A successful job or internship search involves using many different strategies. First, review the strategies and resources applicable to all students searching for internships and jobs. The University Career Center, open to all UMD students, offers advice for international students. Review the tips below specifically for international students.

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Networking is one of the most effective ways to learn about positions and be hired.  Review networking resources and tips for international students

Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are crucial for students who wish to work and succeed in the US. Conveying that you are paying attention during an interview (and a professor’s office hours) is particularly important. The earlier you hone those skills the better. If English is not your first language, improve your communication skills by getting involved around campus, joining the English Conversation Partners, building relationships with other UMD students, and using resources such as the Writing Center and the Graduate School Writing Center

Be intentional about your job or internship search by researching which employers have hired international candidates in the past.

Review tips for Interviewing for a US employer to explore Feller Center and University Career Center resources on interviewing and specific tips for international students. Practice using Interviewing.com and by making an Interview Preparation appointment.

It is essential for international students to understand when and how they can start working off campus. Read overall guidance on Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Students need to be able to articulate their student visa work authorization options and their employment visa options to employers, as not all U.S. employers are experienced in hiring international candidates. If you have detailed questions about your student visa or work authorization options, please consult with an ISSS Advisor.

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Common Work Authorization Options for International Students

Below is a list of some of the most common work authorization options for international students studying in the U.S. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and this information is subject to change. Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. https://www.uscis.gov/

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work/study, internship, cooperative education, or other type of internship or practicum available for F-1 nonimmigrant students after the designated school official (DSO) has authorized CPT due to students meeting specific criteria.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a practical training experience that directly relates 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. F-1 students who received a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from an accredited institution may apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT. 

TN Nonimmigrant Classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the U.S. to engage in business activities at a professional level. Among the types of professionals who are eligible to seek admission as TN nonimmigrants are accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.

H-1B is a temporary nonimmigrant visa category that permits employers to petition for foreign professionals to work in specialty occupations. The H-1B classification has an annual numerical limit (cap) of 65,000 new statuses/visas each fiscal year. An additional 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education are exempt from the cap. Additionally, H-1B workers who are petitioned for or employed at an institution of higher education or its affiliated or related nonprofit entities, a nonprofit research organization, or a government research organization, are not subject to this numerical cap. 

Source NCDA

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Who can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Social Security numbers are issued for tax purposes only. They are used to identify you within the government’s tax and pension system. Only those with authorized employment are eligible for Social Security numbers. Visit the ISSS website for detailed information on how to get a Social Security number.

Use the Social Security Office Locator to locate offices in your area to see what offices may have available appointments or walk-ins.

Applying for Social Security requires a government agency to verify your arrival in the U.S. and your immigration status-- you must wait at least 14 days after entering the U.S. to apply for a SSN. In addition, you must wait 3 business days after you receive confirmation that your SEVIS record has been activated. Part of the SEVIS activation process includes completing the mandatory online immigration videos and documents check. Do not apply too early or it will require secondary verification, resulting in longer delays.

You must apply for the SSN in any of these cases:

  1. You have an offer to be a Graduate Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant
  2. You get an on-campus job or off-campus paid internship in the future (once you have the offer)
  3. If you will apply for a Maryland Driver's license and do not have a job, you are required to obtain a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security office

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Be Aware of Scams

ISSS wants you to be aware of scams that sometimes target international students and scholars. What are scams?

Scams are illegal schemes aimed at stealing money from you. Scammers impersonate government agencies or companies and use fear tactics to threaten you into paying them or sharing your personal information, such as date of birth, social security number, bank account or credit card information, etc. 

Learn More...

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Revealing your international student status to US employers:

There is no one right or perfect time for international students to reveal their immigration status to US employers. Different students approach this topic differently: some prefer to reveal their status at the beginning of an interaction, while others wait until the interview phase.

It is important that international students 1) respond honestly about their immigration status and work authorization eligibility when asked, and 2) ensure the topic is discussed before the interview process ends so that employers have this information when making their hiring decision.