The Engineering Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations (CDCR) is committed to supporting all students by providing inclusive resources and pathways that are customized to the individual needs of students. We recognize that the journey to employment is different for international students, and we seek to empower international students with the knowledge and tools they need to use their expertise in the job field.  

Note: The information on this webpage is specifically intended for Auburn University College of Engineering international students.  

The main pathways for international students to work in the US include:  

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – allows up to 12 months of internship or co-op experience before graduation (students on F1 visa) 
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) – allows 12 months of work authorization after graduation (students on F1 visa) 
  • STEM OPT Extension – allows an additional 24 months of OPT work authorization (for a total of 36 months of OPT) after graduation for STEM majors (students on F1 visa) 
  • H-1B Work Visa – allows work authorization for 3-6 (or more) years with employer sponsorship 
  • Green Card – establishes individual as a permanent resident with work authorization for as long as desired  

Some students obtain work authorization through one of these options, while others use a combination of these pathways to work in the US. Find a more detailed description of each pathway below along with FAQs and important tips. 

Before moving forward with any employment opportunity, you should always contact the International Students + Scholars Office to ensure that you are following all the necessary steps to be authorized to work. Failure to do so can impact your F1 visa status.  

Auburn University International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) 
228 Foy Hall 
intledu@auburn.edu  
ISSS Website 

You may also reach out to individuals from ISSS by email. Their contact information can be found under “International Students and Scholars” about halfway down the page.  

As an international student at Auburn University, you have access to a legal attorney, Monique Meadows, who works with ISSS. If you are interested in speaking with her, you may do so free of charge through ISSS. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT allows work authorization for some students on an F1 visa specifically for work that is in their field of study and integral to their degree. CPT provides students with up to 12 months of work authorization before graduation. The types of work that usually qualify for CPT are co-op and internship. 

 

You are most likely eligible for CPT if you meet the following requirements:

  • You are on an F1 visa. 
  • You are a current Auburn engineering student. 
  • You have been enrolled for one full academic year. 
  • The start and end dates of your desired work experience occur before graduation. 
  • Your desired work experience is integral to your coursework.  

All students interested in CPT will need to have approval from Auburn University’s Designated School Official (DSO). Check your individual eligibility with the DSO. 

  1. Conduct an internship or co-op search: Stay in communication with your Engineering Career Coach, Academic Advisor, and International Student Advisor to help you prepare for and engage in the search. Utilize our online resources to start conducting the search or meet with an Engineering Career Coach!
  2. Obtain a written internship or co-op offer letter from a company or organization. 
  3. Report your internship or co-op to the Engineering CDCR at aub.ie/internship-reporting or aub.ie/co-op-reporting. 
  4. Obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) application form at the Office of International Students and Scholars Services. 
  • Obtain signature approval from your department.  
  • Register for the appropriate 0-credit hour Canvas course(s) for the semester(s) you will engage in the internship or co-op. See below for specific courses. 
  • Complete and submit your CPT application. 
  • Confirm CPT work authorization approval - reviewed by the Office of International Students and Scholars Services. 

The Office of International Students and Scholars Services cannot process your CPT application until after your enrollment in the appropriate Canvas courses. If you are ever in doubt about the timing of your internship or co-op offer acceptance, meet with an Engineering Career Coach to strategies your plan. Unless your DSO directs you differently, do not complete any hire paperwork or company orientation until after your CPT application is processed and approved. 

Internship – Fall and Spring Semesters 

  • Part-time internship (20 hours or less per week) | Enroll in ENGR 3920 (UG) or 7920 (G) (0-credit hours) and additional courses to remain a full-time student 
  • Full-time internship (more than 20 hours per week) | Enroll in ENGR 3920 (UG) or 7920 (G) (0) + COOP 4920 (0) to remain enrolled as a full-time student 

Internship – Summer Semester 

  • Part-time and full-time internships | Enroll in ENGR 3920 (UG) or 7920 (G) (0) 
  • You are not required to enroll in additional coursework during the summer for internship reporting or work authorization purposes. 

