Whether you are looking for on-campus employment, local gigs in the community, or to eventually stay in the United States for work, as an international student there are a few things you need to be aware of and additional steps you need to take. Below, you can find information on U.S. culture regarding work, steps to take as visa holder, and resources to be aware of.
Application Materials
In the United States, a resume, Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a biography (bio) are unique documents that are used for specific purposes. In most cases, these documents are NOT interchangeable. It’s important to know which document to select when applying for an opportunity. It’s also important to follow the United States formatting of materials as there may be cultural differences from your country (i.e. we do not include any headshots).
Gaining Experience
In the United States, it’s common practice for college students to gain experience while still in school. This could be within a school setting (i.e. leading student government, an on-campus job, winning a school-based competition, etc.) and outside of school (i.e. teaching, performing recitals in the community, receiving commissions, etc.). If a resume lists only school-related and course-required experiences (i.e. Eastman Wind Ensemble, undergraduate recital, required school paper), you might struggle to be invited to auditions and/or interview for a job. Therefore, it’s highly encouraged you go out and gain experience – which is very possible as an international student!
A great time to gain experience is during the summer break. There are many opportunities to intern, perform, shadow, teach, and more! Staff at Eastman will be around all summer long to assist you. Please note: If you are staying in the United States for another degree (i.e from undergraduate to Masters program) you will NOT be able to work the summer between graduation and starting the next degree. Student visa’s (like F-1) require a school to be your host and the summer between degrees you will be without a host.
Steps to Getting Employment
For on-campus jobs:
F-1 students with a valid status are authorized to work on-campus in any position, field, or department.
- Search for and identify an on-campus opportunity using Joblink
- Download our resume template and complete (use suggestions from the website!)
- Book an appointment with a IML Career Advisor to review your materials and/or practice mock interviews
- Submit application materials via Joblink
- Be invited to and complete an interview with a potential supervisor
- Receive a job offer – Be sure to follow all instructions provided by Student Employment Office (SEO) regarding getting hired.
For off-campus jobs:
Students with a visa can only work off campus if the work is what you are majoring in. Positions that qualify include performing gigs, teaching music lessons or working at a music organization.
- Search for and identify an on-campus opportunity using Job & Opportunities Board, Gig Service, or other resources.
- Download our resume template and complete (use suggestions from the website!)
- Book an appointment with a IML Career Advisor to review your materials and/or practice mock interviews
- Submit application materials
- Be invited to and complete an interview with a potential supervisor
- Receive a job offer letter (If not provided as an official letter automatically, we encourage you to utilize this offer letter template)
- Book an appointment with Academic Advisor – undergraduates please see John Hain, graduates see Zachary Peterson – to determine which of the following three options will be needed for this employment:
- CPT (Curriculum Practical Training)
- OPT (Optional Practical Training)
- Affiliated organization agreement
- Complete appropriate paperwork, course registration, and follow up steps according to which option you are pursuing
Taxes
Every international student, scholar, and employee present in the United States during the calendar year (January 1– December 31) must file a tax return by the following April. Even if you did not earn income, all nonresidents for tax purposes must report their presence in the U.S. For those present in the U.S. during the Fall semester, the tax filing deadline is April 15 in the Spring semester.
The consequences for failing to complete your tax return could include fines and denial of future immigration benefits, such as denial of visa renewals and denial of change of status requests. For more information, see ISO.
Please note: Any income you make as an employee (off campus or on campus) will be taxed on a state and federal level, reducing the amount of money you ultimately receive. Currently, there is a 14% federal tax.
Work Visa Types
Note: If you wish to stay in the United States, hire an immigration lawyer to assist you with the application process.
If you decide to stay in the United States after school, you will need to shift from a student visa to a working visa. This process takes time, will require guaranteed employment, and will cost you money to apply. If your employer sponsors or petitions on your behalf, that means they will assist you in the application process, which may include covering some of the costs. In the field of music, there are two main visa types for continued employment:
H1-B Visa
This is the most common visa to request, lasting for 3 years before requiring renewal. A few things to note for this type of visa:
- Non-profit institutions (like orchestra’s, operas, and some universities) have a higher chance of getting H1-B’s from the government!
- Not all employers will sponsor visa’s (especially smaller non-profits)
- You can only work 1 job on this type of visa (no side gigs, teaching lessons, etc.)
O-1 Visa
This visa is for “Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement” which means it’s a more challenging visa to obtain. A few things to note for this type of visa:
You can have more than one source of employment (gigs, teaching, commissioning, etc.)
- You can have more than one source of employment (gigs, teaching, commissioning, etc.)
- All employers must write letters of support for your O-1 for you to work with them
- This requires an immense amount of documentation from not just past success, but upcoming opportunities.
Examples of things you would need to provide (this is not the full list):
Evidence of National or International awards you have received or competitions you have won, in the format of articles, websites, official letters, or the physical award with your name clearly legible. This does NOT include any educational diplomas, degrees, scholarships, certificates or school prizes. Why it matters: USCIS looks for proof of distinguished achievement. Prestigious awards show that your peers and the industry recognize your exceptional ability.
Proof of performing at distinguished events and/or receiving leading roles. Copies of programs or playbills listing your name with your performances, concerts, and recitals around the world at major venues and/or with significant artists and ensembles. Do NOT include any programs that were requirements of your student degree – such as recitals and student ensembles. Why it matters: Performing at elite venues or festivals signals that your work is in demand at the highest level.
Copies of all articles, interviews, podcast appearances, and/or reviews regarding your performances, awards, and accomplishments which specifically mention you by name. Physical copies will be required. Why it matters: Demonstrates press coverage and industry recognition at a high level and broad public exposure strengthens the case for national or international recognition.
Copies of all commercially released CDs, recordings, or TV show appearances on which you have performed or have been featured. Do not including any performances that credit you as student or which were recorded with a student orchestra. Why it matters: Provides direct, tangible proof of your skill and artistry.
Written testimonials from award-winning musicians, music producers, label executives, or festival organizers who are familiar with you and would be willing to sign a letter attesting to your awards, performances, and achievements. Why it matters: USCIS accepts expert letters as evidence of sustained acclaim when the authors have notable credentials.
An up to date itinerary of upcoming engagements (performances, recordings, masterclasses, interviews, etc.) at minimum one every three months of the duration of the O-1B visa, along with some form of written confirmation for each engagement. Why it matters: O-1 petitions often require proof that your services will be used during your stay.
General University Resources
International Service Offices (ISO) – The International Services Office (ISO) serves Rochester’s international community. From visas and employment compliance, to life in the US and Rochester, they’re here to support our diverse population of new and current students, scholars, and employees.
Student Employment Office – Supports the hiring process for all hourly-paid students at all seven University campuses. They offer general employment counseling, on-campus job fairs, workshops, and recognition events. Our office works with the University and student groups to provide a safe and enjoyable work experience for all.
ESM Academic Affairs Office – Provides support in off-campus opportunities such as CPT processing, enrolling for-credit internship, and affiliation agreements.
Institute for Music Leadership – Creates career and leadership development opportunities for musicians on and off the stage. From application materials to interview skills, 1:1 advising to connections to the industry, the IML can assist in the job search and application process.
Did you know you can continue working with IML after you graduate? They provide support to alumni for up to 5 years after graduation.
