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International graduate students may be eligible to work in the U.S. by using Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is commonly for internships, or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is commonly for full-time jobs. These are only short-term work authorizations.
Employer-based visa sponsorship such as the H-1B, TN, or O1 visa is required if you want to work long-term in the U.S. after graduation.
Know that some organizations are unable to hire international students. Most government agencies or organizations that receive U.S. government contracts may face limits their ability to hire international student candidates.
U.S. Job/Internship Preparation
Resume
ResyMatch.io (Scans and compares your resume to your target job description--see video tutorial)
ResyBullet.io (Evaluates your resume bullet/s based on an "ideal bullet formula"--see video tutorial)
Here’s What You Should—and Shouldn’t—Capitalize on Your Resume
Beat the Robots: How to Get Your Resume Past the Automated System and Into Human Hands
8 Things You Need To Know About Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Networking
Create a LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for networking, especially for international students. Polish your profile, make sure it reflects your experience and join groups like ”OPT Networking” and “H1B Visa & Green Card Guidance.” Engaging in these communities can put you in touch with other professionals who can offer job leads or advice.
Interviews
4 Steps for International Students to Excel at U.S. Interviews
How, Why, And When To Share Your Immigration Status On Job Interviews
Job Interview Tips for International Students (ICAway podcast)
How to Prepare for a Job Interview So You’ll Convince Them You’re the Right Hire
13 Questions Hiring Managers Love to Ask in Phone Interviews
The STAR Method: The Secret to Acing Your Next Job Interview
Your Ultimate Guide to Answering the Most Common Interview Questions
Called Back for a Second Interview? Prepare to Answer These 10 Questions
8 COVID-Related Interview Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer During—and After—the Pandemic
U.S. Job Search
Handshake: Students can create a Handshake account which they can use to find upcoming programs and events and search for jobs/internships across multiple industries.
You can find employers in Handshake sponsoring work authorization for international students by using the "Will sponsor or doesn't require US work visa" or "Accepts OPT/CPT" job search filters.
CareerBuilder and Indeed: These job boards have broad reach and let you filter job postings based on visa sponsorship. LinkedIn’s ”OPT and CPT Job Seekers” groups are especially valuable, providing F-1 OPT job listings and networking opportunities with employers experienced in hiring international students.
CareerSource Broward: They regularly host virtual and in-person professional workshops, job fairs, meetings, and more throughout the year for both job seekers and employers.
CareerEco: CareerEco hosts virtual job fairs with dedicated sessions for F-1 OPT students. This platform allows you to connect with multiple employers in one place.
F1 Hire (OPT/CPT): This site is a key resource for international students, especially those aiming for H1-B sponsorship. F1 Hire has a database of employers who hire and sponsor F1 OPT students, and they track employers that sponsor H1-B visas, making it easier to identify long-term opportunities.
Myvisajobs.com: This site provides information on H-1B Visa and Green Card sponsorship trends by employers, industry, job title and occupations in its top 100 sponsors reports.
H1-B Employer Data Hub: This site offers a database of employers petitioning for H-1B employees. It allows you to search for H-1B sponsors by year (back to 2009), employer name, location or NAICS code, as well as calculate approval and denial rates. Complete data for individual fiscal years is available to download.
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience: Specific to internship searches for international students.
Other General Job Search Sites
Global job search sites
UNjobs: Discover career opportunities with the United Nations and intergovernmental organizations.
Monster International: This site is part of Monster.com and provides 51 affiliated job sites in 44 countries.
Eurojobs: A multi-country job site covering Europe.
Landing.jobs: Europe-focused job postings site with a work permit filter showing companies offering visa support.
Worldwide Indeed: This site is part of Indeed, focusing on international jobs in 63 countries.
HigherEdJobs - International Positions: This site is part of HigherEdjobs, focusing on higher education jobs (faculty and staff) outside of the U.S.
Professional Workshops
Provided by CareerSource Broward, these workshops are designed to help keep you competitive in your search for employment and are taught by certified workforce professionals with you in mind. Presentations cover a variety of topics, including résumé writing, interview tips, social media, and more.
Available Workshops:
Career Pathways
Soft Skills: Body & Mind
Soft Skills: Feelings & People
Resume Preparation
Resolving Resume Challenges
Social Networking Online
Telephone Interview Skills
Virtual & In-Person Interview Skills
Interview Coaching & Practice Session
Money Management
Helpful Articles
Common Questions
Am I legally allowed to work in the U.S. and if so, for how long?
Typically, those on an F-1 visa, may be authorized to work on-campus or off-campus. To determine if you are eligible to work in the United States, schedule an appointment with your ISSD DSO by clicking here.
When in the hiring process do I reveal that I'm an International Student?
It is recommended that students wait until an employer asks. You are not required to list your visa or work authorization status on your resume or cover letter. However, you may be asked about work authorization on a job application, and you should answer honestly.
You may wish to share your international student status with an employer upon first contact. This will reduce the likelihood that you will go through the hiring process with an employer that cannot hire you because of your work authorization.
Do not wait until the very end of the process because this will waste time if they are unwilling to hire international students.
Research if the company has petitioned for visas in the past to help ensure the interview process is worth your time. If you are being asked to travel for an interview, you could ask, “Is this a position in which the company is willing to petition for an H1-B as I am currently in F-1 status?”
How do I get a H1-B Sponsorship?
Once you are employed, the employer will petition for H-1B visa sponsorship on your behalf, so you must seek employers that are willing to do so. More information about H-1B visa sponsorship can be found through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and to find companies willing to sponsor, using international student specific job search sites can be helpful.
Are there questions that are illegal for an employer to ask me?
Interviewers are unable to ask questions about your age, race, ethnicity, gender, country of origin, religion, disability or family status to avoid discrimination.
An employer MAY NOT ask:
“What is your visa type, nationality, place of birth?”
“Of which country are you a citizen?”
“What is your native language?”
What language do you most often speak?”
An employer MAY ask:
“Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?”
"Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa?”
“Which languages do you read, speak or write (if relevant to job)
I'm in F-1 status. What should I say when an employer asks about my work authorization?
Explain what your F-1 status means. You have the legal right to work in the U.S. for up to twelve months using Optional Practical Training (OPT) following graduation. The employer does not need to do anything for this to happen.
You should explain that your work authorization may be authorized for another three-to-six years with H-1B status. If the employer asks for more information, you should be able to clearly explain the H-1B process.
Avoid using the word “sponsor,” instead use the word “petition” when speaking about H-1B status.
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