 Co-op – Any Semester 

  • Full-time co-op | Enroll in COOP 4910, 4920, 4930 (0) + UNIV 4920 (enrolled by ISSS)
  • All co-op work rotations are full-time, so you are not required to enroll in additional coursework for work authorization. You may take up to 5 credit hours during your co-op work semester if you need or want to, but we typically recommend just working. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT allows work authorization for all F1 students for 12 months typically used after graduation. The work must be in their field of study.  

 

 

You are most likely eligible for OPT under the following conditions:

  • You are an F1 student. 
  • You have been enrolled for at least one academic year. 
  • You have not used a full 12 months of full-time CPT. 
  • Your desired work experience is in your field of study.  
  • More than 60 days since graduation have not passed.  

All students interested in OPT will need to have approval from Auburn University’s Designated School Official (DSO). Check your individual eligibility with the DSO. 

Generally, the steps are as follows: 

  1. Connect with Auburn’s DSO to request that they recommend OPT for you. Visit their office at 228 Foy Hall, email them at intledu@auburn.edu, or call them at (334) 844-5001. 
  2. The DSO should recommend OPT for you and update the Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation. After this is complete, you should apply for your work card (also called employment authorization document, or EAD). 
  • Apply for the EAD by filing Form I-765, paying the fee, and providing supporting documentation in your USCIS online portal or by mail.  
  • To properly file your application for the EAD, utilize the resources on US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) OPT page and Auburn University’s International Students & Scholars Services OPT page. Further direction can be provided by your DSO.  
  • You can apply for the EAD up to 90 days before completion of your degree or up to 60 days post-completion, but you must apply within 30 days after your DSO recommends OPT. 

3. Upon approval of your application, you will receive your EAD and can begin work once your authorized start date arrives.  

4. Once hired, report your employment information to your DSO if you have not already.   

Employers do not have any fees to pay or paperwork to complete. Obtaining the work card for OPT is completely the responsibility of the student. The employer should only make sure they have a copy of the I-20 form for I-9 purposes. 

Most students are eligible for 12 months of OPT for each education level. For example, you may apply for 12 months of OPT after finishing a bachelor's degree, then apply for another 12 months of OPT after finishing a master’s degree, and apply a third time after finishing a doctorate. Keep in mind that you must have earned a higher degree to be eligible for additional OPT. If you used 12 months of OPT with a master’s degree, you would not be eligible for an additional 12 months of OPT with another bachelor's or master’s degree, only a doctoral degree.  

Highly Important! It can take between 90 and 120 days to process your OPT application, but no more than 90 days of unemployment (post-graduation) is permitted. For this reason, it is better to apply for the work card sooner rather than later.  
Highly Important! If you have worked a full 12 months or more of full-time (more than 20 hours per week) CPT, you will be ineligible for OPT. Practically, this means you can work up to 51 weeks of full-time CPT and still be eligible for OPT. However, working 52 weeks of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT. 

STEM OPT Extension

The STEM OPT Extension provides F1 students in STEM majors an additional 24 months of OPT work authorization for a total of 36 months of OPT.  

You are most likely eligible for the STEM OPT Extension under the following conditions:  

  • You have already been approved for OPT.  
  • Your initial 12 months of OPT have not already been completed. 
  • Your employer is in the government’s E-Verify system.  
  • Note: If your employer is not currently enrolled, they can potentially enroll while you are using your initial 12 months of OPT. 
  • Your employer is willing to work with you to make a training plan and give you at least 20 hours of work per week.  

 

If you are unsure of your eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension, please contact your Auburn University Designated School Official (DSO).  

  1. Complete Form I-983 (Training Plan) with input and approval from your employer and ISSS. Ensure that you have an employment verification letter with the employer’s E-Verify number and Employer Identification Number (EIN).  
  2. Request the STEM OPT Extension by completing this online form. Pay the STEM OPT International Student Fee. 
  3. You will need Form I-983, employment verification letter, copy of your diploma, and proof of fee payment.  
  4. Receive approval from ISSS and follow the instructions sent to you upon approval to properly file the required documents to USCIS. 

