U.S. Employers Guide to Hiring International Students
Why hire international students?
- Ambition and flexibility
- By pursuing international education, students have demonstrated a valuable combination of drive and adaptability.
- Global Perspective
- Navigating cross-cultural situations provides a unique worldview that can benefit businesses of all sizes from various industries.
- Retention
- Due to visa employment requirements, international employees bring longevity and commitment.
International student employment pathways
Most international students come to the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant visa. Each status has a different set of regulatory requirements for employment.
Internships
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Full-time positions
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- H-1B Non-Immigrant Visa
Additional options
- H-1B1: for citizens of Singapore and Chile
- TN: for citizens of Canada or Mexico
- E-3: for citizens of Australia
- O-1: for individuals with extraordinary ability
Curricular Practice Training (CPT)
Paid or unpaid internships
- Who qualifies?
F-1 full-time students (In most cases, they will be qualified after full-time enrolled at OSU for one full academic year).
- Processing time
Up to 10 business days (processed by OSU ISS office).
- Duration
For the internship period. 12 months of full-time CPT may result in ineligibility for OPT.
- Cost
There is no cost to employers.
- Employer’s role
Provide the student a job offer on letterhead. If paid, use the CPT I-20 to complete an I-9.
- More information
International Student Support Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Oklahoma State University
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-graduation full-time positions
- Who qualifies?
F-1 recent graduates. (They can apply as early as 90 days before their program end date and up to 60 days after).
- Processing time
Average processing time is 3-4 months (processed by USCIS).
- Duration
For up to 12 months. For STEM degrees, an additional 24 months may be available.
- Cost
There is no cost to employers.
- Employer’s role
Verify the student possesses an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
- More information
International Student Support Optional Practical Training (OPT).
H-1b temporary worker
- Who qualifies?
Non-immigrant recent graduates.
- Processing time
Typically, two to eight months. Employers may create a USCIS account any time and must participate in annual registration during the designated time for candidates to be considered. After submitting a petition, approval may take up to eight months.
- Duration
Generally, up to six years.
- Cost
Immigration attorney fees and USCIS registration fees.
- Employer’s role
After selecting a candidate:
· Create a USCIS account at any time before the registration period.
· Register on USCIS within the specified annual time frame.
· Review USCIS results after the annual lottery is conducted.
· Prepare and file the H-1B petition, Form I-129, with an immigration attorney.
- More information
International Student Support H1-B Employment VISA.