Career Strategies for International Students
On Campus Employment
As an F-1 student in active status, you immediately have an option for on-campus employment. A letter from your employing department is required to
help you get a Social Security number. When school is in session, you may only work part-time/ 20 hours per week.
Off Campus Employment
After being enrolled full-time for a full academic year (2 full semesters/a fall and a spring semester), you could be eligible for off-campus employment.
Off campus employment takes 2 forms for F-1 international students Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is
authorized by your DSO or International Student Advisor, by creating a new I-20 showing CPT authorization. Optional Practical training requires a new
I-20 and authorization by USCIS. Want to work off campus? VISIT THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE. In either case you are not allowed to begin
working without authorization.
CPT
(Internship or Co-Op)
CPT is typically arranged as an internship or co-op during the student’s program of study. Must relate to your major and the experience must be part of
your program of study. CPT can be part-time/ 20 hours or full-time/40 hours for details contact the International Office. In order to qualify for CPT your
DSO needs to provide you with a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status” indicating your DSO’s recommendation for employment.
OPT
(Pursued upon graduation)
OPT allows the student a maximum of 12 months of full-time work experience. OPT must relate to your major or course of study. In order to apply for
OPT you must meet with a DSO or International Student advisor to determine your eligibility. They will also talk about your start date options and help
you decide what will work best for your timeline. You must have your EAD card before you begin working. OPT is often an easy way for employers to
“try out” employees before deciding to sponsor them for a longer term work visa such as H-1B.
It can take as long as 90 to 100 days for Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) to issue an EAD card. Therefore, it is important to apply well
in advance of the intended start of employment or internship.
17-Month STEM Extension
Students who graduate with a STEM degree are eligible to apply for a 17-month extension to their work permit. This requires another I-20 from your
DSO/International Advisor and an additional request to USCIS for another EAD card.
NIU Job Search Resources
MajorWeblinks http://www.niu.edu/careerservices/weblinks/index.shtml
HuskiesGetHired http://www.niu.edu/CareerServices/huskiesgethired/index.shtml
Human Resource Services: http://www.hr.niu.edu/Employment/Index.cfm
Job and Internship Fairs (Fall and Spring)
On Campus Job Fair (Spring): sponsored by
NIU Student Association
Helpful Websites
Myvisajobs.com: a visa job information portal. Largest employment website for international students. Research employers who have filed H-1B visa
applications.
LinkedIn: the world's largest professional network with 200 million members in 200 countries and territories around the globe.
On Campus Resources
International Student and Faculty Office: (815) 753-1346,Williston Hall 406, http://www.niu.edu/ISFO/aboutus/index.shtml
Writing Center (for writing assistance): (815) 753-6636, Stevenson South Tower B, Lower Level, http://www.niu.edu/uwc/
Advice
 Do not begin an employment interview or letter with an inquiry regarding H-1B sponsorship.
The more unique your skills and the more advanced your degree, the more likely that an employer will consider you for employment and sponsorship.
 Do not limit your search to just large employers, or to employers who have sponsored H-1Bs in the past. Each year, thousands of H-1B petitions are
filed by smaller employers or employers who have never sponsored H-1Bs before.
Bridge the cultural gap to sell yourself. Excellent English skills are essential.
Know what you have to offer to employers (relevant skills, strengths, etc.) and articulate your value effectively when networking, as well as in your
resumes, cover letters and interviews.
Looking for a job while finishing a degree can be overwhelming. Start organizing and utilizing your resources at least one year before you graduate.
Your job search strategy should include:
o Preparation (country‐specific resumes, cover letters, and interviews)
o Exploring resources
o Gaining experience
o Networking your way to a job (start now!)
NIU Career Services
Campus Life Building, 220 (815) 753-1641
www.careerservices.niu.edu