Hiring International Students

Stanford Graduate School of Business draws top talent from around the world, and we have witnessed the unique value that international talent can bring to organizations. Opening job opportunities to Stanford GSB international students considerably broadens your pool of exceptional candidates.

Our MBA and MSx programs are STEM-designated, so our students do not require employer-sponsored visas to work for you. First-year students can do Summer internships using Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and graduates are eligible for up to 36 months of U.S. work authorization using Optional Practical Training (OPT) before employer visa sponsorship is needed.

At a Glance

  • Summer Internships: No employer paperwork, cost, or visa sponsorship required. Stanford handles all work authorization directly in 10 days or less.
  • Full-Time Hires: Up to 3 years of work authorization. Our STEM designation provides F-1 graduates with 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month extension - meaning no visa sponsorship by the employer is needed for their first three years.

 

Internship Hiring: CPT and Academic Training

International students do not require visa sponsorship to intern at your organization.

F-1 visa holders qualify through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and J-1 visa holders qualify through Academic Training (AT). In both cases, work authorization is issued directly by Stanford University for the student within 10 days or less, with no government interaction required from your organization.

Important Compliance Note: Students may not begin work until their authorization is formally approved and the start date has been reached. CPT can begin as early as the day after the spring quarter ends (mid-June). Working prior to the authorized start date can have serious consequences for a student’s immigration status, so please ensure onboarding dates align with their approved documentation.

 

 



 

Full-Time Hiring: STEM OPT

Our STEM designation provides F-1 graduates with three years of U.S. work authorization before requiring employer visa sponsorship. Most students apply for OPT prior to graduation, ensuring they are ready to work on day one.

Period U.S Work Authorization Action Required from Employer

First 12 Months (OPT)

Fully Authorized

None

Months 13-36 STEM  Extension

Fully Authorized

Enroll in E-Verify + training plan with  employee

Note: J-1 visa holders may participate in Academic Training (AT) for up to 18 months. Stanford’s Bechtel International Center issues this authorization at no cost to the employer, within 10 working days.

Important Compliance Note: Students on OPT may not begin work until their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is in hand. OPT can begin as early as the day after graduation in mid-June.

Other Common Solutions Include:

  • Treaty-Based Visas (No Lottery): Professionals from certain countries can obtain H-1B-like benefits without being subject to the annual visa lottery:
    • Canada & Mexico (TN): No time limit.
    • Australia (E-3): No time limit.
    • Singapore & Chile (H-1B1): Up to 6 years in duration.

  • Extraordinary Ability (O-1): For individuals with documented “extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, arts or athletics.” There is no limit on the number of O-1 visas issued, and they can usually be extended indefinitely.

  • Intracompany Transfer (L-1): For current employees who have worked for your foreign offices for at least one year in the past three years. (Allows up to 5 years for specialized knowledge employees, and up to 7 years for executives/managers).

  • Permanent Residence (Green Card): Actively recruiting at Stanford GSB satisfies one of the mandatory PERM recruitment requirements for Green Card sponsorship, saving employers valuable time in the labor certification process.

Questions? We’re here.

Your recruiting relationship manager can answer any questions about hiring international students and connect you with immigration attorneys who know the GSB community well.

Contact your Recruiting Relationship Manager →

Recruiter Toolkit

CareerHub Job Board

Recruiting Calendar

Recruiting Policies

Employment Reports

For Assistance

Contact the Career Management Center Monday-Friday (except holidays). Please include as much detail as possible in your email. This inbox is monitored regularly.

Email us at cmc@gsb.stanford.edu