In the bustling Cardinal Room at the Memorial Union in Ames, Iowa, on December 12, 2024, a significant event took place that highlighted the invaluable resources available to international students at Iowa State University. Arkadi Akopian, a graduate navigating the complex landscape of student visas and employment opportunities, proudly received his ISSO cord and certificate from Elliot Uhl, the interim director of the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). This momentous occasion shed light on the critical role that ISSO plays in guiding students from around the world through the intricacies of securing internships and employment opportunities during and after their academic pursuits in the United States.
Demystifying Student Visas and Employment Authorization
For students hailing from foreign countries, embarking on a journey to study at a prestigious institution like Iowa State University entails navigating a web of visa regulations and employment guidelines. To reside and pursue academic endeavors in the United States, these students must secure either an F-1 or a J-1 visa, which dictates their eligibility for employment opportunities, as outlined on the ISSO’s official website.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) delineates that an F-1 visa is specifically tailored for international students enrolled full-time at an accredited university who are actively pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate of completion. Conversely, a J-1 visa is designated for students sponsored by an exchange program approved by the U.S. Department of State. These distinctions are pivotal in determining the parameters of employment authorization for international students studying in the United States.
According to ISSO, F-1 students have the privilege of engaging in internships and co-op programs through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their academic tenure, and upon graduation, they may qualify for a period of 1-3 years of employment without necessitating sponsorship through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the STEM OPT extension. On the other hand, J-1 students must secure Academic Training (AT) before delving into any off-campus employment opportunities, underscoring the nuanced process that international students must navigate to access valuable work experiences.
Unlocking Employment Opportunities: A Multifaceted Approach
Elliot Uhl, the insightful interim director of ISSO, elucidated the diverse array of pathways international students can explore to secure internships and employment opportunities during their academic pursuits. Uhl emphasized the pivotal role of collaboration between students, academic departments, and career services in realizing these professional aspirations, highlighting the intricate process that unfolds once a job offer materializes.
“If [international students] are looking to do an internship or co-op during their academic program, once they have been offered a job offer… they work with their academic department or career services to get enrolled in a curricular practical training course, and then they work with ISSO to get work authorization,” Uhl explained. This collaborative effort underscores the comprehensive support system in place to empower international students in their quest for professional growth and development.
Furthermore, Uhl underscored the invaluable resources available to international students through ISSO and their college’s career services office, accentuating the importance of leveraging these support systems to navigate the complex terrain of employment opportunities effectively. By harnessing these resources and forging meaningful connections, international students can enhance their employability and broaden their horizons in the competitive job market.
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