 

Highly Important! You must apply for the STEM extension up to 90 days before your initial 12 months of OPT expires and within 60 days of your DSO’s authorization. You can have no more than 150 total days of unemployment, including any time during the initial 12 months of OPT. 

Before moving forward with any employment opportunity, you should always contact the International Students + Scholars Office to ensure that you are following all the necessary steps to be authorized to work. Failure to do so can impact your F1 visa status. 

Employers must: 

  • Work with you to complete your Training Plan (Form I-983). 
  • Be enrolled in and maintain good standing in the E-Verify Program. 
  • Sign your self-evaluation on an annual basis. 
  • Make any changes to your Training Plan when necessary. 

 

There are still no fees for employers for the STEM Extension of OPT. 

Most students are eligible to participate twice in the STEM OPT Extension during their academic career. To be eligible to use this extension a second time, you will need to earn a higher degree than your previous. For example, if you already used the STEM OPT Extension after completing your bachelor’s degree, then you would need to earn a master’s or doctoral degree to be eligible to use the STEM OPT Extension a second time.  

H-1B Work Visa

An H-1B work visa allows up to 6 years of work authorization for non-citizens in specialty occupations. It starts with 3 years of work authorization, and you can apply for this to be extended for another 3 years. Unlike CPT and OPT, H-1B work visas require employer sponsorship. This work visa is ideal for international college students or graduates and can be used by people of any country. 

You are most likely eligible for an H-1B work visa under the following conditions: 

  • You are in the last year of your bachelor’s degree and will graduate before October 1 of this year, you have already graduated with your bachelor’s, or you are currently working through OPT or the STEM OPT Extension. 
  • Most people pursue an H-1B work visa while working through OPT because it requires employer sponsorship.  
  • You have a legitimate job offer from a US employer. 
  • Your degree is related to your potential job. 
  • The job requires at least a bachelor's degree, and you meet all other job qualifications. 
  • Your potential employer is willing to sponsor you.  

You do not have to be on an F1 visa to be eligible for an H-1B work visa. 

1. Employers can begin creating their H-1B registrant/organizational USCIS accounts on February 28. 

2. Employers should register you for the H-1B work visa through USCIS between March 6 and 22. This registration enters you into a lottery to be selected for 1 of 85,000 available H-1B work visas.  

The lottery system is random, and there are always more applicants than available H-1B work visas.  

3. By early April, your employer should be notified if you have been selected in the lottery. If you have been selected, your employer should then submit an H-1B petition within 90 days of that selection. This petition will include: Labor Condition Application (Form ETA-9035), Form I-129, exhibit packet, along with additional supporting documentation. 

4. USCIS can approve your petition, reject it, or request more information. If your petition is approved, you will receive Form I-797 with confirmation of approval and can start work October 1.  

5. To extend your initial 3 years of work authorization by another 3 years (for a total of 6 years), you will need to apply for this extension within the last 6 months of your first 3 years. 

 

Throughout this process, you and your employer are advised to work with an attorney to ensure that all forms are filled out and filed properly. The H-1B process is lengthy, detailed, and complex, so it is recommended to work with an expert.  

The employer plays a major role in your ability to obtain an H-1B visa. The employer must “sponsor” you which means they must: 

  • Offer a job that requires the degree that you have or are earning. 
  • With a qualified immigration attorney, register you for the H-1B lottery, submit a petition on your behalf with USCIS, and complete the LCA along with additional paperwork.  
  • Pay the “prevailing wage” for the job. 
  • This means normal pay for the position, location, experience level, etc. 
  • Pay the attorney fees and additional fees to USCIS. 
  • Depending on the attorney and the size of your potential company, this could cost around $7,000-$10,000 USD. 

 

Employers are not required to advertise the job for US workers. 

Yes, you are limited by time, employer, location, and type of work.  

