Employment Info for International Students

There are opportunities for international students to intern and work in the U.S., but there are also many challenges.  The current reality (based on labor market conditions, competition, employer-regulations and government guidelines) is that a small percentage of international students will secure U.S. employment upon graduation. The information and resources below will help you navigate the job and internship search processes as an international student.

MANY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS seek internships and jobs in the United States. While there are opportunities for interning and working in the U.S., there are also challenges. The current reality (based on labor market conditions, competition, employer-regulations and government guidelines) is that a small percentage of international students will secure U.S. employment upon graduation. To build experience, you should:

  • KNOW THE IMMIGRATION LAWS for work and internships for F-1 and J-1 students. Go to UW International Student Services website (http://iss.washington.edu) for information.
  • KNOW AND ARTICULATE YOUR RELEVANT SKILLS AND STRENGTHS. Effectively network, write resumes and cover letters, and interview well.
  • CONSIDER A VARIETY OF CAREER PLANS, which could include a strategic job search for opportunities in your home country or another country.
  • SEEK OUT HUSKY OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD SKILLS & EXPERIENCE like on-campus employment, undergrad research, clubs, competitions, etc.

Employment Options

This is a brief overview. For details, please (1) visit https://iss.washington.edu/work/, (2) attend an ISS Employment workshop, and (3) talk to an ISS adviser in Schmitz 459.

IF YOU WANT A JOB ON-CAMPUS SO YOU CAN MAKE MONEY WHILE IN SCHOOL…

  • Your F-1 status permits you to work “on-campus” without special work authorization
  • You can work up to 20 hours during your regular full-time quarters, but more than 20 hours during breaks and your annual vacation quarter.
  • NOTE – Jobs lasting only a few weeks are rarely available.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN INTERNSHIP OR JOB TO BUILD SKILLS…

  • Consult ISS about unpaid internships to see if work authorization is required
  • If you want to complete a paid internship you must complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization process which requires you:
    • Have active F-1 visa status
    • Have completed least 3 quarters of full-time academic study in the US
    • Are making normal academic progress
    • Have obtained a job/internship offer letter from the employer
    • Are registered for the CPT course credits for the internship

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A JOB IN THE U.S. AFTER YOU GRADUATE…

  • Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization, preferably 3 months prior to finishing your UW degree program
  • Start looking for jobs related to your major before you graduate

KEY RESOURCES