Hiring International Students
The Carlson School prides itself on educating diverse populations of students from across the globe. Our Graduate programs have between 15% and 95% international students, depending on the program.
Your organization will have access to a much deeper candidate pool by opening your recruitment process to international students. The information on this page provides insights into the hiring process and answers frequently asked questions.
Quick Resources
See the links below for one-page briefs on Hiring International students. Please contact the Business Development team with any questions.
Carlson STEM-Designated Graduate Programs
Our Graduate School has three STEM-Designated programs where students have 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) during which they can work full-time without employer-backed visa sponsorship.
Why Hire International Candidates?
We strongly encourage our recruiting partners to consider hiring international candidates. These applicants have well-rounded global perspectives and experiences that can deliver new ideas for solving your firm’s complex business challenges.
Most organizations, even if operations are exclusively located in the U.S., will be impacted by globalization and international influences. Having diverse talent that understands the intricacies of the global landscape will help your organization grow and thrive in this ever-changing climate:
Diversity of candidates and ideas
Bilingual (or more) language skills
Remarkable adaptability and perseverance
Knowledge of business practices and norms in different countries
Experience navigating international/multi-national firms
Hiring International Students - Internships
Most Carlson School international students have an F-1 visa and qualify for summer employment through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after their first year of Undergraduate or Graduate studies. Work authorization is issued by the University of Minnesota. A job offer is required for CPT, and the CPT is issued for a specific employer.
Student's Role: Complete CPT online workshop and paperwork and submit to University's ISSS office. Student will take internship for credit.
Employer's Role: None. All paperwork is completed and filed by University and student.
Cost to Employer: None.
Timeline: ISSS will issue CPT within 7 business days of receiving paperwork.
Hiring International Students - Full-Time Roles
Undergraduate or Graduate students in the MBA and Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations receive 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) during which they can work without employer-backed visa sponsorship. STEM-designated programs (MS-Business Analytics, MS-Finance, MS-Supply Chain) receive an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months. At the end of the OPT period, the employee will need visa sponsorship to continue being eligible for U.S. employment. Most companies sponsor the employee on an H-1B visa (see below for more info on H-1B).
Student's Role: Complete online application with University's ISSS. ISSS processes, approves, and sends back to student. Student mails completed documentation and fee to U.S. Customs & Immigration Services (USCIS) to secure OPT work authorization. USCIS issues Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
Employer's Role: None. No action is required by the employer. Applying for OPT is student's responsibility, and they may apply for OPT with or without a job offer.
Cost to Employer: None. There is no cost to the employer during the OPT period. Typical cost for H-1B visa sponsorship post-OPT is $2,000-7,000.
Timeline: ISSS processes OPT paperwork within 7 business days. USCIS processes and issues an EAD in 2-4 months. The 12 months (36 for STEM programs) of OPT begins after EAD is issued.
Information on the H-1B Visa
The most common visa sponsorship route employers pursue for our graduates is the H-1B visa. The U.S. government allots 85,000 H-1B visas every year, and 20,000 of those are held just for graduates of U.S. Masters degrees and above. Employers file for an H-1B visa on behalf of the employee, and this may be done before graduation or during the OPT period. Registration for H-1B visas opens in March annually.
Please Note:
Most University of Minnesota students hold an F-1 visa and the work authorization described here applies to F-1 students. The small number of international students on other types of visas, such as J-1, have slightly different work authorization rules. University of Minnesota students are responsible for knowing their own visa status and being prepared to explain their rights and restrictions to employers. Also, advisers at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at UMN Twin Cities offer general advice to employers about F-1 and J-1 work options for UMN international students. You can contact ISSS at isss@umn.edu or 612-626-7100.
Legal Disclaimer:
This guide is not intended as, and does not serve as, legal advice. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Content is subject to change, and employers are advised to consult an experienced U.S. immigration attorney for advice and further information. For tax information, see www.irs.gov.