Why Do International Students Struggle to Find Jobs? A Data-Driven Analysis

For thousands of international students studying in the U.S., securing a job is more than a career milestone—it’s a lifeline for financial stability, professional growth, and the opportunity to build a future in the country they’ve invested in. Yet, despite their skills, qualifications, and work authorization through CPT, OPT, and STEM-OPT, many struggle to land employment.

In this article, we take a data-backed look at why international students face these obstacles, exposing lesser-known barriers and offering insights into how higher ed institutions, employers, and platforms like Purpose Connect can help level the playing field.

1. The Skills and Opportunity Mismatch: It’s Not About Talent—It’s About Access

Contrary to common misconceptions, international students are not less qualified or lacking in skills. In fact, data from the Institute of International Education (IIE) shows that over 52% of international students in the U.S. pursue degrees in high-demand fields like STEM, business, and healthcare—industries facing ongoing talent shortages. (IIE, 2023)

However, the challenge is not lack of qualifications—it’s lack of access.

• Inadequate platforms: Many job search platforms cater primarily to domestic students and workers; these platforms were not built with the international students' needs in view.

• Over-reliance on traditional job boards: International students often compete on broad job boards where visa complexity makes them less attractive to recruiters.

• Missed employer connections: Without direct access to employers educated on CPT and OPT regulations, qualified students are frequently overlooked.

The Opportunity Gap: Even though international students bring highly sought-after skills, the disconnect between their qualifications and employer accessibility keeps them from securing jobs.

2. Bias and Employer Hesitation: The Unseen Hiring Barrier

Even when international students meet or exceed job qualifications, employer hesitation creates an invisible barrier. According to a 2024 Interstride survey, 74% of U.S. employers avoid hiring international students due to concerns about visa complexity. Yet, the same study reveals that only 11% of employers actually understand the difference between CPT, OPT, and H-1B sponsorship. (Interstride, 2024)

Key Employer Misconceptions:

• “Hiring international students is too expensive.” (Reality: Employers pay no sponsorship costs during CPT/OPT, a period of 12-36 months.)

• “It’s a complicated legal process.” (Reality: CPT and OPT do not require visa sponsorship.)

• “International students can’t stay long-term.” (Reality: Many transition from OPT to H-1B or other self-sponsored visas.)

The Perception Gap: Even when no sponsorship is required, employer misconceptions prevent international students from being hired, limiting their career opportunities.

3. The Silent Job Search Killer: Networking Disadvantages

While networking is essential for job seekers, international students face a built-in disadvantage.

• Lack of established networks: Unlike domestic students, international students often arrive in the U.S. with limited personal or professional connections.

• Fewer mentorship opportunities: With fewer alumni ties or professional mentors, international students miss out on insider referrals and job leads.

• Limited access to industry events: Transportation barriers often prevent students from attending industry mixers and networking events.

According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking, making this gap a critical disadvantage for international students. (LinkedIn Talent Solutions, 2023)

The Networking Gap: Without meaningful employer connections, international students struggle to access hidden job opportunities, limiting their chances of success.

4. Visa Restrictions and Compliance Challenges

Even with work authorization, visa regulations create added complexity for international students.

• Strict unemployment limits: Students on OPT can be unemployed for no more than 90 days, while those on STEM-OPT have a 150-day limit. Going beyond these limits can lead to a loss of status.

• Company sponsorship concerns: Despite not needing sponsorship for CPT/OPT, employers often hesitate, assuming a lengthy visa process is required.

• Work authorization confusion: Students must educate employers on CPT, OPT, and STEM-OPT rules, creating an additional burden during job interviews.

The Compliance Gap: Visa complexity places an extra burden on international students to justify their right to work—while domestic students face no such challenge.

How Purpose Connect Is Bridging the Gap

At Purpose Connect, we recognize that international students face systemic barriers despite their skills and work authorization. That’s why we’re committed to:

Educating Employers: We partner with universities to educate employers on the realities of hiring international students—dispelling misconceptions about visa complexity.

Creating Targeted Hiring Events: Through our Employer Meet & Greet events, we connect students with employers specifically seeking international talent.

Providing a Job-Matching Platform: Our platform directly matches verified employers with international students based on their skills, bypassing traditional application hurdles. Also, students and employers have access to immigration support and guidance through our network of immigration attorneys.

Building Strategic Partnerships with Higher Ed: We collaborate with schools to enhance career support services, boosting employment outcomes for their international student population.

The Way Forward: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

While international students face unique hurdles, the solution lies in better employer education, stronger school support, and purpose-driven platforms that actively bridge the gap.

At Purpose Connect, we believe that global talent deserves a fair shot at career success—without being sidelined by misconceptions or systemic barriers.

If you’re a university, employer, or advocate passionate about creating opportunities for international students, let’s collaborate. Together, we can reshape the landscape for global talent.