Hiring International Students
The Value of Hiring International
Insight into international cultures, languages, business practices, and networks. This can be very valuable information for companies who want to succeed in a global market.
New ideas, perspectives, and creativity. Companies who employ a diverse workforce excel at innovation and problem-solving.
Positive reputation. Your company will attract and retain top talent and diverse clientele as a welcoming, representative, and culturally diverse organization.
Access to top talent. International students are motivated, adaptable, and have demonstrated perseverance. That, paired with their diverse education and work experience, makes them extremely valuable.
Hiring International Students Is Easier Than You Think
Students do not require visa sponsorships to be employed. Federal regulations legally permit employment of international students in jobs and internships related to their major field of study through practical training opportunities when they are an active student pursuing a degree in the US as long as proper authorization has been secured for the opportunity.
There are no extra costs to hiring international students. As a matter of fact, the company may save money due to exemptions from Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Students are responsible for completing and submitting most required paperwork. Employers may need to provide minimal paperwork in some cases, such as a letter confirming a job offer, position description, and employer contact information.
CPT Hiring Process
What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizes F-1 students to work off-campus in a field that's integral to their major of study after completing one academic year of full-time study in the US. Internship programs are some of the most common types of employment for international students. Students are eligible to work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (less than 20 hours per week) during their internships. A job offer is required for CPT. Please note that the position must be directly related to the student’s major and required for students in that major program.
What it means for you as the employer
You will need to provide an internship offer letter, detailing the position. A template can be provided upon request to ensure you are capturing all information. Please note this must be provided in advance of the start date to allow time for processing. Students must take this work experience for an academic requirement, meaning start and end dates must fall within one semester. Students may be able to work at one organization more than one semester, but a new offer letter will be required per semester. A visa sponsorship is not required.
CPT Cost
There is no additional cost to the employer beyond salary.
Mavzuna Sangova '24
OPT Hiring Process
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorizes F-1 students to work off-campus in a position directly related to their degree. OPT is most frequently used after graduation. Students are eligible to work either full-time or part-time for a maximum of 12 months; students who have earned a degree in a STEM field may be eligible for an additional 24 months. OPT acquired before degree completion is referred to as Pre-completion OPT. OPT acquired after degree completion is referred to as Post-completion OPT. Students utilizing Post-completion OPT must work at least 20 hours a week.
What it means for you as the employer
A visa sponsorship is not required. You can choose to have little to no involvement with the OPT application process; however, students may request an Employment Verification Letter for travel purposes. STEM OPT extension carries additional employer requirements. Please keep in mind that as this is processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the timing for processing once a student applies is generally 3 months, but could take longer. Students can apply for their 12 months of post-completion OPT 90 days before graduation.
OPT Cost
There is no additional cost to the employer beyond salary.
In 2025, international students from more than 50
different countries were enrolled at Concordia.
Key Terms
F-1
This is a type of visa that allows individuals to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Documentation showing approved work authorization, dates of authorization, and whether it’s part-time or full time will appear on the student’s SEVIS I-20 document.
- Alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
- Is an integral part of an established curriculum.
- Relates directly to the student’s major area of study.
- Authorization for F-1 students to work off-campus in an internship prior to graduation.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Documentation showing approved work authorization is available once approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and they issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before received the EAD card and not before the dates issued on the card.
- Relates directly to the student’s major area of study.
- Allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study.
- Authorization for F-1 students to work off-campus for 12 months after graduation (post-completion most common).
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- An additional 24 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training available for students in specific STEM fields as determined by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) listed as listed on their Designated STEM List. This list is subject to change. Students should be in communication with International Community at Concordia College to confirm if they are in a STEM OPT eligible major.
Questions?
Please Contact Global Learning (global@cord.edu) with questions.