As an international student, can I apply for a job that requires US work authorization?
The short answer is yes. Most MFin students are eligible to apply for CPT or OPT, allowing them to work legally in the US. Some companies may further specify that they do not offer work visa sponsorship which can result in screening out your application automatically. Always consult with MIT’s ISO to get advice on your specific situation and contact Alison Day (MFins’ ISO Liaison). The CDO suggests that you:
- Research the target employers. Whether an employer sponsors work visas depends on the hiring need, the specific team, the budget, and the policy may change every year. Use resources from the International Student Community on Your CDO, such as myvisajobs.com and companies hiring non-US students, to learn more about the employer’s sponsorship history. You can also look for position-specific notes on Career Central. If a position is only open to US citizens/permanent residents, it will be indicated.
- Leverage your network. Reach out to international MFin alumni or employees working at your target employers to learn more about their candidate experience.
- Create a winning strategy. Students find success in navigating work authorization questions when they have a clearly defined strategy, position themselves well in the market, and equip themselves with the knowledge of work authorization. See MFin Career FAQs here.
