Janice Lozano
International students hoping to find employment in the United States after graduation face a range of options and challenges. While studying in the US does not guarantee a work visa, international students can take advantage of several pathways to gain work experience and explore career opportunities. These include the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, which allow students to gain practical work experience during or after their studies. The OPT program, for example, enables students to extend their F-1 visa status for a year while they work, train, or intern in their field of study. However, finding a company that will sponsor an H-1B visa can be challenging, and the process of transitioning from a student visa to a work visa requires careful planning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start job search | 1 year before graduation |
| Sources of guidance | University's career centre advisors |
| Importance of skills and experience | High |
| Visa sponsorship by companies | Possible but challenging |
| Post-graduation stay duration | 60 days |
| Post-completion OPT | 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM |
| OPT application requirements | F-1 visa status, graduation, employment authorization document (EAD) |
| H-1B Visa | Initial period of 3 years, extendable by 3 years |
| Green Card | Permanent residency |
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What You'll Learn
International students have a limited time to find a job after graduation
Firstly, international students must be aware of the time constraints they face. In the US, for instance, international students have up to 60 days to either enrol in further studies or gain employment through an OPT (Optional Practical Training) program to maintain their F-1 visa status. The OPT allows students to work for up to one year on their student visas, but the application process can take several months, so early planning is crucial. International students should also be mindful of the challenges posed by visa requirements, as finding employers willing to sponsor work visas can be difficult. Understanding the rules and regulations and starting the job search well in advance are recommended strategies.
To enhance their employability, international students should focus on gaining practical experience. This can be achieved through internships, part-time jobs, or freelancing. Internships, in particular, offer valuable opportunities to network and build relationships with potential employers. They can also provide a pathway to sponsorship, as companies may be more inclined to hire interns they already know and value. International students should also consider gaining experience through extracurricular activities, such as leading clubs or organisations, hosting events, or tutoring peers. These experiences can demonstrate transferable skills that employers seek.
Networking is a vital aspect of the job search process. By attending career fairs, connecting with recruiters, and building relationships with professors and peers, international students can increase their chances of finding employment. Over 80% of job offers in the US come through networking, highlighting its importance. Additionally, international students should utilise the resources available at their universities, such as career centres and career coaches, to gain guidance and support tailored to their specific needs and goals.
The job search process for international students can be challenging, and it requires perseverance. Students should not be discouraged by rejections but instead focus on improving their skills and staying persistent in their applications and follow-ups. Understanding the job market, visa requirements, and their own preferences and strengths will help international students make informed decisions about their job search strategies. Starting the process early and being proactive in gaining experience and networking will ultimately enhance their chances of finding suitable employment after graduation.
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OPT and STEM OPT allow international students to work for a year or more
International students in the US have 60 days after graduation to either enrol in another college programme or enrol in an OPT (Optional Practical Training) programme. OPT allows international students to extend their F-1 visa status for a year while they work, train, or intern in their area of study.
OPT is a form of temporary employment that is directly related to an international student's major area of study. Students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorisation before or after completing their academic studies. All OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
Students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT, known as the STEM OPT extension. This allows STEM graduates to work for longer in their field of study. The STEM OPT extension can be applied for based on a previous STEM degree from a US institution, as long as the institution is accredited and the OPT employment opportunity is directly related to the STEM degree.
The process of applying for OPT can take several months, so it is recommended that students begin the process several months before graduation. Additionally, international students may face challenges in finding a job after graduation, so it is advisable to start the job search early, around one year prior to graduation, and to utilise the resources and support available through the career centre at their college or university.
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H-1B visas allow longer-term work but are harder to obtain
International students in the US are allowed to stay for up to 60 days after completing their college degrees. During this time, they can either wrap up their affairs or partake in tourism. However, they are not allowed to work during this period unless they have a work authorization, such as CPT or OPT. CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is utilized during studies, while OPT, or Optional Practical Training, allows graduates to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields.
While OPT is a great way to gain some initial work experience, it is a short-term solution. H-1B visas, on the other hand, allow for longer-term work. H-1B visas, also called Person in Specialty Occupation Visas, are granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years. This makes it possible for international students to work in the US for up to six years.
However, obtaining an H-1B visa is challenging due to several reasons. Firstly, there is a limited number of visas issued annually, and the application process is highly competitive. The denial rates for new H-1B petitions have fluctuated over the years, ranging from 6% in FY 2015 to a high of 24% in FY 2018, before dropping to 2% in FY 2022.
Secondly, transitioning from a student visa (F-1) to an H-1B visa requires careful planning and often depends on securing employer sponsorship. The process can be complex, and there are specific requirements that must be met. For example, the employer must demonstrate that the visa is not available as of the date the H-1B extension petition is filed. Additionally, the H-1B classification has an annual cap of 65,000 new visas, with an additional 20,000 petitions for beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a US institution.
