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<>Resources for Non-U.S. Job
Seekers
Non-Student Job Applicants
The Institute of Food Technologists strongly recommends non-US members seeking a position in the United States begin
their job searches by first relocating to the
United States. As a rule, employers do not spend
relocation costs for candidates outside the U.S.
Students
Students intending to work in the United States under the practical
training agreement need to apply at the
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for
an Employment Authorization Card. This can be
done via the International Students Office at the
University the student is attending, and usually
takes about 3 months to arrive. Students cannot
start employment without this card.
International students generally hold the F-1 (foreign student)
visa. A few hold the J-1 (exchange visitor
student) visa. In both cases, the Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) permits employers to
hire students who have completed their course of
study in a status called "practical
training." The INS defines practical
training as employment related to the student's
course of study. Eligible students need not
change their visa status to accept this type of
employment.
- Time Limits for Practical Training
- F-1 students may work for up to twelve months as
practical trainees.
- J-1 students may work for up to eighteen months as practical trainees*
Federal regulations require that employment terminate at
the conclusion of the training period. However,
in some cases, the international student may
continue to be employed, provided that a change
to another type of visa is approved by the
immigration service. Following is a
description of the most common work visa.
- Temporary Worker (H-1B) Visa
-
Application for the H-1B, or Temporary Worker visa,
is made by the employer through the
Department of Labor and the Immigration
and Naturalization Service (INS). An H-1B
may be continued for up to six years. It
is intended for "professional
employment". These application
should be prepared with careful attention
to the documents required for submission
with the completed forms. The entire
process can take up to 3 or 4 months;
legal advice may accelerate the
application process.
*Some J-1 students have a "two-year home country
residence" requirement and are prohibited from continuing beyond practical
training employment on the H-1B visa, but this requirement can often be waived.
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