Organizations today are connected globally and those who hire international students have a competitive advantage. International students bring great value to any organization and contribute to its success in many ways.
At Rutgers University international students represent 12% of the student population and come from more than 100 countries. The proportion of international students in the U.S. has risen by 75% in the last decade and the NY-NJ-PA region is the #1 metro area for U.S. international students. Companies operating in this region benefit from a significant talent pool if their hiring and talent management strategies include international students.
There are various misconceptions about hiring international students. In reality, it is not much different than hiring local students. The information below provides clarity on aspects of hiring international students and can help your organization with regard to U.S. immigration rules.
- International students are authorized by the USCIS (the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) to work under CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) for internships and jobs during the course of their studies and after completion of their degrees.
- In terms of process and cost, students own the responsibility of completing the paperwork and submitting it to USCIS. In OPT cases employers provide details on how positions will train students for career advancement.
- There is no need to apply for or sponsor any visas during CPT and OPT periods.
- There are no extra costs and in fact, employers save approximately 8% of students' salaries due to exemptions from Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA taxes).
INTERNSHIP HIRING
International students do not require visa sponsorships to participate in U.S. internships. All international students are eligible to work in internships after the first year of their programs and do not require visa sponsorships from organizations. Most students hold F-1 status levels and qualify through a grant of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Work authorization is issued by Rutgers University. Hiring international students requires no more paperwork than hiring U.S. workers.
FULL-TIME HIRING
International students have at least 12 months of U.S. work authorization after graduation and STEM students are eligible for 24-month extensions. Upon graduation, all F-1 students have U.S. work authorization for 12 months through a grant of Optional Practical Training (OPT). STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students can get extensions of 24 months, thus allowing them to work full-time for 36 months after completion of their degrees. During this period employers do not need to secure work authorization from USCIS. There are no extra costs and this becomes the first step to ensuring smooth transitions while converting these employees to long-term hires.
Advantages of hiring international students include:
- New perspectives and problem-solving skills
- Motivated, adaptable, and have demonstrated perseverance
- Courage to tackle the unknown and excel in diverse workplaces
- Proficient in international languages and have knowledge of the markets, business practices, and cultures of other countries
For more information, please contact Shalini Jain, Global Job & Internship Developer, Employer Relations Team, at shalini.jain@rutgers.edu or (848) 932-0164.