In this article, we review resources for international individuals who are navigating the legal restrictions around job or internship search in the United States. In addition to reviewing this article, we highly recommend scheduling an “International Student appointment” with a St. Kate’s career coach to discuss your specific goals and to receive personalized advice. If you are looking for more resources for international students around understanding CPT/OPT requirements, our Designated School Official in the Centers for Equity & Belonging is your primary advisor.
Student Opportunities
On-Campus
CPT
OPT
International students are automatically allowed to work on campus as long
as you follow the guidelines listed
here under “Employment”.
You can search for on-campus employment here on Handshake by filtering for St. Catherine Collections > “On-Campus Jobs” or Filters > Job Type > “On Campus Student Employment.”
Curricular Practical Training is a work authorization that allows international students on F-1 visas to engage in practical work in the U.S. that is directly applicable to their field and an integral part of their academic program. It enables students to gain hands-on experience before graduation.
CPT authorization is provided by the Centers for Equity and Belonging, please contact them for application support.
Optional Practical Training
is a temporary employment authorization for international students in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. It enables students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months before or after completing their program of study.
OPT authorization is provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is usually granted within 2-3 months after a student submits an application.
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Full-time Employment in the U.S
The H-1B visa is the primary U.S. work visa. To obtain an H1-B visa, you must first secure a job offer from a U.S. employer that is willing to sponsor you. That employer will then file a H-1B petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on your behalf.
Check out the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services’ filterable H-1B Employer Data Hub for the top employers that sponsor H-1B Visas.
You can also review employer ratings at H1B Grader and average salaries at MyVisaJobs.
Where to Search
Our primary job platform for students,
Handshake, has built-in filters specifically for International Students. You can filter by the three work authorizations shown on the right:
Communication with Employers
When networking or interviewing with employers, keep these US-specific social expectations in mind:
- Although it is not the norm elsewhere in the world, making eye contact when speaking is interpreted as having confidence and being engaged in the conversation.
- It’s also common to nod your head when someone else is speaking to show that you are listening. After someone shares detailed information with you, you might summarize what they said to demonstrate that you understand. This also helps you clarify or confirm what they expect of you.
- Lastly, U.S.-based employers consider timeliness a demonstration of professionalism and dedication. Arriving on time or even a few minutes early to work and meetings will help you establish a positive reputation in your workplace.
When addressing work authorization with employers, keep these tips from the University of Minnesota’s Career Resources for International Students in mind:
Employers commonly ask about work authorization when hiring interns or full-time employees. As an international student, discussing sponsorship and work eligibility can be challenging. For online applications, answer questions truthfully and indicate if you may require sponsorship in the future.
Here are some suggested responses to questions like “Do you need sponsorship?” or “Do you need work authorization?”:
- “My education visa covers me for internships. I don’t need any authorization or sponsorship from an employer unless we decide to extend my work for more than three years* after graduation.”
*Three years applies to STEM majors/fields only. - “My education visa covers me for X months, during which I do not need authorization or sponsorship from my employer. After that, I would need my employer to file for a work visa, but I expect by that time to have demonstrated my value and fit for your company.”
- “I would not require sponsorship or any additional paperwork or expense to work for you as an intern. If, as I hope, I do such a great job that you want to retain me full time, then I would ultimately need sponsorship after three years.”
At career fairs or networking events, here are some suggested ways to frame your inquiries:
| Avoid | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Beginning with “Do you sponsor?” | Let the employer raise the issue of sponsorship if they are interested. |
| Beginning with “Do you hire international students?” | Start with questions that initiate a conversation and allow the employer to learn what you bring to the table beyond your international status. |
| Beginning with “Hi, I’m Punit and I’m from India.” | Introduce yourself by highlighting your qualifications and fit for the role. |
| Beginning with “Hi, what does your company do?” | Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and can articulate your interest and alignment with its goals |
