Yes – and please always keep in mind there are specific rules and timelines related to working in the US due to regulations and immigration laws. For F-1 students, in addition to on-campus opportunities, there are two types of off-campus work authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). For individual advising regarding work authorization and options, connect with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS).

Career Counselors and PCAs will help you identify options and prepare application materials. In addition, the Brown Center for Career Exploration offers workshops and programs to teach job search skills, employer information sessions, and alumni panels and speaker events. 

Brown Center for Career Exploration provides Interstride, an online resource for international students to support their job search both in the United States and abroad.

• Conversations about work authorization might be prompted by your potential employer. Common questions about authorization include: “Do you need sponsorship? Do you need work authorization? Do you require sponsorship now or in the future?” It is important to be knowledgeable about work authorization requirements so that you are prepared to answer employers’ questions. If you are unsure about the specifics of CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, please contact OISSS. 
  • If you are not asked about sponsorship, we recommend that you take initiative to disclose your need for eventual full-time sponsorship. We suggest that you begin this discussion at the end of the first interview, or during the second – don’t wait until you have the job offer. Indicate that you are knowledgeable about sponsorship guidelines and can work closely with the employer. Sometimes it helps to indicate you have hired a lawyer, and you are willing to cover attorney fees (you cannot legally pay H-1B filing fees).
  • If you are seeking an internship using CPT before graduating, explain to your employer that your student visa enables you to work as long as your employment is approved by your academic advisor and OISSS in advance.The employer does not need to provide visa sponsorship for the internship.
  • If you seek employment using OPT, explain to your employer that your student visa enables you to work for 12 months after graduation (or longer for STEM fields) without sponsorship from your employer. To continue working beyond OPT, your employer will have to file for a work visa for you. 
• Explain to your potential employer that they are not required to demonstrate a lack of US citizens qualified for the job.
• Be sure the employer knows the H-1B visa is employer- and job-specific. It shows your dedication to the organization, as it can’t easily be applied to other employers.
• Contact OISSS with questions and for more information.

Students are most successful academically when pursuing a program of study well suited to their interests, abilities and goals. The Dean for International Students provides concentration and academic advising for F-1 students who are seeking work authorization to gain professional experiences through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

At the same time, you should also be aware that Optional Practical Training (OPT) guidelines allow students with training in certain science and technology fields (STEM OPT) to work for up to 3 years in the United States (as opposed to the standard 12 months).