Companies are encouraged to interview Illinois MBA international students for both internship and permanent positions. Qualified international students often wish to begin their career in the United States with a multinational firm. This provides students an opportunity to learn your firm's culture, values, and operational philosophy. These employees are then well-suited to return to their home country or region to take on a managerial role in your company.

Summer Internships

International students are eligible to work in the United States in a summer intern role with no expense or additional work on your part. Your firm need only provide a letter stating employment dates, location of employment, and description of the internship employment duties. There is no requirement that U.S. citizen applicants be recruited for internship positions before international applicants are considered.

Full-Time Employment

Most students who complete or are nearing completion of their U.S. degrees are eligible to accept 12-18 months of employment for "practical or academic training" experience. It is not necessary for students to change their visa status for this type of legal employment, nor is it required that U.S. citizen applicants be recruited before international applicants are considered.

Long-Term Employment

Through the relatively easy and inexpensive H-1B Temporary Worker visa process, international students are eligible for up to an additional six years of employment in the United States. Employer and employee apply for the H-1B for an initial three years of "professional" employment. The H-1B requires the employee to continue working for the company that sponsored the H-1B. After completion of the initial obligation, the visa may be extended for an additional three years.

Application for the H-1B is made by the employer through the Department of Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Although an attorney is not required, these applications should be prepared with careful attention to the instructions provided concerning documentation to accompany the completed forms.

We encourage employers to consult the Career Services office if assistance is needed in verifying the employment eligibility of a student holding a nonimmigrant visa. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have regarding the hiring of international students.