Visa and Work Authorization
Immigration documents and procedures can be a complicated bureaucratic challenge for non-U.S. students, but International Student and Scholar Services and Career Services are here to help assist you. It is essential that you understand what work authorization is available to you and how the process works before you start working off campus. Attend a workshop or learn about the work authorization for your type of student visa.
Expect to educate your employer on your work authorization options as you look for either an internship or job. Help employers understand how easy it is for them to hire you while you’re on your student visa. There are a lot of misconceptions held by employers about the challenge of hiring international students. You can also refer potential employers to Career Services if they would like additional help.
Look for internships and jobs that are directly related to your major (not your minor) and will help you develop skills related to your program of study. Understand how to answer work authorization questions that are included on job applications. Meet with a career development advisor to learn more about finding an internship or job, writing a resume and cover letter, interviewing and more. You can make an appointment by using LiveChat.
Contact ISSS to discuss the CPT application process or to ask any questions regarding your immigration status.
Visa Types and Work Eligibility
Be sure to follow the specific requirements for your visa.
During your degree program, the F-1 visa status permits CPT and OPT authorization, meaning an internship or other practical training that is directly related to your major field of study.
Off-campus employment for international students in J-1 status may be authorized by ISSS in the form of Academic Training (AT) and must be directly related to a student’s major field of study.
The H1-B requires sponsorship from an employer and is generally used for full-time employment positions post-graduation.
CPT and OPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary training authorization for an “alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the F-1 regulations as “temporary employment authorization for practical training directly related to a student’s major field of study.” Standard OPT is available for a cumulative maximum of 12 months of employment authorization per higher degree level completed in the U.S.
Talk Ƶ18 Your Work Status
Be an expert on your work authorization options
Don’t expect that your employer will understand how the hiring process works for international students. You need to be the expert so you can help educate your employer. Take advantage of these resources:
Build a relationship with the employer first
While you don’t want to wait until you receive a job offer to mention that you’re on an F-1 or J-1 visa, this shouldn’t be the first thing you discuss with a potential employer. You can use networking and informational interviewing to get an idea of the company culture and whether they are familiar with hiring international students. As you network and interview for positions, highlight the skills and strengths that you would bring to that organization first. Then let the employer know that you have work authorization through your student visa.
Advocate for yourself
Some employers are hesitant to hire international students because they are unclear on how the process works. You can advocate for yourself by explaining the employer’s role in hiring an international student. Help employers understand there is no extra cost to hire you when you are utilizing your CPT, OPT or Academic Training benefits. Another common concern is whether they want to invest in an international student who can only work for them for up to three years (some international students have the option to extend their OPT work authorization). Consider sharing with employers that . Finally, know that Career Services is here to advocate on your behalf as well. Please feel free to refer employers who need additional help to our office.
When to Ask for Sponsorship
Many international students wonder how and when to ask an employer about sponsorship. First, it’s important to clarify that sponsorship refers to , which is an employer-sponsored visa. Employers do not need to sponsor international students when those students are utilizing their work authorization benefits through their student visa. Students on an F-1 visa have access to work authorization through either CPT or OPT. There are also some additional work authorization options available to students on other student visas. Contact ISSS to learn more.
The following steps are for international students who want to talk to employers about the possibility of an H-1B visa sponsorship after they’ve utilized their student visa work authorization benefits.
Don’t ask about sponsorship at a career fair of networking event: The best use of your time at a career event is to build a relationship with a potential employer. You want to highlight the skills and strengths that you would bring to their organization.
Do your research first: Before applying to a position at a company that you’re interested in, you can see if they have sponsored anyone in the past. One source for this information is GoinGlobal, which can be accessed through Handshake. You can also use networking as a way to get a sense of the company culture and if they seem open to hiring international students and potentially sponsoring.
Ask the question: There isn’t a clear answer as to when to ask for sponsorship. The right timing depends on the relationship you’ve built with your potential employer. You won’t want to wait until you get a job offer to learn that this employer won’t be able to provide sponsorship. On the other hand, if gaining work experience in the U.S. is a higher priority to you than being sponsored, you might wait to talk about sponsorship until later in the hiring process or even after you’ve started working with the employer.
Get support: You can reach out to Career Services and meet with a career development advisor to talk through the nuances of when to ask an employer about H-1B visa sponsorship.