For recruiters
“Do you require sponsorship?” is costing you hires
Most recruiters reject international candidates because nobody ever explained the basics: a student on OPT needs nothing from you - no petition, no fees, no lawyers - for one to three years. Ten minutes in the Recruiter Center fixes this permanently.
Quick answers
The three questions every recruiter asks
Can I even hire them?
Yes. F-1 students on OPT and STEM OPT are fully work-authorized. You verify their EAD card at I-9 like any other document. No petition required.
What does it cost?
Nothing to start. OPT and STEM OPT employment costs the employer no filing fees. Costs only enter the picture if you later choose H-1B sponsorship - and you'll know years in advance.
What's the catch?
Timelines. OPT lasts 12 months (36 for STEM degrees with an E-Verify employer). The candidates who plan around this - our users - will tell you their runway in the first conversation.
Educational information, not legal advice. Verify specifics with your immigration counsel.
Get fluent in ten minutes
Myths, costs, timelines, and paperwork realities - everything in the Recruiter Enablement Center.