Hiring International Students

Hiring SMUMN International Students

Benefits of hiring international students

  • Global Perspective: International students bring diverse experiences that offer unique perspectives, enhancing workplace creativity and problem-solving.
  • Multilingual Communication: International students often study in a second or third language, strengthening cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Broader Networks: International students bring personal and academic networks from their home countries and their experiences abroad, opening doors to global opportunities.
  • Adaptable and resilient: Navigating new and unfamiliar environments builds flexibility and resilience, making them well suited for fast changing environments.
  • Retention: International students have a vested interest in persisting in the workplace to demonstrate their worth to sponsoring employers

Common employment categories for international students

For students with F-1 visas, there are two types of work authorizations: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). There is also the STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT). The OPT and CPT can be paid or unpaid opportunities while the STEM OPT must be paid. All three require that the employment must be related to the student’s field of study. Note, there are no monetary costs on the employer’s end for any of these authorizations. 

Work authorization available to F-1 international students who participate in a training experience related to their field of study. Students must receive academic credit for this experience, but the experience can be either paid or unpaid. These experiences can include: Practicums, Externships, Internships, Co-Ops, Clinical Experiences and Research-Based Training – Generally eligible after completion of one academic year. Read More

Employer responsibilities in the hiring process:

  • Minimal
  • Provide an offer letter
  • Request a copy of the CPT I-20 from the student for I-9 purposes

Full-Time, 12-month work authorization for F-1 international students who have graduated from their institution and are seeking employment in the U.S. in their field of study. This can either be paid or unpaid. Read More

Employer responsibilities in the hiring process;

  • Provide a job offer letter
  • Request a copy of the EAD from student for I-9 purposes
  • Student may need company EIN and other information to report employment

F-1 students in eligible STEM designated programs may be eligible to apply for a 24 month extension of OPT for a total of 36 months post-completion OPT. The position must be paid. Read More

Employer responsibilities in the hiring process:

  • Provide an offer letter
  • Organization must be participating in E-Verify (12 step process) and provide student with E-Verify and EIN Number
  • Complete I-983 training plan
  • Annual evaluation

Common Myths in Hiring International Students

MYTH

  1. You will need to sponsor their visa
  2. The hiring process will be extended and take too long
  3. It is too expensive to hire an international student
  4. I will need to prove that they did not take a job from a qualified US worker

FACT

  1. Most are authorized to work as interns or work 12 months after graduation without the need for sponsorship
  2. CPT and OPT candidates generally require only an offer letter from the employer
  3. The hiring cost is no greater for CPT/OPT candidates than hiring a domestic employee
  4. Employers are not typically required to document this when working under F-1 Visa
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