+ Am I allowed to work in the United States after I graduate from UMBC?

Yes, as an international student you are allowed to work in the United States during and after completing your course of study. There are, however, regulations that have specific requirements and restrictions. If you wish to work in the United States, you must plan ahead and work closely with UMBC International Education Services Office (IES) and the Career Center during your time at UMBC.

+ Can UMBC Career Services help me prepare for job interviews?

Yes, we can help in many ways. We offer resume reviews during which we give you tips on how to develop a resume and provide advice on changes that will better highlight your strengths and qualifications. Also, we offer practice interviews at the Career Center to help you improve interviewing skills.

+ Are on-campus jobs available to international students?

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours a week on campus, but please understand that these jobs are very competitive. We can help you through the application and interview process so you feel comfortable.

+ What is the OPT process?

OPT or Optional Practical Training is an opportunity for international students to work in the United States after graduation for one year in order to gain experience in their degree field. OPT requires an application be prepared and sent to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for review. The application can take up to three months to process, so plan ahead and apply early. Our IES office works with students individually to prepare the OPT application, which requires a new I-20 specifically for OPT. The Career Center is available to help you search for positions, but you must work with the IES office to process your OPT application.

+ What is an H1-B visa?

After working in OPT, international students must be sponsored by an employer in order to continue working in the US. This most commonly occurs through the H1-B visa process, but there are other options. The IES office has the most current information on work permission and immigration regulations. They can provide you information on current requirements and help you to avoid legal problems with accepting job offers from US employers.