Sponsorship Opportunities For International Students: Company Guide

which companies sponsor international students

International students often rely on sponsors to continue their education and careers in a foreign country. Sponsors play a crucial role in supporting students financially, and also in creating networking opportunities and contributing to cultural exchange. For students who want to stay in the US after graduation, one way to remain in the country is to find a job at a company that will sponsor an H-1B work visa. This is a costly and time-consuming process for companies, so not all companies will offer this. However, some top US companies like Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon received almost 100% of the visas for which they petitioned in 2018. Other companies that sponsor international students include Cognizant Technology Solutions and Tata Consultancy Services.

Characteristics Values
Companies that sponsor international students Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Intel, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Tata Consultancy Services
Visa type H-1B
Industries Tech, engineering, business
Sponsoring companies' characteristics Large companies, leading Fortune 500 companies, companies with financial resources, companies that can't find domestic employees
Sponsoring companies' motivations Filling gaps in local talent supply, accessing language and intercultural competencies
Requirements for students Academic excellence, visa regulations adherence, compliance with terms and conditions
Benefits for students Financial support, networking opportunities, cultural exchange, personal growth, academic growth
Job hunting tips Research hiring processes, qualification standards, and matching positions; use LinkedIn and Glassdoor; customize resume and cover letter; network

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Companies that sponsor international students on H-1B visas

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa for educated international professionals that allows them to work in the United States in "specialty occupations". These occupations require at least a bachelor's degree, and often more. After students on the F1 visa complete their optional practical training (OPT), which can vary in length depending on their field of study, they will typically need to get this visa to continue working in the US. The initial visa usually lasts for three years but can be extended to six.

Many major companies sponsor H-1B visas, but it is worth noting that smaller companies often do not have the resources, time, or ability to sponsor foreign workers. It can be a complex and time-consuming process, and at the end of the day, there is an element of luck as it is a lottery.

Some of the top companies that sponsor H-1B visas include Amazon, with 6,396 visas certified in 2022; Microsoft, with 1,008 visas certified in 2022; and Apple, with 930 visas certified in 2022. These companies offer fairly high compensation, with average salaries ranging from $151,870 to $170,000. Other top sponsors include Google, Intel, IBM, Cognizant, Oracle, and Tata Consultancy Services.

It is important to note that some companies may only sponsor candidates with previous work experience in the US, and some may not sponsor entry-level positions. International students can increase their chances of being hired and sponsored by learning in-demand skills such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and mobile app development.

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Companies that hire international students on F1 visas

For international students in the US on an F1 visa, finding a job in your major field of study can be challenging. However, there are companies that hire international students on F1 visas and even sponsor them. Here are some tips to help you in your job search:

Start your job search early

Don't wait until after graduation to start looking for jobs. Begin your search early, as it takes time to find a sponsoring employer. Many companies that hire international students have robust OPT hiring programs. You can also look for internships that offer visa sponsorship, as this will help you gain experience and support your visa.

Research and network

Use online platforms such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and company websites to research companies that hire international students. Check their record on visa sponsoring and experience with hiring international alumni. Networking is key, so attend career fairs, webinars, and industry-specific events to make connections.

Prepare your application

Customise your resume and cover letter for each position, highlighting skills relevant to the role. Include clear and concise language and measurable achievements. Emphasise your flexibility, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities.

Top companies that hire international students

While the list of companies that hire international students is ever-changing, some well-known companies that have sponsored international students in the past include Cognizant Technology Solutions, Deloitte & Touche, Facebook, Microsoft, Adobe Systems, Intel, Oracle America, Tesla, eBay, Uber Technologies, and Cisco Systems. Fortune 500 companies are more likely to hire international students when there is a gap in the local talent supply.

Understand the process and be proactive

The process of sponsoring international employees is expensive and time-consuming for employers, so not all companies will be willing to sponsor visas. Sponsorship is usually reserved for high-need industries like tech or business. Understand the rules and regulations and be proactive and diligent in your job search.

Remember that finding a job as an international student in the US can be challenging, but with thorough research, networking, and a well-prepared application, you can increase your chances of success.

