International students at top business schools are an extraordinary addition to any U.S. organization. They:
- have a strong work ethic
- are adaptable and team-oriented
- have fluency in multiple languages
Visa Issues
Nearly all international students are eligible for U.S. work authorization after their first year through Curricular Practical Training (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students) and
do not require employer sponsorship to take part in a US-based internship. Hiring international students for the summer is easy.
Upon graduation, these same international students will have
full U.S. employment authorization for 12 to 18 months as part of Optional Practical Training or Academic Training. They are able to work in any professional business function for that period and employers will
not need to interact with the U.S. government. There is:
- no cost to employers;
- no need to involve immigration attorneys; and
- students are generally exempt from Social Security tax withholdings, adding a cost-benefit to the company.
Securing longer-term employment for new international employees is not difficult. The H-1B category is the most common work status, but it is just one of a number of options available to MBA graduates. Although the annual H-1B quota was an issue for employers in the past, the increase in the annual number by 20,000 has made hiring an international graduate significantly easier than before. As a result of this special exemption for US advanced degree holders — which includes MBA graduates — employers should be able to secure H-1B status for their employees for at least 6 years without worrying about visa numbers being available.