  • Time: An H-1B work visa allows you to work for 3 years initially, but you can apply for an additional 3-year extension for a total of 6 years. If you want this extension, you must apply for it within the last 6 months of your initial 3 years. 
  • Employer: An H-1B work visa authorizes you to work only for the employer who sponsored you.  
  • If you want to change employers, the new employer must file a new petition for you. You can start working for the new employer as soon as the new change of employer petition is filed. You do not have to wait for its approval. 
  • Location: You are only authorized to work in the location listed on the petition. 
  • Type of Work: You are only authorized to do the job described on the petition. 

 

If any of the conditions change from your original petition, your employer may need to file for amendments. 

Yes, multiple employers can sponsor you as long as these requirements are met: 

  • Each employer registers you only one time for the lottery. 
  • Each employer has a legitimate job offer for you. 
  • Each employer represents a different company.  
  • For example, Google and Microsoft could sponsor you, but two branches of Google could not sponsor you for different jobs.  

If you have multiple employers sponsoring you for an H1-B visa, make sure to give any and all employers the exact same identifying info (name, passport number, DOB, etc.). Otherwise, your registration will likely be terminated altogether.  

Fraud can result in the revoking of H1-B visas and other remedial actions. Ensure that each employer registering you for a work visa enters you only one time into the lottery system.  

These dates are specifically for 2024 but should be similar in other years.  

March 6-22: Employers need to register their international employee(s) for the H1-B lottery during this time frame to give them a chance at the 85,000 new H1-B work visas that open October 1. 

Early April: Employers should be notified if their international employee(s) were selected in the H1-B lottery. If their international employee(s) were selected, they should file the H-1B petition within 90 days of the selection. 

October 1: The new quota of H-1B work visas officially opens, and those who have been approved for an H-1B work visa can begin working.  

The government opens a new quota of 85,000 H-1Bs every year that start October 1. There are 20,000 of these work visas specifically for applicants who have earned advanced degrees (master’s or higher) in the US. The other 65,000 are for all degree types.  

If there are more than 20,000 US advanced degree applicants, then USCIS randomly selects 20,000 applicants. Those who were not selected are entered into the lottery of 65,000 along with other degree types. If the total of these applicants is greater than 65,000, then USCIS randomly selects 65,000 applicants from this pool.  

There have always been more applicants than available work visas.  

Some companies are exempt from the H-1B “cap,” or limit, of 85,000 work visas. Exempt organizations usually include:  

  • Universities 
  • Non-profit organizations affiliated with universities (such as research facilities or hospitals) 
  • Non-profit research organizations (engaged primarily in basic or applied research) 
  • Governmental research organizations (federal, state, or local government) 

 

H-1B exempt companies can apply for H1-B work visas at any time of the year and can be granted work visas outside of the 85,000 “cap.” The timeline and quota described above does not apply to them.  

Yes, so long as an employer or multiple employers are willing, they can register you for the H-1B lottery each year.  

Pro Tip: If you are working on OPT and your employer has registered you for an H-1B visa, the US government can extend your OPT work authorization as you wait on the H-1B selection process. 

Pro Tip: If you are working for an employer through the STEM OPT Extension, your employer could register you each year for the H1-B lottery to give you the best chances to be selected one of your three years.  

Green Card

A GGreen Card, or Permanent Resident Card, grants you permanent employment authorizationn and establishes you as a permanent resident of the US. It allows you to travel freely in and out of the states, work for any employer, and work the rest of your life in the US if you choose to.  

You may be eligible for a Green Card under the following conditions: 

You are a first preference immigrant worker, meaning you:  

  • Have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or 
  • Are an outstanding professor or researcher, or 
  • Are a multinational manager or executive who meets certain criteria

You are a second preference immigrant worker, meaning you:  
  • Are a member of a profession that requires an advanced degree, or 
  • Have exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business, or 
  • Are seeking a national interest waiver 
You are a third preference immigrant worker, meaning you are:  
  • A skilled worker (meaning your job requires a minimum of 2 years training or work experience), or 
  • A professional (meaning your job requires at least a U.S. bachelor's degree or a foreign equivalent and you are a member of the profession), or 
  • An unskilled worker (meaning you will perform unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years training or experience) 

Please see the USCIS Green Card Eligibility Categories for other ways to be eligible.  

