Hiring International Students: A Guide for US Employers

Recruiting International Students in the US

Hiring international students is a simple process. In most cases, the application is the responsibility of the student, not the employer.

Columbia Engineering's international students typically hold an F-1 (international student) or J-1 (exchange visitor student) visa. F-1 and J-1 visas allow students to work in the United States before and after graduation.

Summer Internships: Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

  • Hiring F-1 Students for internships is free and easy for employers and does not require employer “sponsorship”.
  • Students have work authorization (CPT) in their field after two terms of full-time study.
  • Employment can be full-time or part-time.
  • Applying for CPT is the responsibility of the student, not the employer.
  • Columbia University requires a copy of the official offer letter confirming the details of the internship, including internship start and end dates, full-time (>20 hrs/wk) or part-time status (<20 hrs/wk), description of job duties, and employer signature.

Full-Time Positions: Optional Practical Training (OPT)

  • Columbia Engineering F-1 students have 12 months of work authorization (OPT) after completing their degree. They are eligible for an additional 24 months through STEM OPT extension, for 36 months.
  • Students must work a minimum of 20 hours per week to maintain OPT eligibility.
  • Applying for OPT is the responsibility of the student, not the employer.
  • After 36 months, students can transition from OPT to another visa type, such as the H-1B.
  • Employers can confirm the eligibility of their employees electronically through the E-Verify system.

J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Student)

  • J-1 Students are eligible for 18 months of work authorization through the University’s Academic Training Program (PhD. Students may be authorized to work for up to 36 months).
  • Applying for work authorization is the responsibility of the student, not the employer.
  • Columbia University requires a copy of the official offer letter confirming the details of the internship, but the student typically provides this.

Continuing Employment After OPT: H-1B Visa (Temporary Work)

  • The H-1B Visa (Temporary Work) is an employer-sponsored visa for foreign nationals employed in a “specialty occupation,” which includes any position that requires a Master’s degree.
  • Students with H-1B Visas may be eligible for up to 6 years of employment with the sponsoring employer.
  • The employer is responsible for filing the petition on behalf of the international employee for the H1-B visa. The process is detailed on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website (www.uscis.gov).

We are here to help!

If you have additional questions about hiring international students, contact us at [email protected] or 212-853-5891. For more information on engaging with Columbia Engineering talent, visit our website: https://career.engineering.columbia.edu. 

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