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Florida Tech
is a diverse, global campus with over 800 international students
representing over 100 different countries. Many of these students
are interested in seeking either internships or full-time employment
upon graduation but employers are often reluctant to hire them
because of the perceived legal and immigration difficulties.
The following information is provided to help employers with
this process and to help determine if an international student
can meet your hiring needs.
Please visit in the International Student and Scholar Services site for detail.
International Student & Scholar Services
Student
Employment
International students in F-1 visas are eligible to work on campus up to 20
hours a week while class is in session. They are not, however, able to work
off campus in part-time or full-time positions unless they are participating
in an internship or a co-op and receiving academic credit for their work experience
or they receive work authorization due to severe economic hardship. This includes
volunteering for a position that is normally a paid position. Employers should
be very careful to ensure that they do not hire an international student without
proper work authorization. Questions about a particular student can be directed
to the Career Services Office at 321-674-8012 or the Office of International
Student and Scholar Services at 321-674-8053.
Co-ops/Internships
International students on F-1 visas may be eligible to work full-time or part-time
off campus in positions that are directly related to their major and for
which they will receive academic credit. Students must be approved by the
University to participate in a co-op or internship and international students
will receive work authorization through Curricular Practical Training from
the Office of International Students and Scholars. Employers will typically
need to provide a written job offer and may need to fill out other forms
depending on the nature of the co-op or internship. The student must not
begin working before they receive proper work authorization and can only
work during the time that is specified on their authorization form. Employers
who wish to hire an international student for an internship or co-op need
to plan well in advance of the hiring date to ensure all paperwork is completed
in time for the student to begin working at the appropriate time.
For more information
about participating in the Co-op/Internship program please contact
the Career Services Office at 321-674-8102. Questions about work
authorization status should be directed to the Office of International
Students and Scholars at 321-674-8053.
Full-time
Employment after Graduation
International students on F-1 visas are eligible for Post Completion Practical
Training allowing them to work full-time in a position directly related to
their field of study for a maximum period of one year. After the student completes
paperwork, they are issued an Employment Authorization Card by the U. S. Citizenship and Imigration Services (USCIS) allowing
them to begin employment. Employers are not required to fill out any additional
paperwork or pay any fees.
Post Completion
Practical Training is an excellent way for employers to “try
out” a new employee because there is no requirement for
the employer to continue employment after the 12 month period
is up. If the employer wishes to hire the student for a longer
period of time, they can then sponsor the student for an H1B
visa for up to six years or for a green card.
Once a student
has completed their year of practical training, they are no longer
under the jurisdiction of Florida Tech. Employers who need assistance
or information on how to sponsor an international worker for
an H1B visa should contact an immigration attorney or go to http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/employerinfo/index.htm for
information from the USCIS.
Hiring an international
student can seem daunting but is actually fairly simple for temporary
positions and internships once the student has secured proper
work authorization. Most international students at Florida Tech
have excellent English communication skills and their technical
skills are often outstanding. And, they speak several different
languages and bring an understanding of different cultures that
is important in today's global economy.
Employer Responsibilities When Hiring Foreign Workers
Top 10 Myths About Hiring Foreign Nationals, International Educator March-April2008 |
