A career fair is an event where many employers stand at tables and talk to job seekers. Your school, city or professional group may host one. You get a few minutes with each employer, so preparation matters.
Know your work options first
CPT (Curricular Practical Training): F-1 work during study that is part of your program, like an internship. Your school approves it.
OPT (Optional Practical Training): F-1 work in your field, usually up to 12 months, during or after study. You apply to USCIS with your DSO's recommendation.
STEM OPT: an extra 24 months for some science, technology, engineering and math degrees. The employer must use E-Verify and sign a training plan.
Sponsorship: for longer work, an employer may file a work visa, such as H-1B, for you.
J-1 students use academic training through their sponsor. Some H-4 and L-2 spouses have their own work permit.
Know your dates before the fair, so you can answer clearly.
Get the employer list a week before.
Research each one. Look at their careers page. Search past visa filings in public employer data to see if they have hired people on work visas before.
Choose your top 5 to 10 employers.
Print 15 to 20 copies of your resume.
Wear business or business-casual clothes.
One page for students and new graduates.
No photo, age, marital status or religion.
Start each line with an action word: "Built", "Led", "Reduced".
Add numbers: "Cut testing time by 30%."
See A US resume and cover letter for a full guide.
Your 30-second introduction
Practice until it feels natural:
"Hi, I am Asha. I am finishing a master's in data science at State University in May. I built a model that predicted delivery delays for a local company. I saw your analyst role, and I would love to hear what the team works on."
Smile, shake hands, and look the person in the eye.
Do not start with "Do you sponsor visas?" Recruiters meet hundreds of people. Show your value first, then ask.
Asking about work authorization honestly
After a good conversation, ask: "I am on an F-1 visa and will have OPT. Does your company hire candidates who may need sponsorship later?"
If an application asks "Will you now or in the future require sponsorship?", answer truthfully. Many OPT students answer Yes because they will need a visa later.
Never say you are a citizen or green card holder if you are not.
Take a business card or the recruiter's name.
Within 24 hours, send a short thank-you email and mention one thing you talked about.
Apply online the same week, even if you talked in person.
Starting OPT or CPT work before it is approved.
Handing out a two-page resume full of tasks, not results.
Only visiting the big-name tables. Smaller employers may have more time to talk.