Employment Authorization

Before starting any employment, you must have authorization to be employed. For immigration purposes, employment can be paid or unpaid internships, paid or unpaid practicums, volunteer work, or a paid job, so be sure you have authorization to participate in any of these activities. Read over the regulations on employment for F-1 and J-1 visa-holders.

Contact ISSS if you are unsure or have questions.

Once You Have Authorization

You can work off-campus if you are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) before graduation and you can apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) after your graduation.

The job market in the U.S. is competitive. You can search for jobs and internships, prepare a U.S. resume, learn what to expect in a job interview, and understand how to effectively market your valuable international experiences to employers through the resources below: 

• Handshake: Handshake is JMU’s online career services management system that provides JMU students access to internships, full-time jobs, career fairs, workshops, information sessions, and more.
• GoinGlobal: GoinGlobal provides country-specific career and employment information, including worldwide internship and job postings, H1B VISA employer listings, corporate profiles, and more!
• University Career Center (UCC): UCC (located in the Student Success Center) provides opportunities and support that engages students in the process of exploring, evaluating, and choosing academic programs and careers.
• International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS): The ISSS office will assist you in obtaining authorization to work in the U.S., as well as provide specific sessions and workshops designed for international students. Learn more about iCareer.
• Professors and Advisors: Most job applications require a list of references, which are people who can attest to your knowledge and skills and provide a favorable review to an employer. Your professors and advisors may provide good references for you, as well as provide advice about career and graduate school opportunities.
• Your peers: Don't hesitate to ask your classmates, roommates, and friends for feedback about your resume and cover letter. Sometimes asking a third party to review your resume and cover letter can help you by figuring out whether your main points are clear.
• Please see Off-Campus Employment for more details on the specific regulations governing off-campus employment.