Most international students in the United States hold an F-1 visa, which is the U.S. non-immigrant student visa. F-1 students are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

The outlook you have as an international student is often appealing to employers, and along with your degree you’ll have a lot to offer. While you studied abroad you may have even worked part-time depending on your visa restrictions and gained some experience in the area you want to pursue.

As your graduation gets nearer you’ll need to consider what your job opportunities are after studying abroad; whether you want to continue your studies, stay and work, or find a job back in your home country.

International student career support

Universities often have dedicated services to help their students with careers, including those from overseas. Throughout the year workshops are held to provide students with new skills, or to help with CVs, interviews, and specific career advice. It’s important to make use of any services like this, especially as universities are well connected across the fields they teach and can often put you in touch with contacts.

If you have a specific career in mind, it’s important to understand the pathways that can get you there. Consider if you need to arrange for work experience, or an internship, or specific areas of study within your program. It could also be of benefit if you have been part of a relevant group or society linked to your career aspirations.