Discussing Your Immigration Status with Employers

How and when to discuss your immigration status

It is important to understand your immigration status and the work authorization(s) you are eligible for (i.e.

CPT, OPT, AT) to best advocate for yourself to employers. Please remember that work authorization is required before you begin working. Visit https://ois.jhu.edu/ for more information about applying for work authorization and consider these general strategies:

  • Be honest and clear about your immigration status
  • You may be asked the following questions on a job application:

“Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the US?”

  • This question helps the employer understand whether you have work authorization (i.e. CPT, OPT, Academic Training) or if authorization sponsored by the employer (i.e. H-1B) is required to employ you.
  • This question will typically be answered “yes” since you’d need employer sponsored work authorization to continue working after your work authorization through your F-1 or J-1 status expires. There are some cases when you may answer “no” like if the job opportunity is short-term (i.e. an internship), or you are planning to return to your home country or pursue additional education afterwards.

International students should be prepared to talk to potential employers about why they won’t need sponsorship in the future if they check “no.”

“Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?”

• Yes, as an international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are eligible for work authorization. If you will have CPT, OPT, or AT authorization for this employment, you will have legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Often, these questions on job applications allow only for a “yes” or “no” answer. You can use your cover letter and the job interview to provide additional information about your situation.

This is why it is important to be knowledgeable.

• In an interview:

Help the employer understand that if you have work authorization through your F-1 or J-1 status, the employer does not need to sponsor you. Your work authorization is verified during the I-9 process.

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