The steps to obtain a Green Card vary depending on what eligibility category you fall into and other conditions. However, the general application process is as follows: 

1. Depending on your type of eligibility, you or someone else files an immigrant petition with USCIS. 

2. If USCIS approves the immigrant petition, and there is a visa available in your category, you file either a Green Card application with USCIS or a visa application with the U.S. Department of State. 

3. Go to a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature. 

4. Attend an interview. 

5. Receive a decision on your application. 

Please use USCIS to find more customized information for your specific Green Card category. 

Eemployer responsibilities completely depend on what Green Card eligibility you fall into. In some cases, employers will need to sponsor you and demonstrate their continuing ability to pay the salary they offered you. Generally though, your US employer treats you like any other US employee. They can terminate your employment at any time, and they are not responsible for you.  

Generally, Green Card holders have minimal limitations for work. You can work for any employer in any location doing any legal work you are qualified to do. You are free to switch employers or jobs as a normal US citizen would, and a Green Card allows you to work in the US for as long as you want. However, there are some jobs limited to US citizens for security reasons. 

Additional Pathways to Employment

For students on F1 visas, there are other options for working during your degree program in jobs that are not necessarily related to your field of study: 

  • On-campus Employment – Most F1 students can be authorized to work for Auburn University as student employees. 
  • Extreme Economic Hardship – This could be based on a personal hardship (such as a family member passing away or losing their job) or a national hardship in your home country (such as war or a natural disaster). Keep in mind that this type of work authorization must be applied for and is approved on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Designated International Organizations – Some international students can be authorized to work for certain international organizations such as the UN, IMF, and World Bank. You will need to ask your designated school official (DSO) to learn which organizations qualify for this.  

 

Resources: 

International Student Employment Information 

Talking to Employers About Work Authorization

Need help talking about work authorization with employers?  

Below are some responses you can customize and use to answer common employer questions. Your responses will help employers better understand the work authorization process, their responsibilities in the process, and your eligibility for various types of work authorization.  

"Do you need a sponsorship?"

Example: l am eligible to work in the United States for (period of approved employment time) and with additional paperwork, I can continue to be of service to your company. As a global student, I am excited to share my skills in (1-2 skills you have) and look forward to the opportunity to work for (name of company). 

"Are you eligible to work in the United States?"

 Example: Yes, I am eligible to work in the United States for (period of approved employment time) and with additional paperwork, I can continue to be of service to your company.

"Where are you from?"

Example: I am a global student from (name of country). I like that your company values diversity and I am excited to share my skills (1-2 skills you have). Have you traveled to (name your part of the world)?

"I am not sure our company sponsors."

Example: Thank you for this information. I am very excited you are considering me for this position. If you are open to learning more about the sponsorship process, I know an immigration attorney who works on work visa cases. Would you be open to a consultation with her/him to learn about the process?

Referral: US VISA PRO Immigration and Attorney Law- Monique Meadows; Auburn, AL

"You are a great candidate, but our company does not sponsor."

Example: I really appreciate this information. I am sad to hear your company does not sponsor global students. May I have your business card? If circumstances change I would like to reach out and network. I am very interested in (your major/ field) and would love to make connections for the future.

"Our company is global with worldwide locations but does not sponsor in the United States."

Example: I really appreciate this information. I am sad to hear your company does not sponsor global students. Is it possible for you to provide some information on whom I can contact in the (brand office in your country of choice)? As a global student, I am open to opportunities around the world.

"We have not sponsored in the past / we do not know how to sponsor."

Example: I am well versed on immigration policy as a global student and can help inform a potential employer interested in my candidacy on CPT and OPT requirements. In fact, I know an immigration attorney who works on work visa cases. Would you be open to a consultation with her/him to learn about the process?

Referral: US VISA PRO Immigration and Attorney Law- Monique Meadows; Auburn, AL