Looking for and landing a job is a big undertaking. If you are an SPS international student looking for employment in the U.S., you have the added layer of following U.S. immigration regulations - on top of all the other prep work needed to make yourself a stand-out candidate. 

Please know that the Office of Global Services and NYUSPS Wasserman Center are always ready to support you in this process! Compiled here are some do’s and don’ts to help guide you on your job hunt as an international student. 

Do:

• Get an overview of the type of work you can do based on your status as an F-1 or J-1 student. This video on employment options for NYU international students is a great start!

• Partner with a career coach to explore your strengths, weaknesses, and ways for you to learn more about your field of interest.

• Find out more about the different employment types and application procedures from the OGS online hub of employment and tax information. Familiarize yourself with further eligibility criteria, steps to apply, and any fees or registration requirements associated with the type of work authorization you’re considering.

• Attend an OGS Employment workshop in person, or join us for one of our many employment webinars. All upcoming workshops and webinars are linked at the bottom of our student visa and immigration page.

• Check with your academic department about the internship options in your degree program. If there is an internship class that can count towards your degree, you may be eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

• Visit OGS during advising hours, or schedule an online advising appointment if you have further questions about work authorization.

• Review select resources available in the Career Center section of Handshake for numerous job search tools: “Vault” for industry intelligence, “The Job Search” for links to global- and US-career tips, “Networking” to connect with others more effectively, and “Interviewing & Negotiating” for tactics that can be applied at any level. 

• Plan ahead! In most cases, you need to apply for employment authorization at least three months prior to when you want to start working so that you can begin your position/internship on time.

Don't:

• Wait until the last minute to apply for work authorization. This will probably delay when you can start your job. 

• Forget to leverage your academic coursework to show any US-based experience.

• Begin working for any employer - paid or unpaid - before receiving proper work authorization.

• Listen to the advice of friends, family, or your employer regarding work authorization. Speak with an OGS advisor first! We want to help you maintain your immigration status in the U.S.

While OGS serves as your resource at NYU for immigration and visa questions, the NYUSPS Wasserman Center for Career Development is your resource to help answer career-related questions, which might include: What are my interests, skills, and values? How do I find internships or jobs that align with my personal and professional goals? What resources can assist me in conducting an effective search strategy?

Partner with a career coach at the NYUSPS Wasserman Center by scheduling a one-on-one coaching appointment via Handshake.