OPT Archives -

H-1B for international students: What you need to know in 2020

Nicolle on August 31, 2019

Before the job search begins international students need to learn about H-1B, the work authorization that allows you to work in the US after your studies. Learning about H-1B for international students takes time. In addition to H-1B visas, you should also learn about CPT, OPT and OPT extension. For students from countries like Australia, Canada, Singapore, or Chile, there may be additional work authorization options (see infographic below).

Many employers do not know all the details about work authorization. It is important that you learn as much about work authorization before deciding if you want to work in the US after graduation.

200 Employers that Hire STEM OPT International Students

Nicolle on November 16, 2018

While there’s still no official list of companies that sponsor H-1B, there is now a list for companies that hire international students on STEM OPT. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) just released a list of STEM OPT employers that provided STEM OPT in 2017. That means these companies are hiring opt international students.

All F1 visa students have the option for OPT visa. If you are a international student studying in a STEM field (science, tech, engineering or math), you have the option to apply for an OPT STEM extension for an additional 2 year of OPT. (note: if any of this doesn’t make sense – check in with your international student office for an intro to your work authorization options!)

Understanding companies that hire OPT students

STEM OPT

Many employers on this list are IT outsourcing or staffing companies. Companies like Tata, Infosys, Cognizant Technology Solutions, and more are outsourcing companies. While they are companies that hire international students they are less likely to sponsor for H-1B. So if your goal is to stay beyond the length of your OPT STEM extension, we don’t advise working for IT outsourcing or staffing companies.

Research is an important part of an H1B job search

Staffing companies like Kforce and Kelly Services, for example, also pay less as they are charging the hosting employer a fee for placing you. Always do your research on all companies to learn whether you will be employed directly by the target company, a staffing service, or an IT outsourcing company.

Get job search tips for international students in this career support group

Nicolle on September 19, 2018

Searching for a job in a foreign country is hard work. Finding companies that sponsor and creating a solid H-1B jobs list is a frustrating process. Getting rejected from an interview sucks. So sometimes it’s good to have a bit of support.

This year GlobalMe School has created an easy place to find job search tips for international students. In our new Facebook group for international student careers, you have a place to share experiences, ask questions, and meet each other.

where are the international student jobs

How to find international student jobs

Nicolle on December 7, 2017

On Quora, the question and answer website, there are many versions of this question: “how do I find international student jobs?” Students like you are searching for companies that hire international students and looking for international student jobs across the US. The H-1B job search is a bit of a mystery when you start. That’s normal because you’re in a new country. It is possible to learn how to search for work in the US after graduation. It’s also possible to find international student jobs. They exist! The challenge is that they are hidden among many, many opportunities that aren’t open to international students.

Finding jobs for international students takes time, patience, persistence, creativity, and a bit of luck. So prepare your research skills and get ready to talk to a lot of people.