The following information is provided as a general guide for international students at University of New Orleans who are thinking about pursuing job opportunities in the United States. You should use this information as a a guide, but not the final word on requirements specific to your situation to work in the United States.
In some cases, international students are eligible to apply for on-campus, part-time employment opportunities such as graduate assistantships. However, there are a limited number of these positions available each year and competition can be very intense. As such, international students should not rely upon obtaining these types of positions to fund college expenses and are encouraged to have sufficient funds prior to their arrival at the University of New Orleans to support their educational objectives.
International students who wish to work off-campus may only do so if the position they are seeking is acceptable by the INSCOPE Program. This means that the position must be DIRECTLY related to their major course of study and cannot be related to a degree that they have already received. Please visit our INSCOPE Information Pages for Students and Employers for additional information.
INSCOPE: General Information
INSCOPE Information for Students
INSCOPE Information for Employers
Typically three months prior to an international student's graduation, she or he may apply with the United State Office of Immigration and Naturalization for Optional Practical Training. This practical training lasts for a period of twelve months and starts when the international student receives permission from the office of U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. Students do not need to have an employment offer upon receipt of this permission.
This visa allows international students to work in full-time positions for up to six years. In order to apply for this change in status, the employer of the international student must complete two applications on behalf of the student. This application usually takes up to three months to complete and process. According to the Office of International Students and Scholars, it is strongly recommended that employers utilize the services of a qualified immigration attorney, as this application process requires detailed information.
This change in visa status allows the holder to reside and work permanently and lawfully in the United States. In most cases, employers must apply for a green card on behalf of a non-resident alien employee. This application completion and process may take two years or more and requires very detailed information. Therefore, employers are strongly encouraged to obtain the services of qualified legal counsel prior to starting this application process.
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ASPIRE - Asia-Pacific Student Job and Employment Network
Council on International Exchange - Provides information on working abroad.
EUROGRADUATE LIVE - An up-to-date Career Database featuring thousands of graduate opportunities across Europe.
Malaysia Online - Recruitment agency offering jobs in Malaysia
Overseas Jobs Express - Comprehensive source of employment information and resources for international job-hunters
Naukri - Job and career site of India
Wang & Li Asia Resources On-line - Postings in Greater China and the United States for Mandarin/Cantonese speaking candidates in the financial, consumer products/marketing, high tech, and service sector industries.
The U.S. Department of State - Provides useful descriptions of types of visas as well as information about whom to contact with questions. Specific visa application forms may be downloaded from this site.
Embassy.org - A directory of foreign embassies in the D. C. area that includes e-mail and web addresses where available.
U.S Citizenship & Immigration Services - Up-to-date information about the agency, laws and regulations, services, fee schedules, and USCIS forms.
