hiring international students: it's easier than you think
DESCRIPTION
A presentation by Meenakshi Sharma about hiring international students.TRANSCRIPT
Career
Management
OfficeCleveland SHRM
Hiring International Students: It’s Easier Than You Think
Topics
Introduction
Why hire international students?
Myths about hiring
Employment options for international students
Summary
Introduction
Weatherhead School of Management is proud of its culturally diverse student population
More than 25 countries are currently represented in Weatherhead’s graduate program
Why International Students?
Extensive work experience• International exposure• Multi-lingual • Team-management in various environments
Divergent thinking on global issues Cross cultural awareness of market dynamics Flexible: Easy to relocate anywhere in the USA Potential relocation to home country would provide
employer a reliable international liaison
Myths
“International students need work authorization before we can make an offer”
• NO• Students DO NOT need work authorization before
they can be made an offer• They DO need such authorization before they can
BEGIN working
Myths
“Hiring process is extensive and paper work is time intensive”
• The hiring process is no more extensive than hiring a domestic student
• Employers DO NOT need to complete any additional paperwork to be able to legally make a job offer
Myths
“It is illegal to hire a student without a green card”
• Federal law permits international students to obtain off-campus employment on their F-1 visa
• Students are allowed to work in jobs related to their field of education
Myths
“An employer has to prove that international students are not taking jobs away from a qualified Americans”
• NO• Employers DO NOT have to document/ certify that
a foreign citizen working on F-1 or H1-B visa prevented a qualified U.S. citizen from obtaining the position
• This is needed only during employer-sponsored applications for permanent residency (green card)
Employment Options
While in School: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) After graduation: Optional Practical Training (OPT) After OPT: H1-B visa
International students are LEGALLY permitted to obtain internships (while in school & after graduation) and short term employment (up to 12 months) post graduation – Requires almost NO ADDITIONAL effort from employers compared to hiring domestic students
“Practical Training” Options available to students:
What is CPT?Employment which is integral or an important part of student’s curriculum and is related to the student’s field of study, including:
• Internship or practicum• Co-op education
Who can participate in CPT?Any international student on F-1 visa who:
• Has competed one academic year (9 months) and in F-1 status at the time of application for CPT
• Intends to continue to maintain F-1 student status while on CPT
• Can prove to the CMO course advisor that the proposed employment is related to current field of study
• Must register and enroll in the internship course (MGMT 418 or 419)
Employment Options - CPT
Treat them at par with domestic students in the hiring process Make the job offer – the offer letter needs to specify details of
employment, pay, location, etc.[1]
Allow at least 5 business days for the students to get their work authorization processed through the school
Employer Obligation
• Obtain a detailed offer letter from the employer[1]
• Meet with corresponding school official to start the process• DO NOT start before obtaining work authorization and DO
NOT continue beyond the authorized period
Student Obligation
[1] Ask me for a sample or visit our international student website
Final Steps of CPT
A student can begin CPT after the Designated School Official has completed the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Students Status endorsement page.
The DSO-endorsed Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Students Status together with the student’s Form I-94/94A indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status is evidence of employment authorization.
Sample I-20
What is an OPT? Optional Practical Training authorized by the USCIS
• Based on recommendation from school official• Most frequently used for up to 12 months of post graduation full-
time employment in field of study
Students receiving OPT permission are issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)• Indicates starting and ending dates of authorization• Looks like a photo - ID• Average processing times from receipt of student’s application is
typically 2-3 months• CANNOT start before EAD is received
Employment Options - OPT
Treat them at par with domestic students in the hiring process Talk to the student about acquiring OPT authorization in time
for the target start date Make the job offer[1]
Employer Obligation
• Attend the OPT workshop in spring• Apply for OPT at least 90 days before graduation• DO NOT need a offer letter for application
Student Obligation
[1] Students DO NOT need a offer letter to apply for OPT authorization from USCIS
Sample EAD Card
CPT vs. OPTCPT OPT
Appropriate time of using CPT/ OPT
Can be granted during an academic program only
Cannot be used after graduation
Usually used after graduation; but can be used for summer internships
Graduate students may start OPT before graduation, but after completing all coursework
Specific job offer
YES CPT can be approved for a specific job
offer at a time, for each semester
Job offer NOT required
Propriety of Employment
Proposed employment must be related to course of study
Students have to demonstrate that employment is in his or her field of study
Authorizing entity
ISS at Case USCIS (process can take up to 4 months)
ISS can only provide recommendation for approval
Term of use
No time limit Using CPT for full-time employment
(40 hr/ week) for 12 total months will result in ineligibility for OPT
Maximum total length of 12 months per degree level, for STEM students 17 extra months.
Summary International students can provide added breadth to
your applicant pool Ask the students about their work authorization Students are responsible to acquire proper work
authorization after you make the offer Plan on welcoming a dedicated, productive, and
driven professional on her first day
Contact Information Contact Information :
http://weatherhead.case.edu/
11119 Bellflower Road, Room 160
Phone: 216-368-3662
Fax: 216-368-1483
Meenakshi Sharma
216-368-2095