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Industries that employ international workers

For international students in the US, finding a job at a company that will sponsor an H-1B work visa is a way to remain in the country after graduation. However, not all companies will sponsor international employees, as the process is expensive and time-consuming. Sponsorship is usually reserved for companies that cannot find domestic employees and have plenty of financial resources.

The construction industry has the highest percentage of immigrant workers, with an estimated 3.3 million, or 28.6% of all people employed in that industry. The second-largest percentage of immigrant workers is in professional and business services, at 22.9%. The third-highest is "Other services", a broad category that includes auto repair, barber and beauty salons, and religious organizations, at 21.9%.

About 5.5 million foreign-born workers, or nearly a fifth of the immigrant workforce, are employed in education and health services. This is followed by professional and business services, with 4.7 million (15.8%), and construction, with 3.3 million (11.1%).

Some companies that sponsor international students include Cognizant Technology Solutions, Tata Consultancy Services, Concentrix, Appen, and Veeva Systems.

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Top companies that sponsor international students

For international students, finding a job at a company that will sponsor their visa can be crucial to staying in the country after graduation. While not all companies will sponsor international employees due to the high costs and complex legal procedures involved, some companies are known for sponsoring visas. Here is a list of some top companies that sponsor international students:

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Cognizant, while not a household name, is a major player in the tech industry. In 2018, it was among the top 30 employers for international students.

Tata Consultancy Services

As one of the biggest Indian companies with offices worldwide, including in the US, Tata Consultancy Services is well-positioned to sponsor international students. In 2020, the company applied for 2,000 H-1B visas.

Microsoft

Microsoft is a well-known technology company that has offered sponsorship to international students in the past.

JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase is a financial services company that has offered employment opportunities to international students.

Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and Intel

These prominent tech companies received almost 100% of the visas for which they petitioned in 2018, indicating their willingness to sponsor international students.

It is important to note that the list of companies that hire and sponsor international students is ever-changing, and students should refer to the latest data and trends when seeking employment. Additionally, international students should be prepared for a competitive job market and be strategic in their job search, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and networking opportunities to increase their chances of securing sponsorship.

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How to find a sponsoring company

Finding a company to sponsor your visa can be challenging, as the process is often expensive and time-consuming for employers. Companies that sponsor visas usually do so because they cannot find domestic employees with the skills they need, and they have the financial resources to cover the costs.

There are a few ways to find companies that sponsor international students. Firstly, you can search for companies that have previously sponsored visas. There is an official H-1B sponsor database through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that shows which companies have applied for H-1B visas and how many requests were approved. You can also search for companies that have sponsored visas in the past by using LinkedIn and searching for posts or lists of companies that sponsor H-1B visas.

Another way to find sponsoring companies is to research which industries typically employ more international workers. For example, many engineering and tech companies hire international students, and some of the top sponsors are Fortune 500 companies that bring in international talent when there is a gap in the local talent supply.

You can also use online platforms such as LinkedIn and Glassdoor to identify companies that hire international students and to get in touch with recruiters. It is important to research the hiring processes and requirements for each company, and to customise your resume and cover letter to match the position and highlight relevant skills.

Finally, you can approach an HR consulting and recruiting firm to help you find a job with a multinational company. These firms can reduce the hassle of your job search and help you get your foot in the door with top employers.

Frequently asked questions

An H-1B visa is a type of work visa reserved for specialty workers. To qualify, you must have a bachelor's degree or 12 years of experience. The visa lasts for three years and can be extended once. Companies that sponsor you for an H-1B visa may also sponsor you for a green card, which would start the process for you to become a U.S. citizen.

Many leading Fortune 500 companies provide work permits and hire international graduates. The list of companies that sponsor international students is ever-changing, but some examples include Cognizant Technology Solutions, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and IBM Corporation.

Getting a chance to work for a top employer in the U.S. that offers H-1B sponsorship is not easy. The process can be time-consuming and costly for companies, so it's important to do thorough research and prepare for interviews. You should also be aware that not all job roles and positions are sponsored, so check the job description carefully.

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