Hiring international students
International students attending U.S. colleges and universities can work in their fields of study during academic sessions, vacation periods and after completion of study, without lengthy application procedures or fees. WMU offers the following general guidelines for hiring WMU international students who are eager to gain experience in their fields of study. This information is intended to provide basic clarification on hiring international students, but it is not intended as legal counsel.
Why should I hire international students?
- International students possess language skills, eagerness to learn, exceptional work ethic, and experiences with acculturation.
- They bring diversity, expertise, and global thinking to enrich U.S. workplaces and organizations.
- They become international business persons and advocates, and ideal future contacts.
- They make excellent candidates for transfer to home country locations, having acquired an insightful understanding of U.S. work patterns, goals and ethics.
- Each year Western Michigan University hosts approximately 1,000 international students from over 100 countries.
- Our international students speak more than 50 different languages.
Internships/co-ops
How do I hire enrolled international students?
- International students are eligible for degree-related work off campus (Curricular Practical Training).
- Employers can hire non-U.S. citizens for internships/co-ops just as they would hire a student who is a U.S citizen.
- It is the student’s responsibility to have the employment approved as a “related experience” through the WMU International Student and Scholar Services and their academic department.
- For example, a computer science student may do an internship with a consulting firm or manufacturing facility as long as the work relates to computer science. Students will have documentation to present to employers to verify their eligibility to be hired.
If I do hire a WMU international student, what are my obligations?
- As an employer, you may be asked to verify that the experience is related to the student’s academic training. A job offer addressed to the student describing the responsibilities of the position is standard. The student will submit the letter to the academic advisor for approval as an internship site. Employers are not required to provide any special documentation.
What restrictions do international students have regarding pay and availability?
- International students may receive pay for internship experience as long as it is related to the major field of study and is equal to that of other employees in the same role.
- They must have social security numbers, which are typically obtained with the assistance of International Student and Scholar Services.
- It is the responsibility of the students to verify the amount of time they are eligible for any full-time positions. Authorization for them to work for you will be documented and should be presented to you when they begin work. The authorization will indicate if they can work full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
How can I find qualified international candidates?
- International students participate in WMU career fairs and events, and they are included in the WMU job posting platform - Handshake.
Professional employment
Are international students eligible to work after they graduate from WMU?
- Most international students are eligible to work for at least one year immediately following graduation in the field of study for which the degree was granted (Optional Practical Training).
- Students themselves apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for work authorization and will possess a wallet-sized “Employment Authorization Document” bearing their photograph.