Tips for International Graduates

Before you begin your job or internship search make sure you get information on work permission regulations and immigration requirements.
Allow at least four months to get petition for internship approval approved.
In general, you cannot work for the U.S. federal government, U.S. state and local government entities, or for private employers who receive government contracts.
Some of the best employment opportunities in the U.S. are with international companies and global organizations.

Diverse cultural background and the ability to speak more languages are especially appealing to companies that are planning to globalize their business.
Living and studying abroad enables international students to demonstrate a number of skills such as tenacity, responsible risk taking, decision making, and resourcefulness.
Be able to communicate how you have overcome some of the challenges you have faced; as these types of skills can be directly linked to the skills desired for the position you are seeking.

If the position is short term and you are using OPT, it is not much of an issue for the employer. If they ask, by all means inform them of your status.
Often an employer will ask verbally or on an application if you are eligible to work in the U.S. If the employer requests the information you should inform them of your visa status. For example, “visa allows 12 months of work.”
If they do not ask and you are seeking long-term employment, you want to bring it up before an offer of employment is made, possibly during second/third round interviews. Be sure the employer is aware so they can make a decision on whether or not they want to sponsor your visa petition.

Leading Employers of Specialty Occupational Workers (H-1B) is one of three special reports found on the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) web page. It lists the names of 102 companies that had more than 60 approved petitions between October ’99 and February ‘00. This list only accounts for 17% of the total approved petitions, but is a good starting point. (Leading Employers of Specialty Occupational Workers (H-1B)(PDF))
Seek out companies that have a history of hiring international students. Network with fellow international students and alumni to find out what companies they have worked for and their advice on how you can get your foot in the door too.
Keep in mind that the parameters under which students are hired vary and may or may not include sponsorship.

Last Edited: 3/3/2008