First, you will need to check whether the student has applied for and been awarded Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization. The OPT period is valid for 12 months. If the student graduated in a STEM field, he/she may be eligible for an additional 17 months extension. The student applies for the OPT at the foreign student’s office of his/her school. If the student is in a valid, post-completion OPT period, you may request a change of status for an H-1B status for him, provided the H-1B requirements are met.