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What is the process for international students looking to work in the United States?

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Vamshee’s Answer

If international student is doing college in US this is the process. Also it depends on the persons citizenship, There is a TN Visa program for Canadian or Mexico Citizens to work in the USA.

In general, as an international student, you will have 60 days after graduation to either enroll in another college program for further studies or enroll in an OPT (Optional Practical Training) program to gain employment after you graduate from college on an F-1 visa. If this does not take place within 60 days, you will have to leave the US.

The OPT program allows you to extend your F-1 visa status for a year while you work, train, or intern in your area of study. Applying for an OPT program can take several months, so you should apply several months before graduation.

If you want to stay in the US for a longer period, you will need a company to sponsor you for an H-1b non-immigrant visa. This visa will allow you to remain employed at that company for three years.

Finding a company that will sponsor you for an H-1b visa can be challenging, so the best advice is to start this process early and do as much research as possible.

If you are referring to the students who are no US citizen and studying in their country, best options are 1) find a job in MNC in that country or companies who has presence in US and that country, depend upon job needs and opportunities, there may be a chance that that company can send on work visa someday. 2) Get good GRE and TOEFL score, get an admission in US College and come to US on F-1 Visa for study and then fins a job as per process mentioned above.

Links to USCIS Permanent Workers and Temporary Workers Visa process.

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers


https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-nonimmigrant-workers

Hope this helps!!
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Eric’s Answer

From my experience, Vamshee's response sounds correct and I believe most students that study in the United States do so on an F-1 Visa that he mentioned. I would rely on the USCIS website for the most current requirements. As one who has hired a graduate with an F-1 Visa, I will add that employment requires an employer to agree to employ you which can be challenging in some fields. Upon nearing graduation, the student should be open to applying to employers in a number of geographical locations and should contact as many employers directly as possible. Don't be afraid to call and express your interest in working for their company but be up front that you are a student with an F-1 Visa. It may require a lot of work to find a job and that may be difficult while you are trying to study for your last semester of classes. Get to know the other students on F-1 Visas and use them to help you network. It is possible that a company that has already hired one of your colleagues will also be open to hiring you as well. So, do your best to network and talk to your college job placement office as they will likely be aware of options for students with F-1 Visas.
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Soumya’s Answer

Thanks for the question: The possible ways are:

1. Complete undergraduate program and apply for grad school in US with GRE and TOEFL
2. Get involved in internships as a part of the graduate program and then get work-authorization to transition to a full-time employee after graduation.
3. Work in a multi-national company in your country and then try an internal transfer
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ShaRon’s Answer

Currently if you are in the United States on a STUDENT VISA you are not able to work. You would need to have your Visa Status changed to enable you to lawfully work. Good Luck
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Adrian’s Answer

Excellent question. Your best bet is to ask USCIS. They are the ones who will advise and guide into how to do this legally. Good luck!
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