Employer Guide – Hiring International Students

Over 4500 International Students

Over 1200 Visiting Scholars

Representing Over 120 Countries

WashU values the diverse experiences and perspectives that our international students and scholars bring to campus. Hiring international students to work in the U.S. is often easier than employers think.

Why hire international talent?

  • Global Perspective – International candidates bring diverse experiences that offer unique perspectives, enhancing workplace creativity and problem-solving.
  • Language Skills – International students often study in a second or third language, fostering cross-cultural communication skills crucial for effective collaboration in diverse teams.
  • Access to New Networks – International candidates often bring extensive personal and academic networks from their home countries and their experiences abroad, providing valuable connections for global business opportunities.
  • Ability to Excel in New Environments – Thriving in unfamiliar cultural settings requires international students to develop strong adaptability, critical thinking, and resilience; qualities that translate into success in dynamic work environments.

Common employment categories for international students

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – work authorization available to F-1 international students who participate in a training experience related to their field of study. Students must receive academic credit for this experience. These experiences can include: Practicums, Externships, Internships, Co-Ops, Clinical Experiences and Research-Based Training – Generally eligible after completion of one academic year.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion) –  Full-Time, 12-month work authorization for F-1 international students seeking employment in the U.S. in their field of study. Post-completion allows employment after graduation from the WashU program.
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension – F-1 students in eligible STEM designated programs may be eligible to apply for a 24 month extension of OPT for a total of 36 months post-completion OPT
  • H-1B – Allows an employer-sponsored candidate to work in a “specialty occupation”. This is a position that requires specialized knowledge or skills. Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree in the area of specialty.

Employer responsibilities in the hiring process

CPT (Internships, externships, practicum, etc.)

  • Provide an offer letter or Certification of Employment
  • Specific academic areas may also require:
    • Placement agreement with the academic program
    • Employer internship evaluation form

OPT (Post-Graduate employment, 12-36 months)

  • Provide a job offer letter
  • Student may need company EIN and other information to report employment
  • STEM Extension requires employer enrollment in E-Verify
  • STEM Extension requires training plan created by employer and student
  • STEM Extension requires annual evaluation

H-1B (3-6 Year U.S. work authorization)

Resources

St. Louis Mosaic Project
Office for International Students and Scholars
USCIS – Students and Employment
Handshake Work Authorization Help