Hire international students

Approximately 10 percent of CSE undergraduate students and about 50 percent of graduate students are international. Many international students are seeking positions in the U.S. and/or their home country. Global, national, and regional organizations have an opportunity to recruit U.S.-educated international students for internships, co-ops, and full-time jobs.

CSE international students:

  • have a rigorous, world-class education that matches industry needs. CSE undergraduate programs consistently rank among the top 25 in the nation.
  • participate in cutting-edge research, student organizations, mentorships, and leadership development programs.
  • bring strong analytical and technical skills to address employers needs.
  • have experience working in diverse teams and communicating in a multilingual capacity.
  • bring a global perspective and an innovative mindset.
  • demonstrate the key qualities of adaptability, perseverance, and dedication.

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Internships

Part-time or full-time internships can be offered to international students during school breaks. The work must be related to the student’s major field of study. After their first two semesters, students can be authorized to work for the duration of the educational program. Students are personally responsible for filing paperwork with the University of Minnesota.

The University can authorize students for internships in as little as seven business days.

Employers need not complete government filings and must only present the student with an offer of employment.

Full-time work after graduation/Optical Practical Training (OPT)

Employers can offer part-time or full-time positions to international students for at least 12 months after graduation. The work must be related to the student’s major field of study. Students are personally responsible for filing paperwork with the University of Minnesota and may be eligible to begin work as early as immediately following graduation.

If hired by an e-verified employer, CSE students can be eligible for a STEM extension, which is an additional 24 months of part-time or full-time work (for a total of 36 months).

Employers need not complete government filings and must only present the student with an offer of employment.

Beyond OPT

Typically, employers can sponsor international students for longer-term work by applying for an H-1B visa or for permanent residence through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Other visa possibilities also exist.

  • H-1B: Three-year duration, renewable for up to six years. Costs often range from $2,000-6,000.
  • Permanent Residence: Known as green card. Expenses vary and include filing and legal fees.

For more information on other sponsorship options, visit the USCIS website.

Resources

Posting a position

When posting a position in Handshake, you are prompted to indicate whether the position requires U.S. work authorization. All paid positions require work authorization and international students are able to obtain that authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or company sponsorship. 

You also will be asked “Would you sponsor a work visa for the right candidate?” and “Are you willing to hire candidates that are temporarily authorized to work for a defined period in their field of study?”

If you select “yes” to “Would you sponsor a work visa?” you are indicating that you would be willing to hire an international student for full-time work, then after 12-36 months of OPT, sponsor them by applying for an H-1B visa or permanent residence through the U.S. Immigration Service.

If you select “yes” to “Are you willing to hire candidates that are temporarily authorized to work for a defined period in their field of study?” you are indicating that you can only hire international students for internships or 12-36 months of full-time work.

Hiring CSE international students is cost-free and does not require government filing until at least 12 months post-graduation.

Note: Most University of Minnesota international students hold an F-1 visa—the work authorization described in this handout applies to these F-1 students. The small number of international students on other types of visas, such as J-1, may have different rules surrounding work options. University of Minnesota students are responsible for knowing their own visa status and being prepared to explain its restrictions to employers. Advisors at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on the Twin Cities campus offer general advice to employers about F-1, J-1, and H-1B visa work options for UMN international students. For information about a specific student, the student must first sign our release information. For more information, contact ISSS at isss@umn.edu or 612-626-7100.

Legal Disclaimer: This website is not intended as and does not serve as legal advice. It is for informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional legal advice. Content is subject to change, and employers are advised to consult an experienced U.S. Immigration Attorney for advice and further information. For more information on regulations regarding hiring international students, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

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