Lastly, the H-1B visa process can be time-consuming. Employers are given at least 90 days to file an H-1B petition, and the total processing time can vary. For example, in FY 2023, the agency received 483,927 registrations and selected 127,600, while in FY 2022, they received 308,613 registrations and conducted three selections totaling 131,924. The number of visas issued can also be impacted by external factors, such as travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a decrease in admitted H-1B recipients in 2020.
In conclusion, while H-1B visas offer a longer-term work solution for international students in the US, they are harder to obtain due to limited availability, a competitive application process, employer sponsorship requirements, and potential processing delays.
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Start the job search early and network
International students face many challenges when looking for jobs or internships after graduation. It is important to start the job search early and network effectively to overcome these challenges.
Start the job search early:
As an international student, you should start your job search well before you graduate. Ideally, begin around a year before graduation by talking to your university's career centre advisors. They can guide you on the resources and assistance available to international students. Employers value skills and experience, so ensure your resume highlights any relevant skills you have gained through hobbies or previous internships.
Network effectively:
Networking is crucial for international students to build professional relationships and find job opportunities. LinkedIn is a great platform to start networking and connect with professionals in your industry. Attend networking events, career fairs, and join campus clubs to meet potential employers and showcase your unique strengths, such as language skills and cross-cultural competence. Be respectful, ask open-ended questions, and follow up with a thank-you note to leave a positive impression. Seek feedback from peers, professors, and career counselors to refine your networking strategy.
Understand work eligibility:
It is essential to understand your work eligibility and visa status. This will help you identify which companies are open to hiring international students and which roles are available to you. Some companies may require additional work authorization or specific visa sponsorships, so be sure to research these requirements beforehand.
Utilize on-campus opportunities:
On-campus jobs are a great way for international students to gain work experience and references. Unlike off-campus work, on-campus jobs often do not require additional work authorization for international students and can provide valuable connections for future opportunities.
Be proactive and persistent:
The job search process can be challenging, but it is important to be proactive and persistent. Reach out to recruiters, showcase your unique strengths, and don't be afraid to apply for jobs that value your skills and diversity. Starting early and networking effectively will increase your chances of finding the right opportunities and extending your stay in the country after graduation.
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Understand visa requirements and restrictions
International students in the US hoping to secure a job after graduation must navigate a complex web of visa requirements and restrictions. Understanding these is crucial to staying and working in the US after completing your degree.
Firstly, it's important to know that an F-1 student visa is temporary and expires when you are no longer enrolled in college. However, there are several options to legally stay and work in the US after graduation, each with its own unique requirements and restrictions.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT allows international students to gain paid work experience during their studies. It can be used after the first academic year and must be completed while enrolled at a college or university. CPT internships must be part of the established curriculum and can help students get on the radar of potential future employers.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT allows international students with F-1 visa status to work for up to 12 months on their student visa to gain practical training in their field of study. This can be used before or after graduation. STEM graduates can extend OPT for up to two additional years.
STEM OPT Extension
The STEM OPT extension is a special extension of the OPT program for students who have graduated with a degree in a STEM field. This allows STEM graduates to work for longer in their field of study.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa, or Person in Specialty Occupation Visa, is a challenging option due to the limited number of visas issued annually and the competitive nature of the application process. It requires employer sponsorship and is granted for an initial period of three years.
Green Card
A Green Card is a popular long-term goal for many international students as it permits indefinite work and residence in the US. However, Green Cards are in high demand and may take many years to obtain.
Other Visa Options
There are other visa options available, such as the O-1A visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities, the E-2 visa for student entrepreneurs, and the TN visa for international students from Canada or Mexico in specific occupations.
Navigating the visa requirements and restrictions as an international student in the US job market can be challenging. It is important to start exploring these options early and seek guidance from university career advisors to make informed decisions about your unique situation.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are allowed to stay in the US for 60 days after graduation. During this time, they can either enroll in another college program or find a job.
The process of getting a job in the US as an international student can be complex and confusing. It is recommended that students start their job search well in advance of graduation. Talking to career advisors at their college can help them understand the resources available for international students. Additionally, they can explore internship opportunities with organizations that sponsor work visas.
The OPT (Optional Practical Training) program allows international students to extend their F-1 visa status for a year while they work, train, or intern in their area of study. OPT provides an opportunity for hands-on work experience and helps students connect their academic studies with professional employment. The OPT program can last for up to 12 months and requires an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is utilized during a student's study, while OPT allows graduates to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM fields. CPT is available to F-1 border commuter students, while OPT provides off-campus employment opportunities.
International students seeking long-term career opportunities in the US can consider the H-1B visa or employer sponsorship for a Green Card. The H-1B visa, also known as the Specialty Occupation Visa, requires a bachelor's degree or higher, a correlation between the degree and job duties, and approval of a labor condition attestation. It is initially granted for three years and can be extended for an additional three years. Obtaining a Green Card is another option, but it may take many years due to high demand. Employer sponsorship for a Green Card allows individuals to work anywhere in the US and live indefinitely but requires a strong commitment from both the employer and the employee.
