Writing this article for recruiters and human resource team to help understand various work authorization applicable to international students. This will help reduce miscommunication between international students and the recruitment industry. Every international student enrolled in various universities in USA hold various work authorizations such as CPT, OPT, H1b and Day 1 CPT.
- CPT (Curriculum practical Training) : Many universities allow international students to gain practical training before their graduation. The objective of such work authorization is to allow students gain professional industry experience and reflect on theoretical education. Remember international are allowed to use CPT in following conditions :
a. Student need to complete atleast 3 quarters or atleast 1 year in university programs.( Different universities have different rules)
b. CPT is allowed for either 6 months or less at one time.
c. CPT work authorization need approval from University officials with average approval time range from 10 to 15 days.
d. CPT approval can only be provide either during start of semester/ quarter or mid of semester.
Conclusion for recruitment world: When any international student says he/ she is eligible for CPT make sure to ask above questions. Answers to those question will help you assess if you can submit such candidate to your clients. CPT is a great tool for universities to promote professional world experience for international students, however timeline is important. For example if your client need entry level candidate for research or documentation role CPT candidates can be a great resource. Just make sure start date of candidate should be atleast 15 days from day of offer is made. Further time of year if very important to fall during start of semester or mid of semester to support issuance of CPT from university to candidates.
Request to students : Remember to communicate exact dates and time to recruiters for your CPT authorization. Speak to your university officials to know when you will be eligible to activate your CPT, they will tell you exact dates. Further understand how many days your university needs to process your CPT request and how many documents you need. Remember you are not eligible to activate your CPT any time, its specific time of year and need specif number of days. Communicate that clearly so that your start date can we worked out well.
2. OPT (Optional Practical Training ) : OPT work authorization is provided by US government to all international students which length from 12 month to 36 months. OPT work authorization card are usually requested by students in their last quarter of their education program and takes 90 days for approval. Usually candidates apply OPT cards 90 days before their graduation from enrolled programs. International candidates are not eligible to work until they have the OPT card in their physical possession.
Conclusion to Recruitment world: OPT card holder international candidate are open to work for any employer in USA. When you reach out to international candidates ask if the have OPT card in possession and until when its valid. This information can help you determine candidate start date with your client.
Request to international candidates : Apply your OPT card 90 days before your graduation so that you have OPT card right after you graduate. Further communicate exact start dates to recruiter about start date of their OPT duration. Start your job search around 30 days before start date of your OPT so that you can match your offer date and start date of employment.
3. H1b Visa: This visa is allocated to skilled workers in United states from across the globe applicants and international students. International students require sponsor (staffing companies or companies ) to file their visa applications. H1b visa are transferable to next employer if they file new application which takes up to 60 to 90 days. H1b visa application are selected by lottery process where system generated lottery pick candidate applications. Remember h1b visa approval process is lengthy and subjected to length of approval.
- H1b visa lottery happen generally in month of March April every year
- H1b Visa become effective from October of every year
- Candidates with approved H1b visa can not work for any other employer other than sponsor employer who filed their application.
- If a candidate case got selected in lottery he/ she can not work to any other employer unless candidate decide to withdraw H1b application.
Conclusion to Recruitment world: Ask candidate if their current employer filled your H1b visa , if yes ask if their case got selected in lottery for financial year 2021. If any candidate is on H1b visa and want to transfer their visa to next employer , make sure your clients or your organization if ready to do that. H1b visa transfer takes around 60 days on routine and 15 days in express process hence start date of employment after offer is important. H1b visa are easy to process if your organization has suitable capabilities.
Request to international candidates : If your current employer has submitted your H1b visa application please avoid change of employer . If your employer submitted your H1b application and your case has been selected in visa lottery plz avoid change in employer or end client. If your H1b visa is approved and your are looking for change mention your duration of visa approval to next employer. Be open to start your new job on H1b receipt only if you have long term client contract or going to work as full-time employee. Do not travel internationally during your approval of H1b visa duration.
Our team objective of writing this article is to educate both recruitment world and international candidates. All the good luck.
