How do international students get hired in the U.S.?

International students bring tangible global experiences and varied backgrounds working in a range of functions. The hiring process is much more complex for international students than domestic students in the United States; this page serves to provide a brief overview of some of this complexity, although we recommend speaking with a TCS specialist for case-specific advice.

• Hiring for internships
  • International students at Iowa are typically on an F-1 student visa. This allows them to take on summer employment with minimal paperwork on the employer’s part through what is called Curricular Practical Training (CPT). With CPT, the University of Iowa issues the work authorization.
• Hiring for full-time positions
  • Certain Iowa grads can apply to work longer in the United States after graduation if their majors are STEM-designated. This allows international students to work under Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 24 months before employer sponsorship is required. To see if your major qualifies you for OPT, compare the CIP code on your I-20 to this list. Majors appearing on the list are STEM-designated as of 2024.
  • At the end of the OPT period, the employee will need their employer to sponsor a visa to continue to work in the United States. The most common type of work visa in these situations is an H-1B visa.

The most important things to remember about the H1-B program are the annual cap and the application timeline. The U.S. government allows a finite number of H1-B visas every year and in recent years they have been reaching that quota on the day the application opens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include my visa status on my resume or cover letter?
You do not need to include your visa status on your resume or cover letter. These professional documents should focus on your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Visa details can be shared later during the hiring and interview process.

Is sponsorship needed for an internship?
In most cases, no. If you are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), your internship is considered part of your academic program and does not require the employer to sponsor you. You should check with the International Programs Office to ensure you're eligible and have the correct paperwork in order.

How should I answer questions about work authorization in an interview?
For internships, you'll be eligible for CPT, and you could say:
"I am authorized to work in the U.S. through my student visa and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and my university will assist in the paperwork process."
If you plan to use OPT for a full-time role, you could say:
"I am eligible to work for up to 12 months (or 36 with STEM extension) through Optional Practical Training (OPT). This does not require sponsorship on behalf of the employer."

How can I tell whether employers with postings on Handshake or tabling at a career fair will hire international students?
The Pomerantz Career Center recommends that students explore employers' postings on Handshake to see if positions are open to international students. Employer lists for career fairs are also available ahead of time on Handshake, making this research easier.