The Malone Center for Career Engagement supports international Furman students and alumni. Developing your career and searching for a job as an international student can be challenging, especially when faced with understanding the cultural differences, legal implications, and expectations of US employers. The collected resources here along with support through career advising appointments may help you begin to navigate this process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should I disclose my work authorization status?
It is recommended that students address their visa and work authorization status in the application (if asked) or in the first-round interview. Be upfront and honest, never lie about your status. Many times, employers need more information and education on the subject. Explain that you are authorized to work for 12 months in the United States on OPT. Be sure to meet with your DSO on campus to confirm your eligibility for OPT.
Know your visa status:
Center for Inclusive Communities International Student Regulations
What is the best job searching strategy as an international student?
Networking: Networking is three times more efficient than applying online. It is the process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts. The goal is to expand your knowledge, access, and information by learning from professionals out in the field. Having brief conversations with contacts (i.e. Furman alumni) is a great way to explore careers, learn about available opportunities and gain advice. To connect with Furman international alumni, utilize the Alumni Tool on LinkedIn. Create your profile, visit Furman University’s school page, and select “Alumni” in the middle of the page to view thousands of Furman alumni on the platform. You can narrow your results by location, company, major, or keyword. Furman students can also submit a request to the Mentorship Office for a list of contacts.
For more tips and advice, check out this article to learn more about networking strategies for international students.
What are work authorizations (CPT & OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
Optional Practical Training is granted through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which is a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their major field of study prior to graduation. CPT is academically driven which means that the experience must relate directly to the student’s major area of study and be an integral part of the school’s established curriculum. One year of full-time CPT eliminates a student’s eligibility for OPT.
CPT should be used for any type of paid or unpaid internship and you must seek approval before beginning the employment. Total employment can be up to 20 hours during the week while school is in session or 40 hours per week during official university breaks.
More information can be found at the Center for Inclusive Communities.
Can employers limit their interviewing and hiring to U.S. citizens?
Employers can refuse to interview or hire international students who do not already have some form of permanent work authorization; however, most cannot stipulate that U.S. citizenship is a job requirement. As a general rule, an employer cannot legally limit job offers to “U.S. citizens only.” An employer may require U.S. citizenship for a particular job only if U.S. citizenship is required to comply with a law, regulation, or executive order; is required by a federal, state, or local government contract; or the U.S. Attorney General determines that the citizenship requirement is essential for the employer to do business with an agency or department of the federal, state, or local government.
Accordingly, employers should not ask a job applicant about his or her citizenship during a job interview, unless the employer is confident that the job falls into one of the lawful bases for requiring U.S.-citizen applicants only. The employer, however, can ask if the candidate is authorized to work in the United States, and on what basis.
Should I list my immigration status on my resume?
No, you do not need to list your immigration status on your resume. Focus on your relevant skills, accomplishments, and work history. You should never lie about your immigration status, but you are not required to disclose it on your resume.
Are there questions that are illegal for an employer to ask me?
An employer may NOT ask “What is your visa type, nationality, or place of birth?” or “Which country are you a citizen?” or “What is your native language?” or “What language do you most often speak?”
An employer MAY ask: “Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?” or “Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa such as H-1B?” or “Which languages do you read, speak or write?” (provided that foreign language skills are job related).
I am in F-1 status looking for my first job after graduation. What should I say when an employer asks about my work authorization?
Explain that you have the legal right to work in the U.S. for up to twelve months using Optional Practical Training (OPT) following graduation. The employer does not need to do anything in order for this to happen. Be sure to check with your Designated School Official (DSO) for your eligibility for OPT. Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.
After OPT, international students may decide to pursue H1-B sponsorship. An immigration lawyer is necessary to begin this process.
Databases and Helpful Websites
Furman Campus Organizations
- Student Diversity Council
- Center for Inclusive Communities Student Organizations
