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Hiring international students: What US employers need to know

interstride logo by Interstride
April 2, 2025
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International students and recent graduates represent a highly motivated and well-qualified talent pool. While F-1 visa holders require additional authorization to work off campus, that shouldn’t stop you from considering them for internships, part-time roles, or long-term positions.

The precedent for international students to obtain temporary US work authorization is longstanding and well-established, and the application process is straightforward.

As the employer, it’s your responsibility to verify work authorization before a student begins employment. To streamline your hiring process and stay compliant, make sure you’re familiar with:

  • The types of work authorizations available to international students (CPT, OPT, STEM OPT)
  • Your responsibilities and potential costs as the sponsoring employer
  • How long each work authorization lasts
  • Estimated processing times before the candidate can begin work

Download our employer guide to learn how to hire and support international student employees, from internships to full-time roles after graduation.

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