The Wisconsin School of Business attracts some of the sharpest business minds from around the the globe. Hiring organizations like yours will benefit from the expanded candidate pool and the enhanced expertise that come from considering all qualified candidates at UW-Madison, regardless of visa status.

Wisconsin School of Business international students can provide many advantages to your firm, including:

  • An unparalleled world view and a unique set of problem-solving skills
  • Cross-cultural expertise
  • Proficiency in two or more languages
  • Academic excellence
  • Determination to succeed at the highest levels
  • Tenacity and resourcefulness
  • Long-term dedication to your organization
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Our Employers Successfully Hire International Students Every Year

International students need not be permanent residents (green card holders) to work in the United States. It is perfectly legal for you to hire a foreign national as long as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has granted specific work authorization.

Internships

To hire international students for an internship position, your organization will follow the same process you typically do to hire any student. Most international students attending UW-Madison have an F-1 student visa, which allows them to work as interns during the summer months or part time during the academic semester. Students who have secured internships can apply for work permission called Curricular Practical Training (CPT) through UW-Madison’s International Student Services office (ISS).

Full-Time Positions

For full-time positions, international students studying on an F-1 visa may be authorized to work on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for a total of 12 months. In addition, a smaller number of students hold J-1 visas that allow them to work in the U.S. for up to 18 months. In either case, the student works with ISS at UW-Madison to complete the paperwork.

Long-Term Employment

If your company would like to hire international students for long-term assignments in the U.S., you may sponsor them on H-1B visas. The limited H-1B visa is available to foreign nationals who have at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent and will be working in a job that requires at least a bachelor’s degree and is related to the student’s field of study. This visa will allow for up to six years of employment. Typically, international students will work for an employer on OPT status for the first year, allowing the employer sufficient time to go through the process to obtain the H-1B visa. Information on how your firm may sponsor a student can also be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Trends in International Student Hiring

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when recruiting international students:

  • Hire an international student for a short-term assignment or training in the U.S. and then relocate them to their home country to work at one of your global locations. This allows the employee to learn the company’s U.S. culture, which will ultimately benefit your company’s international business operations. We have students whose home country may be one of your emerging markets!
  • Have information explaining your U.S. and global opportunities handy at on-campus recruiting events.
  • Partner with international student groups. Visit the BBA Student Organizations page to view a list of student organizations. You can also view the University of Wisconsin Student Organizations Directory to see a complete list.