EAD and have been enrolled for at least a year. OPT work must be part-time (minimum 20 hours a week) or full-time (40 hours a week) and must be completed within 14 months after completing your degree.
It is important to note that students found working illegally are failing to maintain their F-1 student status and risk losing their F-1 visa. Additionally, there are travel regulations governing F-1 students on OPT. If you leave the country after completing your degree but before receiving your EAD and obtaining a job, you may not be readmitted.
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On-campus jobs
International students can work on-campus jobs at their university or college, which can be a great way to offset costs, gain work experience, and get the most out of their college experience. However, careful navigation is needed as access to on-campus jobs can vary from one campus to another.
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus without additional work authorization. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. F-1 visa holders can also work at school-affiliated off-campus locations, such as research facilities or sports stadiums, as long as the job is with a company that contracts with the school to serve students directly. For example, an F-1 student can work for a company like Starbucks if it is located on campus. It is important to note that F-1 students cannot work for a company that contracts with the school for something other than student services, such as a construction company.
To get an on-campus job, international students should start by researching how student employment works at their specific college or university and understanding the rules and regulations that apply to them. They can visit their college's career center for help with their resume and to find out about on-campus job opportunities. Networking with peers and professors can also be a great way to learn about job openings.
When applying for on-campus jobs, international students should tailor their applications to each position and be prepared for interviews and reference checks. Some common examples of on-campus jobs for international students include teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant positions, as well as jobs in dining halls, campus stores, or other campus facilities.
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Off-campus jobs
International students can work off-campus under very specific circumstances, and rules vary by country. In the United States, students in F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. Students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status and may have to leave the country.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfill academic credit or a part of your degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
- Severe Economic Hardship: F-1 students who experience unforeseen economic hardship may be eligible for off-campus employment. The student must fill out a "Request for Severe Economic Hardship Employment Authorization" form and provide evidence of hardship.
In Canada, international students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit as long as they meet other requirements for working while studying. Students must ensure they can work off-campus without a permit before starting work. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and may result in losing student status and future permit approvals. Students can work remotely for an employer outside of Canada as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit, and this work does not count towards the 24-hour limit.
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Internships
As an international student, there are several ways to find internships. Firstly, decide whether you want to search for internships independently or with the assistance of an internship provider. An internship placement provider will organise most of the logistics for you, including helping with your application and visa, but you will have to pay for these services.
If you decide to search independently, there are several websites that list internships for international students. LinkedIn is a great place to find internships with major companies, and Handshake is a career development site that partners with US universities and employers, offering listings for entry-level roles and internships. You can also visit your university's career centre, which can point you towards openings suited for international students. Large multinational companies are more likely to hire and sponsor international interns, so start your search there.
Once you have found internships that interest you and meet your eligibility criteria, it is time to start applying. Make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each role, showing the hiring manager why you are a good fit for that specific company and position. If you are selected for an interview, research the company thoroughly and prepare answers to common questions about your past work experience, skills, and abilities.
Navigating the visa process can be challenging for international students seeking internships in the US. You will likely need an F1 visa or a J-1 visa. If you are already studying in the US on an F1 visa, you can undertake an F1 visa internship, which is typically easier as the paperwork is already filled out. Students can choose between Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which must be related to their degree, or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be unrelated. For OPT internships, you must gain approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Remember that rejection is a normal part of the process, so don't be discouraged if you don't get the first internship you apply for. Use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your application for next time.
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Building a resume
A resume, or Curriculum Vitae (CV), is often an international student's ticket to landing an interview for their dream job. It is a document that showcases your achievements and goals and helps you stand out from other applicants. Here are some tips for building a strong resume:
Structure and Formatting
Start by downloading an online template to ensure your resume looks professional and is formatted correctly. Keep the font consistent throughout and ensure it is easy to read. Save your resume as a PDF, but check the job posting as some countries or companies prefer Word files. Keep your resume concise and clear, and try to fit everything on one page.
Content
Begin with a short overview of your goals and skills. Include soft skills such as being good with people, emotional intelligence, and any personality traits that make you easy to work with. If you have limited work experience, highlight your qualifications, strengths, and any transferable skills. Include your academic qualifications, degrees, diplomas, and certifications in reverse chronological order. If you are still a student, include your GPA and test scores if they are above average.
Work Experience
If you have worked before, list your work experience in chronological order, with the most recent coming first. Provide a short summary of your responsibilities and achievements, and use bullet points to make it easy to read. Include any internships or volunteer positions you have undertaken, especially if they are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Customisation
Customise your resume for each job application to show the company why they should hire you. Highlight the skills and experiences relevant to the job, and include any numbers to provide quantifiable information that will catch a recruiter's eye. For example, "supervised 5-10 students" or "increased sales by 20%".
Proofreading
Before submitting your resume, ask a friend, family member, or teacher to review it and provide feedback. Use a grammar checker to ensure there are no mistakes. Proofreading is an important step to show your attention to detail.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can get a job in the US by applying for an F1 visa, which allows them to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. Students with an F1 visa can also work on-campus, but opportunities are limited. CPT employment is another option, which includes internships and practicums, but prior authorization is required.
It's important to start your job search well in advance of graduation. Talk to career advisors at your college to understand what resources are available for international students. You can also consider doing an internship with an organization that will sponsor work visas. Networking is key, so attend career fairs and connect with potential employers.
Focus on your unique strengths and skills when talking to potential employers. Employers are looking for experience and transferable skills, so consider how you can demonstrate these through extracurricular activities, such as leading a club or tutoring other students.
Part-time jobs are a popular choice for students as they provide real-world work experience and a source of income during studies. Internships are another option for those with little to no work experience, and they can be a great way to gain valuable skills and build your resume. Many US universities also offer on-campus jobs for international students.
