International Student Job Search: Insights from OIA

Seeking an internship or a full-time job in the U.S. as an international student involves a combination of several unique strategies. From work authorization requirements to applying for CPT/OPT, there are components that are crucial to the job search. To help make sure you understand these components, there are plenty of Ohio State staff and resources that are here to help you along the way. One of those staff members is Alex Scullion, Student Immigration Coordinator in the Office of International Affairs (OIA), who provides his insight and expertise on several topics that are important to the international student job search.

What is work authorization on a job application?

A job application may ask applicants about work authorization. An individual’s work authorization refers to their legal right to work in the U.S. International students are not permitted to work off-campus without having been approved for a work authorization first.

Does an international student need work authorization to work on-campus? 

International students do not need permission to work on-campus during their academic program. On-campus employment is an automatic benefit of a student’s F-1 status. On-campus employment can include work done as a teaching or research assistant as well as jobs in the school library, cafeteria, and administrative offices. Students may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic year. During official breaks and vacation terms, students can work full-time. The summer semester is considered a vacation term as long as it is not the student’s final term at the university. On-campus employment is not permitted after a student’s program end date. Students can work on-campus as long as they have an active F-1 status and are within the program dates on their I-20.

Any work performed off-campus, including unpaid work, would require a work authorization. Students interested in completing internships or other practical training in their major field of study should learn more about Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This is a type of off-campus work authorization for F-1 students during their academic program (prior to graduation). Students interested in working in their major field of study after graduation should learn more about Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is a type of off-campus work authorization for F-1 students after the student’s program end date.  

What are some best practices you recommend for international students as they navigate their work authorization eligibility and application procedures? 

I would encourage students to learn about work authorizations before applying for any jobs or internships in their major field of study. Sometimes students do not fully understand the timelines and/or application procedures required for OPT or CPT. Another common issue is lack of attention to detail or not following the instructions. When applying for OPT or CPT, students should only be submitting completed and sufficient application materials. Sometimes students submit incomplete applications or have missing details on their applications which creates a delay in the application process. Students can prevent delays by learning more about work authorizations in advance and double checking their application materials before submitting them.  

It may be tempting to wait to apply for OPT once it is closer to graduation or even immediately following graduation, but I would not advise waiting until the last minute. For most students, I would advise applying for OPT once the student is within 90 days of their program end date. According to previous students, it is more difficult to interview for jobs when you do not know the actual date you can begin working. The actual date you can begin working will be shown on your EAD card (work permit). While students can choose a requested OPT start date; it is not always guaranteed they will get their requested start date. It all depends on the time their application was received and processed by USCIS. I think students often forget it can take 90 days on average for OPT applications to be processed by USCIS. The processing time can be shorter or longer – but 90 days is the average. The earlier the student submits their application materials to USCIS, the better chance they have at receiving an EAD card with their requested OPT start date.

If a student chooses to file for OPT using the paper forms rather than filing online, I suggest they make scanned copies of their materials and keep their express mail shipping receipt with the tracking number. I think it’s a good idea to make scanned copies of important documents. Whether it’s a scanned copy of your EAD card, I-20, visa page, passport, etc.; you never know when you’re going to need these copies in the future.

What resources do you recommend to students so they can fully understand employment options

. . . and the application/eligibility requirements for internships and career employment? 

I would recommend students to read the information on the OIA website and attend a CPT/OPT workshop. If they cannot attend a workshop, they can watch the workshop recording on our website. Additionally, virtual advising appointments can also be scheduled on our website if a student has any additional questions or would like advice regarding their particular case. I would not recommend students to schedule a virtual advising appointment without having read information about CPT/OPT on our website first. It can be difficult to explain everything to students in less than 15 minutes. There are resources available on our website so students can get some background information on CPT/OPT before meeting with a Student Immigration Coordinator.

If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to OIA or ECS! OIA is here to help you understand your work authorization requirements, while ECS is here to provide strategies on how to improve your candidacy for the job you want.

“Success is a process; not an event.” - Gary Helbert