Unique Challenges
Securing employment in the U.S. as an International student comes with unique challenges, such as visa restrictions, language barriers, cultural differences, and competition with domestic candidates. However, many international students successfully find employment after graduation. Job searching takes time, effort, and patience. The Shocker Career Accelerator is here to assist you with your job search, whether you're trying to figure out where to start; are looking for employers to grow your network; or seeking an on-campus position, internship, or full-time career employment.
International Student Employment Resources
- Each year, international graduates in the U.S. compete for 85,000 H-1B visas, distributed through a lottery system.
- In 2023, the U.S. government issued visas at some of the highest rates since the pandemic, including increased visa approvals for students from India and South Asia. U.S. Consular Services are working to support potential visa increases.
- After graduation, you can gain practical work experience through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the U.S. in your chosen profession for a maximum of one year per educational level. In 2022/23, the number of students on OPT grew by 8% to nearly 200,000 students, highlighting the value of international talent in the U.S.
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Definition: Temporary work authorization related to student鈥檚 academic program. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an academic program allowing eligible F-1 students to accept employment connected to their major field of study. CPT is designed to provide students the opportunity to supplement their coursework with practical application of skills learned in the classroom. Students are permitted to have multiple CPT authorizations at the same time as long as all positions related to their field of study and is counted towards their curriculum through enrollment in CPT course. |
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Who is eligible:
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Authorized by: Student Immigration Coordinator or equivalent title at International Office. |
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Duration: Employment is dependent, but is granted on a semester basis. |
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International Office: For questions, please contact the Office of International Education. |
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Definition: Temporary employment authorization directly related to student鈥檚 field of study. Optional Practical Training is an employment benefit authorized by USCIS for eligible F-1 students providing them with an opportunity to gain actual employment experience in their major or course of study for a maximum of one year per educational level. A student becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she completes a higher educational level. |
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Who is eligible: F-1 visa students who will be completing degree requirements in the current semester. |
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Authorized by: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
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Duration: 12 months; (F-1 students who have completed a bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 or doctoral degree in a STEM field, may apply for STEM Extension OPT). |
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International Office: For questions, please contact the Office of International Education. |
Number of employment hours: Up to 20 hours/week during term
School break hours: Above 20 hours/week between terms and in summer vacation for continuing students
Graduate students: Graduate students with teaching and/or research assistantships: GTA/RA responsibilities are considered on-campus employment and should not exceed the above hourly limits.
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Definition: A nonimmigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills to work in the United States for a specific period of time. Typically, the roles require a bachelor鈥檚 degree or equivalent. |
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Who is eligible: Students in occupations that qualify for the H-1B visa are typically in fields such as technology, finance, engineering, architecture, or more. |
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Authorized by: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
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Duration: Cumulative maximum duration of 6 years. The initial period of stay for those in H-1B status is three (3) years, with extensions available for up to three (3) years thereafter. |
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When to apply: |
International Job Search Timeline
Phase 1
Prepare by understanding the challenges and setting realistic expectations. Know who to talk to and where to find them.
This is your essential first step. Gain a proper understanding of CPT and OPT, what requirements they have before beginning your job search.
Create your profile to connect to our office with appointments and events, and find opportunities for on-campus employment, internships, part-time and full-time jobs.
View all of our resources, handouts, and tools in one convenient location
Phase 2
Build your network, communicate your value, and develop your skills through diverse experiences.
Understand the differences between resumes for on-campus, part-time, internships, and full-time off-campus jobs.
- Learn about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and why correct formatting and customizing your resume for each job matters when creating your documents.
Create or optimize your LinkedIn profile to enhance employer interactions and build your professional brand. Use LinkedIn Learning to sharpen hard skills you can incorporate on your resume.
Attend these career fairs, mixers, pop-ups and other events to meet potential employers and explore future opportunities.
Phase 3
Refine your job search strategy by customizing your application materials and utilizing different search outlets.
Explore on-campus jobs or full-time opportunities off campus. In this appointment, you will learn how to organize, prepare materials, set a timeline, research companies and search for jobs.
GoinGlobal: Job and Internship listings, CPT/OPT and H1B visa search engine.
My Visa Jobs: Employment platform for foreign professionals seeking opportunities in the United States. Companies that have previously sponsored foreign workers.
United OPT: Job Portals for OPT Jobs in the USA. Designed for International Candidates who are looking for CPT and OPT Jobs and all other Fresh Graduates.
H1B Grader- Provide grades for companies based on their past Immigration, Wage, and Other Data. Our effort with this website site is to provide you with below.
Sharpen your ability to communicate your value and fit for the job. Learn strategies for discussing sponsorships with employers. Learn how to clarify to employers the difference between OPT, sponsorship and an H1-B Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no 鈥減erfect timing鈥�, but it is recommended that students disclose immigration status before signing an offer.
It is encouraged that students answer this question honestly.
In most situations the student should answer 鈥測es鈥� and provide additional information about their immigration status and plans for the future if there is space for additional comments.
Question: 鈥淎re you eligible to work in the U.S.?鈥�
- Example Answer: 鈥淵es, I can apply for CPT from my school once I have an offer. I can work under CPT
until I graduate from my degree program.鈥�
- If you are still pursuing a degree, you can apply for CPT.
Question: 鈥淲ill you now or in the future require visa sponsorship?鈥�
- Example Answer: 鈥淵es, I can work under OPT for up to 12 months upon graduation. After my OPT period
has ended, I will be needing employers to file for work authorization if they wish
to continue my employment. 鈥�
- If you have finished your degree program, you will need to apply for OPT.
Executive Director and CEO, National Association of Foreign Student Advisors