Crafting a Comprehensive Offer Letter for Hiring (Including the O-CA Program)
As an individual, you are responsible for requesting an offer letter from your employer. The company should issue this document on official letterhead and include essential details such as job responsibilities, weekly work hours, and the duration of employment.
Components to Include in the Offer Letter:
Employers must provide the candidate with a detailed job offer letter, which should include:
- Company Letterhead: The letter must be on the company’s official letterhead.
- Dates of Employment: Clearly state the start and end dates(if applicable).
- Hours per Week: Specify the number of hours per week for work.
- Job Duties: Provide a detailed description of job duties.
- Employer’s Signature: The letter must be signed by an authorized representative of the company.
Where to Submit the Offer Letter:
Once you receive the signed offer letter from your employer, you must submit it to your university’s International Student Office for review and approval.
- If you are applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), submission is required before starting employment.
- If you are applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), this document may be needed when filing your Form I-765 with USCIS.
- Always check with your university’s Designated School Official (DSO) to confirm submission procedures and additional documentation requirements.
This guide has been prepared based on official resources and guidelines provided by the U.S. government. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official USCIS website and your university's international student office.
Resources:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment