U.S. Employers Guide to Hiring International Students-Interstride

This is Interstride’s 2026 edition guide for U.S. employers interested in hiring international students in the United States. The purpose of the brochure is to illustrate options available for hiring international students on F-1 student visas, for internships and full-time career opportunities after graduation. The guide gives an overview for the process of hiring students on CPT and OPT and lists other long-term work options for international hires.

Who is this guide for?

Employers looking to hire international students and international students. International students can use this guide when they are communicating with U.S. employers who may not be aware of work visa options for F-1 students.

Note that we are not making any legal advice. Students should check with the International Student and Scholar Services or speak with an immigration lawyer regarding these different pathways to employment. 

Interstride provides many useful webinars (live and on demand) on immigration and working in the US (including CPT, OPT, H1B, L-1, O-1, and other visa types). You can also check the Resources they offer on career readiness and immigration.

Students should also check for recent updates on CPT, OPT, and H1B visas by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.