Why Hire International Students?
International students bring diverse perspectives, unique skills, and global insights to the workforce. They possess qualities like adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and a strong work ethic, which can provide significant benefits to your organization. Hiring international students is not just a way to bring new skills and perspectives into your organization, it's also a strategic investment in a globally competitive workforce. By understanding the hiring process and offering the right support, you can benefit from the innovation and creativity that international talent provides. At Charlotte, our international student enrollment typically exceeds 2,000+ students annually representing more than 100 countries. Top fields of study include engineering, computer science, data analytics, and business.
Benefits of Hiring International Talent
Global Perspective: International students often bring insights from their home countries, helping to expand your organization’s understanding of global markets and multicultural teams.
Advanced Skills: Many international students have specialized knowledge, particularly in STEM and business fields. They are often trained in cutting-edge technologies and practices.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Moving to a new country to study requires resilience, flexibility, and resourcefulness—skills that translate well into the professional environment.
Language Proficiency: Hiring international students can improve communication with global clients and partners, as many are multilingual.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Allows international students to work in internships or co-op programs while they are still studying. No employer sponsorship is required.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Enables international students to work for up to 12 months (or up to 3 years for STEM students) after graduation. Employer sponsorship is not required, but students need to maintain valid F-1 status.
- H-1B Visa Sponsorship: For long-term employment, employers may consider sponsoring the student for an H-1B visa, which allows skilled workers to work in the U.S. for up to 6 years.
- Plan Early: The process of OPT and H-1B sponsorship can take time, so it's crucial to plan recruitment efforts early to meet deadlines.
- Understand Visa Caps: Be mindful of the annual H-1B visa cap and application timing. Ensure you're familiar with the government's timelines and requirements.
- Support Integration: Provide cultural awareness training for both international hires and your existing team to ease the transition. Consider assigning a mentor or buddy to help them adjust.
- Language Support: While most international students are proficient in English, offering resources like communication workshops can help with workplace-specific language nuances.
Best Practices for Recruiting International Students
- Communicate Early About Work Authorization: Clearly outline work authorization policies in job postings to attract qualified candidates. This ensures students know you’re open to international hires.
- Leverage Career Services: Collaborate with your university’s Career Center to access resources, like international student resume books and career fairs.
- Emphasize Professional Development: International students are often eager to grow within your organization. Offering opportunities for mentorship, training, and long-term career growth will increase retention.
- Highlight a Welcoming Workplace Culture: Show that your organization values diversity and inclusion, which is particularly appealing to international talent.
No, through CPT and OPT, international students can work without sponsorship. Sponsorship may only be required if they transition to an H-1B visa for long-term employment.
Students can work for up to 12 months under OPT. STEM graduates may extend their OPT for an additional 24 months.
Cultural onboarding and providing access to mentors are key to supporting international employees as they transition into your organization.
None. The student is solely responsible for the CPT application and cannot begin working until they obtain authorization from the International Student & Scholar Office (ISSO) and the Career Center. All the student would need from you is a job description and letter of intent to hire.
This process is conducted each semester the student is interested in working for an employer off campus. During the fall and spring semesters, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, during the summer they can work up to 40 hours per week.
Provide the employment offer letter to the student on company letterhead with the following information:
- Company Name
- Physical location/address of proposed internship (no P.O. Boxes)
- Position title and full description (make sure the description relates directly to the students field of study)
- Start and end date of the experience
- If the work is part time or full time in nature
- Indication of how and frequency of supervision by a professional on staff
Remember to request a copy of the CPT I-20 document from the student for you I-9 records.
An employment authorization status which allows international students to legally work at a US company
after they have graduated college. Employment must relate to graduate’s major field of study.
- No cost to employer
- No immigration work for company; graduating student is responsible
- Up to 12 months (STEM majors may extend)
*remember, processes, laws, and policies change as it relates to hiring international students. It is always recommended to do your own research.
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