According to U.S. federal regulations, international students in Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) status are eligible to apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employment authorization based on post-completion Optional Practical Training for up to twelve months. Beyond that employment authorization, individuals may request that their employers submit to the USCIS petitions to change to Nonimmigrant Worker (H1-B) status for continued eligibiltiy to remain employed in the U.S.
Due to the complexity, many employers are intimidated by the U.S. immigration process and are reluctatnt to sponsor H1-B visas. In other cases, they simply have a policy preventing sponsorship for entry-level positions.
Updated OPT information is now available
- new deadlines for OPT application
- extenstion opportunities for Actuarial Science majors
- elimination of the H-1B “Cap-Gap”
Click here for more information or visit the Office of International Students website at www.temple.edu/ois.
What can you do?
- Tap the hidden job market. Contact as many people as possible to find out about job openings. Network with friends, classmates, neighbors, family, professors, alumni, and the community.
- Reach out to multinational companies. International students are great assets to global or organizations desiring language skills, diversity and knowledge of overseas operations and economies.
- Look at industries and occupations that are more likely to hire or are in need of international skills and expertise.
- Secure internships, summer employment, on-campus jobs. Gaining experience before graduation will be helpful when you are ready for a full-time search and it is a great resume builder.
- Network with employers at career fairs, information sessions, mock interview and professional development workshops.
- Get involved in student and internatinoal organizations – you will have opportunities to meet and network with potential employers.
Online resources
Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Temple- International Student and Scholar Services
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- http://www.ilw.com/
H1-B Company Databases
- http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-h1b+sponsorship
- http://www.myvisajobs.com/
- American Immigration Center
Job Search & Professional Development Resources
- Working in the U.S.
- My Visa Jobs – This is a resource for international students here at Fox who are interested in staying in the U.S. and finding entry-level jobs that don’t require Permanent U.S. Resident, U.S. Citizen or U.S. National work requirements.
- http://www.h1base.com/