International Students & Job Seekers

If you plan to seek CPT through the University of Dallas, read this: 

Verify that you meet the requirements for student eligibility for CPT with the International Student Services Office. 

Before you begin your job search: 

Ensure that you have employment permission. Visit the International Student Services for more information. 

Tips for international students: 

• Plan ahead: As an international student you face certain challenges and restrictions regarding the U.S. job search. Begin your search early - at least a year in advance of your graduation date.
• Know the rules and regulations: Understand the visa process, deadlines, costs, length of process, and which companies hire international students and graduates.
• Communicate clearly: Communication skills are very important. Use every possible opportunity to strengthen your command of spoken and written English. Your resume and LinkedIn account should reflect error-free, compelling content.
• Use your resources wisely: Attend on-campus events (job fairs, lectures, recruiting events), join on- and off-campus professional organizations, and meet with staff to build relationships.
• Understand your strengths: Know your unique assets and academic training, and focus on employers that have a strong need for all of those strengths.
• Network: Networking is even more important for the international student than for a U.S. citizen. By networking we simply mean systematically making personal, written, or telephone contacts with relatives, friends, and alumni in the United States and back home who may be able to help you in the search. Each person whom you contact becomes a participant in your search. Fellow students from abroad who have gained some experience with the U.S. job market may be able to help you with your search for a position.
• Seek the right companies: In your research and networking efforts, concentrate on employers that have connections (offices, subsidiaries, marketing teams, sales forces) to your country of origin. These companies may have an interest in you working for them in this country, or to return to your home country after initial training in the United States. In addition to the resources on campus, contact your embassy.  Often, foreign embassies maintain lists of contacts for employment. Contact them!

Find opportunities (resources & job boards): 

UD Handshake - The only website that allows you to access jobs and internships from employers who are seeking UD candidates.

MyVisaJobs - Information portal and online community for visa job hunters around the world. Major services include annual and quarterly reports for H1B Visa and Green Card, sponsor profiles, resources for job seekers (including a resume service).

H1Base - Interactive database that allows international students to directly connect with the top 550 H1B sponsor companies. Includes an immigration kit that provides links to key forms, information, and free access to immigration attorneys.

iHipo - For international jobs and internships (not limited to the U.S.).

Frequently asked questions:

Should I list my visa status on my resume?

Your visa status should not be included on your resume. Your permanent address, educational background and work history will display that you are an international student. Hiring managers will ask the appropriate questions during the recruitment process. You should never lie about your visa status, but given the reservations employers have about hiring an international student, it is not to your advantage to draw attention to it.

Are there illegal questions?

An employer MAY NOT ask:

• What is your visa type, nationality, place of birth? or, Of which country are you a citizen?
• What is your native language? or, What language do you most often speak?

An employer MAY ask:

• Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? or, Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa?
• Which languages do you read, speak or write? (provided that foreign language skills are job related)

When in the hiring process do I reveal that I’m an international student?

This is a very sensitive question which needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. While some employers adhere to strict policies against hiring foreign nationals, others may prefer to hire U.S. citizens, but can be otherwise convinced. Therefore, it should be your goal to get passed the initial screening measures to the interview. On the other hand, you should probably broach the subject before the employer has spent a significant amount of time and money trying to recruit you. It is usually recommended that students address the issue of their work status during the first or second interview, but no later than the time of the job offer.

If a company says they don’t hire international students, should I even apply?

Sure - unless the job description specifically states that international candidates may not apply. A lot of times when employers say they don’t hire international students it means that they haven’t hired any international students, yet. You may be the first! In order to convince these prospective employers, it is your responsibility to educate them about the process of hiring a foreign national. Be mindful that they still may not hire you, and this can become frustrating. It is recommended that you first target organizations with a history of hiring employees on a work visa.

What can I do to make myself a more attractive candidate?

• Have your resume and cover letters reviewed by OPCD, an employer, or alumni.
• Become thoroughly familiar with immigration regulations and benefits attached to your visa status.
• Research the employers and the positions in which you are interested.
• Participate in a mock interview.
• Practice speaking confidently about your skills, interests and career goals.
• Improve your English skills by speaking up in class, conversing with your advisor, or any other opportunities to speak. Likewise, fine tune your written English.