Welcome to the International Students Community at the University of Florida! This space is designed to provide tailored resources and support as you navigate your studies and career journey.
Navigating your career journey as an international student comes with unique opportunities and challenges. This page is your hub for career planning, job search strategies, and work authorization resources tailored to your needs. Explore visa-friendly employers, learn about internships and employment options, and access support to help you succeed in the U.S. and beyond.
Please note that your primary source of information comes from the University of Florida’s International Center (UFIC).
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Please note that your primary source of information comes from the University of Florida’s International Center (UFIC).
F-1 International students in the U.S. have several work opportunities, including on-campus employment,
Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and, in some cases, STEM OPT Extension
(Application) Please refer to each link for detailed information.
The Career Connections Center can assist with information regarding employers that may be offering off-campus employment specific to your major field of study!
Yes, UF international students in valid F-1 student status can work on the UF campus. Please refer to on-campus employment for detailed information.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) permits international students in valid F-1 status to gain training experience related to their major field of study while enrolled in a full-time degree program. Please refer to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for detailed information.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) permits international students in valid F-1 status to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in a field related to their major field of study after graduation. You can begin the application process up to 90 days before completing your degree, and no later than 60 days after graduation. It’s recommended to start the application process early to ensure a timely application.
Please refer to Optional Practical Training (OPT) for detailed information.
CPT is a work authorization that is directly related to your major field of study and is done during your studies,
while OPT allows you to work after graduation for up to 12 months and must still be directly related to your
major field of study. CPT requires enrollment in a course for academic credit, whereas OPT does not.
Additionally, CPT can be part-time or full-time, while OPT is authorized as full-time.
Below is a general side by side comparison. The information at the CPT and OPT links provides more details.
As an F-1 student, you can work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation through OPT. If you qualify for the STEM OPT extension, you may be eligible to extend your work authorization for an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months of OPT. You cannot apply for all 36 months at one time.
The STEM OPT extension allows students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields to extend their OPT work authorization for an additional 24 months. To qualify, the CIP code for your major field of study must be on the Department of Homeland Security STEM OPT list, you must work in a position related to your degree, you must be employed by an employer enrolled in E-Verify, among other requirements.
Please refer to STEM OPT Extension for detailed information.
When discussing your work authorization status with employers, you should inform them that you are on the F1 visa and expect to be able to apply for work authorization to work in the U.S. under CPT or OPT, possibly STEM OPT, and specify the duration and any restrictions.
Example for OPT (Optional Practical Training):
“I am currently an F-1 student and will apply [or have been authorized] to work in the U.S. under OPT. I have
received my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS, which allows me to work for up to 12
months in a job related to my degree. My authorization will expire on [end date], and if I wish to continue working
after that, I would need an H-1B sponsorship or another work visa. I can provide my EAD card for verification.“
If an employer asks if you need sponsorship, you should clarify that as an F-1 international student, you expect to apply for and be authorized to work in the U.S. under OPT for up to 12 months, and later, if eligible, apply for and are authorized under STEM OPT, for up to an additional 24 months. Of course, after your OPT work authorization expires (and STEM OPT, if eligible), you may need employer sponsorship for an H-1B visa or other work visa to continue employment.
Yes, you can apply for jobs that require you to be authorized to work in the U.S., and explain that provided you apply for and receive the appropriate work authorization under CPT, OPT, or if eligible, STEM OPT. If authorized, you will be allowed to train or work without the need for immediate sponsorship.
The Career Connections Center(C3) can help with this! Use the resume guide, Quinncia, and Drop-in Career Planning to help tailor your resume.
To tailor your resume and cover letter for U.S. employers, emphasize your skills, experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. Use a clear and concise format, focusing on how your background and qualifications align with the employer’s needs. It’s also helpful to use U.S. resume conventions, such as including relevant internships, volunteer work, and academic achievements. As an F-1 student, add that you will (or have) applied for OPT (or obtained the OPT EAD already), thus may not require immediate sponsorship.
CPT authorization is for training with US employers and within the US. If your internship abroad will occur during the summer break and you will be abroad for the entire duration of the training, that is fine. If the internship will occur during the fall or spring semesters, you must contact your F-1 Advisor before the beginning of the training to discuss a Leave of Absence from your F-1 status.
For CPT (Curricular Practical Training), you must be enrolled in a class that grants academic credit for the internship. For OPT (Optional Practical Training), no class enrollment is required. However, there are limits to each.
Please refer to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for detailed information.
The Career Connections Center can help!
For BOTH CPT and OPT, the training/work must be directly related to your field of study and meet the CPT or OPT requirements. Please refer to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for detailed information.
- The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.
- After graduation, you can apply for the H-1B visa through your employer if they wish to sponsor you.
- The process includes a petition from the employer and may be subject to an annual cap, so it’s essential to start the process early and follow all guidelines.
- Since the H-1B is employer-specific, the employer and their immigration representative would assist you with applying for the H-1 B. You cannot apply on your own.
International students working in the U.S. are generally subject to federal and state taxes, although tax treaties between the U.S. and your home country may affect your tax liability. You will need to file a tax return each year to report your income, or even if you have no income, your presence within the US. Consult a tax professional or the IRS website for specific guidance on your tax situation. Please refer to Taxes for additional information.
