For the most part, the job search for HLS students, including selection criteria and procedure, will be the same regardless of citizenship status. However, for international students in the U.S. on a temporary visa, employment authorization and employer willingness to sponsor continued authorization can play a significant role in narrowing appropriate employers in that search.
Updated October 2026.
As an international student, you are responsible for understanding your visa situation. Visa requirements may change. Restrictions stemming from current events, including hours of U.S. embassies and consulates and international travel bans and restrictions, may affect your visa status. It is imperative that you stay abreast of any developments and understand how these circumstances may impact your situation, including your eligibility for OPT.
If you have questions or concerns, be sure to consult with the Harvard International Office (HIO). HIO can refer you to an immigration attorney, if needed.
We strongly encourage you to utilize the resources available to you at the HIO. The HIO Employment page provides detailed information on work authorization, and the HIO Taxes and Social Security page explains the U.S. tax obligations for international students. The website also offers information on current developments affecting international students and visa holders. We highlight here some common employment issues and helpful links, but this page is not meant to be a definitive guide for any individual student’s immigration status.
In the course of your job search, you may be asked by an employer if you are authorized to work in the United States and/or will need assistance for continued authorization. This is a valid question, and you should answer honestly as to your current (and anticipated) status. However, employers cannot discriminate when asking —they should ask this question of every candidate. If you feel that you are being specifically targeted with this question by virtue of your race or ethnicity, immediately alert OCS.
Summer Work Authorization
F-1 student visa holders who are not working on campus require work authorization for summer positions in the U.S. To discuss available options, including using pre-completion OPT for summer work, please consult with HIO.
Post-Graduate Employment (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows most F-1 student visa holders to work in the United States for a total of 12 months for a legal employer in connection with their studies. Students may use a portion of their OPT time for summer legal work in the U.S., but it is important to understand the deadlines and plan properly for its allocation. Confirm your eligibility with the HIO and obtain detailed information on how to apply for OPT. It is the responsibility of each student to work closely with their employer to obtain the necessary work authorization.
Questions to Ask Employers
International students planning on remaining in the U.S. after the expiration of their F-1 or OPT authorizations need to apply for additional permission to stay in the country, most commonly in the form of an H-1B visa (Canadian and Mexican citizens may be eligible for a TN visa). Under the current system, opportunities to petition for H-1B visas are granted through an extremely competitive lottery and require employer assistance. As a result, before a student accepts an offer from a potential employer, it helps to understand potential employers’ policies regarding visa assistance. It is essential that students understand their own situation and relevant laws before speaking with employers.
Questions to Ask AFTER You Have Received Your Offer
- Will you help me apply for my H1-B visa?
We survey the employers who recruit at HLS and share their responses in our employer list (see below), but you should clarify and confirm before accepting an offer. Any employer’s ignorance of the issue would be a red flag. You may also wish to consult with the firm’s recruiting department or international associates at the firm regarding the level of support the employer is willing to provide. Some employers are very familiar with the process and may have a clear procedure and dedicated resources, while others will be less organized. - Will you help me register and apply for my H1-B visa twice?
Most employers should be able to help a student register for the H-1B visa lottery during their 3L or LL.M. year and, if unsuccessful, try again during the OPT period (if applicable)—allowing students two chances at the lottery while they are in the U.S. We urge you to research and understand all the requirements for this possibility (and whether you may qualify) before asking your employer. - What happens if I don’t get an H1-B visa?
Some but not all employers may be willing to transfer their associates to work in an overseas office and try again for re-entry to the U.S. Clarify the employer’s policy and practice, and do not assume that just because an employer has offices overseas, they are willing to make this transfer. Any decisions to do so will be affected by practice area and business considerations. - Will you help me apply for a green card?
Because of the long process for applying for a green card, most employers will not do so for junior associates, but you can ask politely, just in case. Some employers may agree to sponsorship.
Visa Sponsorship Information
Harvard Law School Employers
Download Employer Survey Information
To help our students assess firms recruiting at Harvard, we are including the results of a survey sent to firms regarding their H-1B visa policies and subsequent steps. Visa sponsorship information can be found in the tab labeled “Visa Sponsorship.” This survey is only meant to assist you in your job search process, and individual circumstances may vary. We strongly recommend that each student discuss their visa situation with their firm(s) after receiving an offer in order to confirm the firm’s H-1B visa policies.
Public Databases
The H-1B Employer Data Hub
This is a searchable database maintained by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This resource may help determine whether a particular employer might be willing to sponsor you for a work visa.
MyVisaJobs.com
My Visa Jobs is a commercial searchable database with useful information regarding employers and visa data across industries. Its data is compiled from multiple government, public, and social media resources. While this information may or may not be 100% accurate, it can provide general guidance to international job seekers.