How to Hire International Students

U.S. Employer’s Guide to Hiring International Students

Most international students who are neither U.S. Citizens nor Permanent Residents enroll in academic programs under one of two non-immigrant student immigration statuses, F-1 or J-1. Since the majority of international students maintain F-1 student status, the focus of this guide will be on how to hire an F-1 student.

Please note that a Social Security Number alone is not sufficient proof of work authorization for international students. It is critical that employers confirm an international student’s work authorization prior to employment start date to prevent any liability for the student and the employer in the future. All employees must complete their I-9 process at the time employment begins.

Hiring an F-1 International Student for an Internship

International students (F-1 visa holders) are eligible to work off-campus in positions that are directly related to their field of study. Common employment authorizations include Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

CPT- Internships

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization for F-1 students. Eligible students may seek authorization to work in an internship, co-op, or practicum that is directly related to their major field of study. The purpose of CPT is to apply the knowledge and skills they are gaining in the classroom to practical work experience in the U.S. Students can work part time during the semester and full time during the summer term.

Duration:

CPT authorization is authorized one semester/term at a time. Students are eligible to renew their CPT authorization for future semesters/terms. 12 months of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for OPT. Part-time CPT employment does not affect eligibility for OPT.

Employer Role:

Applying for CPT is solely the responsibility of the student. CPT does not require a separate visa sponsorship from the employer; however, the student must have a practical training offer letter from the employer before they can apply for CPT authorization. The offer letter must include job title, description of duties, pay rate, start and end dates, number of hours per week, physical location of employment, employer contact information and be signed by the employer. Once the student has received authorization from the college, the employer is responsible for reviewing and verifying the employment information listed on page 2 of the student’s I-20.

Student Role:

After the student has the offer letter from the employer, the student is responsible for submitting the required documents to the International Student Program office for processing. In accordance with U.S. immigration regulations, students who engage in part-time or full-time CPT must still be full-time students during the academic year. They do not need to be enrolled full-time during official vacation periods (such as summer).

Cost and Processing Time:

There is no cost to the employer. The processing and approval time for CPT is usually within 5-10 working days.

OPT- Work Authorization

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of off campus employment authorization for students who wish to gain experience in jobs directly related to their field of study. Many students use OPT after completing their degree requirements. 

Duration:

12 months for students who have completed an Associate or Certificate Program from SJCC.

Employer Role:

Applying for OPT is solely the student's responsibility and therefore requires no action from the hiring organization. OPT can be granted to the student with or without an offer of employment. 

Student Role:

Obtaining OPT work authorization is a 2-step process. First the student will need to request an OPT recommendation from our International Student Program office. Second, the student submits their application, supporting documents and fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, USCIS issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as proof of work authorization. 

Cost and Processing Time:

There is no cost to the employer. The USCIS processing time varies, it can take anywhere from 1-4 months, therefore students are encouraged to apply as early as 90 days before they complete their studies. The new employee must have the EAD in hand to start working.

For any additional information, please reach out to our International Student Program team!