International Student Resources
Career Services is here for you
Navigating the job market is challenging under the best circumstances. For international students, proactivity and communication are even more critical than for the average job seeker. Understanding visa restrictions, requirements and deadlines is crucial for international students’ job search.
Contact International Students and Scholars (ISS) and understand employer perspectives
→ISS office employment resource
→U.S. Employers Guide to Hiring International Students
Contact ISS
International Students and Scholars309 Wes Watkins Center, Stillwater, OK 74078(405) 744-5459iss@okstate.edu
International student job search checklist
Identify your options
- Identify your career goals, including entry-level job titles in your target industry
- Take career assessments to help you identify roles that are a good fit for you
Start your job search early
- Develop application materials, tailoring resume or CV and cover letter for each position
- Start applying for jobs early, around a year before you hope to begin
- Connect with employers through events and social media
Research employers
- Research employers to identify companies that might sponsor H1-B visas
- Use online resources like GoinGlobal and USCIS.gov
Build your network
- Expand your network in the U.S. and in your industry
- Attend Career Services events
- Create a LinkedIn profile that showcases your accomplishments
Prepare for your interview
- Prepare for your interview, researching the employer carefully
- Practice with a mock interview appointment
- Review common interview questions and answering advice
Recognize your value
- Identify the global perspective you bring to the role
- Consider how studying internationally has helped you grow
- Focus on the skills you have built that employers are seeking
Curricular Practice Training (CPT)
Paid or unpaid internships
- What is it?
A full or part-time experience that is a part of the student’s program of study, with credit awarded toward the degree
- 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. Please check your CPT eligibility with ISS office.)
- Duration
For the internship period. 12 months of full-time CPT may result in ineligibility for OPT.
- Where do students apply?
Through International Students and Scholars, students should work with the Designated School Official (DSO) at OSU (DSO) at OSU and their academic advisor.
- When should students apply?
After two semesters of full-time enrollment. Registration takes place before each semester.
- Processing time
Up to 10 business days (processed by OSU ISS office)
- Student’s role
Students should enroll full-time in a program including an internship course. After securing an internship, the student should obtain a formal offer letter on company letterhead. Student must obtain CPT authorization before starting the internship.
- More Information
International Student Support Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-graduation full-time positions
- What is it?
12-month experiences related to students’ major or course of study.
- 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.)
- Duration
For up to 12 months. For STEM degrees, an additional 24 months may be available.
- Where do students apply?
Read instruction on OSU’s International Students and Scholars website, start processing with ISS. Student must apply Form I-765 to USCIS after obtaining OPT I-20 from ISS office.
- When should students apply?
Typically, three months before graduation. Applications are available 90 days before graduation to 60 days after graduation. The USCIS application must be received within 30 days of the University’s recommendation.
- Processing time
Average processing time is 3-4 months (processed by USCIS)
- Student’s role
Find a full-time employment opportunity. Prepare a final semester verification, then use the instructions on the International Students and Scholars portal to fill out an OPT request.
- More information
International student support - Optional Practical Training (OPT)
H-1B temporary worker
- What is it?
Full-time employment visa for recent graduates with specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Who qualifies?
Non-immigrant recent graduates.
- Duration
Generally, up to six years.
- Where do candidates apply?
Through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- When should candidates apply?
After receiving a job offer, candidates will work with employers to complete the H-1B process. Ideally, candidates should work with a sponsoring employer eight to nine months before OPT ends.
- 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.
- Candidates’ role
Candidates should coordinate with their employer throughout the visa petition process. Each year, USCIS will open the registration period for employers seeking to hire international candidates. Employers must register within the window specified by USCIS.
For private sector positions, the government sets a quota representing the maximum number of new employee visas for each year. Once a year, USCIS will conduct a lottery of registered employer sponsorships, selecting candidates at random until the cap is reached. Applicants will be notified via USCIS and once approved, employers may then complete Form I-129 with an immigration attorney.
- Additional information
International student support - H1-B Employment VISA
Understand your immigration details
The information around international student eligibility and requirements is important and dynamic; do your due diligence to stay aware of any changes.
- Familiarize yourself with U.S. employment authorization based on your visa status.
- During your job and internship search, it is important to understand the processes associated with your visa.
- Be completely transparent about your immigration status to employers. Employers may be willing to petition an H1-B and then later a Green Card, but this process becomes difficult when the employee is not upfront about their situation or withholds this information.
- Employers may have false assumptions about visa limitations, costs, processes, etc. It is your responsibility to advocate for yourself when it comes to your immigration and visa.
For more specialized assistance in your search, schedule an appointment with a career coach.
Research employers
H1B/OPT employer list
· Shows prior H1B applications
· Searchable by location, job title and employer
· Populated by Department of Labor
Global career guides
· Employment outlook and trends
· Work permit and visa requirements
· CV and resume guidelines
USCIS.gov
Information about which companies have submitted H1B visa petitions by year, state, and industry. The crosstab view shows the number of petitions by company for new employees, continuation, and employment changes, and how many have been approved or denied.