Hiring International Students

Hiring the best and brightest graduates is easier than you may think. International students have several options that will allow them to work for your organization.

What international students could bring to your organization:

• High caliber of academic talent and motivation
• Diversity of thought and skill
• Language and cultural skills to help you reach your global clients
• Dedicated work ethic
• Adaptable to challenge and change
• Passed rigorous standards for admission to U.S. universities

The three most common work authorizations available for international students include:

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships during the academic program
2. Optional Practical Training (OPT) for one year full-time employment
3. H1B Work Visa for full time employment beyond the one year OPT¹

Note: I-9 documentation must be completed for all employees including international students.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Employers can hire international students for full-time employment (over 20 hours per week) and part-time employment (20 hours or less per week) for multiple semesters before they graduate, with approval from the career center and authorization from the international student advising center at their college/university.

Employers must

1. Provide co-op or internship work responsibilities related to the student’s course of study.
2. Confirm the CPT has been approved before the student reports to work.
3. Complete the required university performance and feedback evaluations.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Upon completion of their degree most international students may work for your organization using Optional Practical Training. OPT is valid for an aggregate of 12 months¹. Students can begin their OPT during their degree program and apply the balance of the 12 months after graduation. Alternatively, students may request all 12 months of OPT to start post-graduation.

H-1B Non-immigrant Visa Status

Following OPT, an international student may continue to work for your organization in H-1B status. H-1B status is generally valid for a maximum, aggregate of 6 years, with extensions beyond the 6 years allowed in some cases. Contrary to rumor, the employer does not need to show that the international student is ideally qualified for the position. No advertising is required.

Employer must:

1. Offer a position that requires at least a bachelors degree in a specific field relating to the student’s area of study.
2. Pay the required wage

Resources

• U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services
• Foreign Labor Certification Data Center Online Wage Library
• Most colleges and universities with a sizeable number of international students have an International Student Advisor. Check the website for the university/college in which you are interested for that information.

This document was created by the International Student Employment Initiatives (ISEI) Consortium.

Last revised: April 25, 2008. Please refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the most current and up-to-date information as rules and regulations can change frequently.