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Here are some areas to consider that generally have opportunities for international students:

• Think tanks
• Compliance work
• International organizations

• Intergovernmental organizations, large NGOs, and some fellowship programs like the Catholic Relief Services .

• International embassies in DC

• Internship opportunities on the Hill are open to non-US nationals and can be useful experiences to pivot into lobbying jobs related to their country's interests in the States (ex-European Defense Contractors who have offices in DC).

Here are some additional things to consider when job searching as an international student:Ìý

• Think about the relationship between your country and the US to consider why someone would hire an international student (who has expertise and deep knowledge of both places). Some examples might include a trade association that focuses on major exports to / from their country (ex: US-China Business Council or the Soybean Association) or a US firm trying to grow their market share in that country (Silicon Valley and media firms are always good for those), or a development role focusing on a project in an international student’s home country or region.Ìý

• Think about your strengths as an international student (language ability, cross-cultural awareness of both the US and your home market, etc.) and to consider how to leverage those as they make the case that an organization should choose you. Ìý

• Lastly, think of places that are more comfortable hiring for the 1–3-year length of an OPT / CPT. Small non-profits might need help understanding the visa system, but typically they don’t expect employees to stay for many years anyway.Ìý

On-Campus Employment: Eligible F-1 and J-1 international students can participate in on-campus employment as early as their first year of study in their degree program. They must submit a work authorization request to ISSS prior to the start of each term they plan to work on-campus.

Most F-1 and J-1 students may work part-time (maximum of 20 hours per week) of on-campus employment during the fall and spring semester. They are eligible to work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during school breaks and annual vacation, such as the summer and winter break. Please contact ISSS to confirm your eligibility for on-campus employment.

Off-Campus Employment: Eligible F-1 and J-1 international students can participate in off-campus internships (paid or unpaid) during their academic program if they have the proper work authorization such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 students and Academic Training (AT) for J-1 students. F-1 students become eligible for work authorization only after completing their first year (fall and spring terms) of their degree program. For J-1 students, it depends on the student’s program when they become eligible.

You can find more information regarding employment authorization options as an F-1 or J-1 international student on ISSS’s employment webpage. For questions regarding your immigration eligibility for employment in the United States, please contact ISSS.

This depends on the student’s program. ISSS works with a student’s academic advisors to make sure students are planning early should CPT be an option for them. For any questions, contact ISSS.

Eligible F-1 students may apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization as early as 90 days from their graduation date to 60 days after. This benefit is authorized by USCIS so it is highly encouraged that students apply as early as possible to account for the long processing time. A job offer is not required to apply for OPT.

When you apply for post-completion OPT, you will choose a start date to ideally begin employment. This OPT start date must fall within 60 days of your program completion date.

We recommend taking the time while your OPT application is pending with USCIS to do a majority of your job search. It’s important to note that while you can apply for jobs before receiving authorization, you cannot begin employment of any kind until after you receive OPT approval AND until you reach your approved OPT start date. For more information on the timeline, eligibility, and application process for OPT, please visit ISSS’s website.

Eligible J-1 students may be authorized for Academic Training after completing their degree program. Academic Training is employer-specific and requires a job offer to apply. Please contact ISSS to discuss your eligibility for this benefit.

This decision requires critical thinking when you think you are likely to actually start work. We recommend you discuss your specific circumstances with ISSS who has years of experience working with students on these decisions.

Students on OPT have a maximum of 90 calendar days that they may be unemployed for the full duration of OPT. This starts counting on their approved OPT start date. So, if they don’t have a job by their OPT start date, they are fine to stay in the United States and continue with their job search, but they need to make sure they’re staying on top of their unemployment days. If they can’t find a job at all, students are expected to leave the United States prior to reaching the maximum 90 days of unemployment. Please contact ISSS to learn more and strategize for your particular situation.

Eligible F-1 students may apply for a maximum of 12 months of OPT per degree level (meaning a student can pursue a US bachelor’s degree and get 12 months of OPT for this degree. They may then get a US master’s degree and get another 12 months of OPT). However, the length of work authorization eligibility after program completion can vary from case to case depending on different factors. Similarly, the length of time eligible J-1 students may have for Academic Training can vary depending on their program. We would encourage you to contact ISSS to discuss your eligibility for post-completion work authorization. F-1 students who complete a STEM-eligible degree program may subsequently apply for a STEM OPT extension, a 24-month extension of their initial post-completion OPT authorization. Eligible students must apply prior to the end date of their initial OPT authorization. We would encourage you to contact ISSS to discuss your eligibility for post-completion work authorization.

F-1 international students with approved Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization may be able to do freelance/contract work during their authorized period of employment. For more information on your work options and reporting requirements while on OPT, please contact ISSS.

In general, the federal government, though there are a few exceptions including the Smithsonian and Voice of America.