No. Federal regulations permit the employment of international students on F-1 and J-1 visas within certain limits. These visas allow students to work in jobs related to their major fields of study. F-1 students can work on “practical training.” J-1 students may work on “academic training.”

No. The only cost to the employer hiring international students is the time and effort to interview and select the best candidate for the job. The international student office handles the paperwork involved in securing the work authorization for F-1 and J-1 students. In fact, a company may save money by hiring international student because the majority of them are exempt from Social Security (FICA) and Medicare tax requirements.

F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training (up to 12 months - such as co-op or internship) before completing their studies, as well as an additional 12 months of optional practical training, either before or following graduation, or a combination of the two. However, if they work full-time for one year or more during curricular practical training, they are not eligible for optional practical training. Students with a J-1 visa are usually eligible to work up to 18 months following graduation, or 36 months for postdoctoral fellows. They may also be eligible to work part-time during their program of study.

No. International students must have the work authorization before they begin actual employment, but not before they are offered employment. In fact, many J-1 students must have a written job offer in order to apply for work authorization. Many F-1 students will be in the process of obtaining work authorization while they are interviewing for employment. Students can give employers a reasonable estimate of when they expect to receive work authorization.

For optional practical training, F-1 students receive from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a small photo identity card that indicates dates for which they are permitted to work. For curricular practical training, F-1 students receive authorization from school (NOT from USCIS) on the student’s Form I-20. J-1 students receive work authorization in the form of a letter issued by their institutions.

With a bit of planning ahead, an employer can hire international students to continue to work for them in the H-1B visa category for a total of six years (authorization is granted in two three-year periods). The H-1B is a temporary working visa for workers in a “specialty occupation.” The application procedure to the USCIS is straightforward. The job must meet two basic requirements: 1.The salary must meet the prevailing wage as defined by the Department of Labor, and 2.A bachelor’s degree or higher is a minimum normal requirement for the position.

Participants begin applying for programs 6-9 months in advance as they go through a vigorous screening process to ensure you get the most qualified Participants. We strongly encourage Employers submit their application 6-7 months in advance.

Upon deciding on which applicant you wish to hire, you will be asked to write an internship/training plan. The participant will need this letter to submit alongside other visa documents for approval. An embassy representative in the respective country of the participant may call to verify all information provided by the company.

We arrange phone or Skype interviews with participants when needed, or we can have Pro-Internships staff interview on your behalf.

All Internship/Training program Participants MUST obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to work legally in the United States. Students may apply for a Social Security card at the Social Security office nearest to their place of employment, upon arrival in the United States. They will receive a receipt showing they have applied for a Social Security card, allowing them to work legally in the U.S. until their card arrives. The card should arrive within 3-6 weeks. Volunteer Program Participants will not have a SSN.

Yes, J-1 Internship/Training Program participants pay all relevant federal, state and local taxes. J-1 Internship/Training Program participants are “EXEMPT” from Social Security (FICA), Medicare and Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

No, we do not have the ability to grant visas, but we try to work closely with embassies in the countries from which we are recruiting to establish good relations. We watch visa denial rates in our countries very closely and report visa denials to our host companies as quickly as possible. We adjust our recruitment each year according to the visa success rate around the world.

International students and young professionals will bring diversity and cultural exchange to your organization. They are highly qualified, hard working, dedicated and committed to their employment with you.

We have been very successful in providing host companies with top international participants. Please contact us directly about our individually tailored placement service.