F1 Students: Unlocking Internship Opportunities In The Us

F-1 students are eligible to intern in the US, but they must first obtain authorization. The type of authorization depends on the nature of the internship, and whether it is paid or unpaid. F-1 students can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, which allows for off-campus internships that are directly related to their field of study. CPT can be full-time or part-time, and it is available during the school year or annual summer vacation. Students can also apply for work authorization based on an internship with an international organization. However, it is important to note that F-1 students cannot maintain their status and stay in the US during a non-medical leave of absence.

F-1 students need US work authorization for internships

F-1 students can undertake internships in the US, but they must have US work authorization. This is true whether the internship is virtual or in-person. Students can apply for curricular practical training (CPT) to gain this authorization. CPT is a type of authorization for both paid and unpaid off-campus training experiences. It is important to note that CPT is part of the academic program, allowing students to gain additional learning in their major field of study through real-world training experiences.

To qualify for CPT, F-1 students must complete at least one year of full-time study (two semesters) in the US before they can be authorized to do an off-campus internship. Students can also apply for pre-completion optional practical training (OPT), which must relate to their major. To receive OPT authorization, students must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

F-1 students can also seek internships with international organizations. In this case, a designated school official (DSO) must verify that the student qualifies for off-campus employment by entering the employment information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO will then print the supporting Form I-20, sign it, and provide it to the student. The student must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is important to note that off-campus employment recommendations cannot exceed one year.

Additionally, F-1 students experiencing economic hardship may apply for authorization to work full-time during the summer vacation in an off-campus job. They should speak with their DSO before beginning work to ensure they are eligible to work in the United States.

CPT is a type of authorization for paid and unpaid internships

F-1 students can participate in summer practical training, also known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is a type of work authorization that allows international students on F-1 visas to take part in paid and unpaid internships during their academic program. The internship must be considered an integral part of the student's degree program and must be related to their major. Prior approval is required, and the work experience must be relevant to the student's academic program.

CPT can be used for part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week) during academic semesters and full-time employment (up to 40 hours per week) when school is not in session, making it a great option for summer internships. CPT cannot be used after graduation, nor can students delay their graduation to work under CPT. Students must also have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year before applying for CPT.

To obtain CPT authorization, students must first receive an internship offer and register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship. They must then obtain permission from their major advisor or graduate coordinator on a CPT recommendation form and submit the application and recommendation form to their international student advisor. For paid internships, students must also apply for a Social Security Number.

While CPT is not required for unpaid internships that meet the criteria for volunteer work, it is strongly recommended. This is because an unpaid internship can still be considered employment, and proper authorization ensures that students do not violate their F-1 status.

F-1 students can apply for off-campus internships with international organizations

F-1 students are eligible to receive authorization to work full-time or part-time on-campus during the summer vacation. However, they can also apply for off-campus internships with international organizations.

To be eligible for an off-campus internship, F-1 students must first obtain an internship offer with an international organization. The internship must be based in the United States and be with a public international organization that falls within the International Organization Immunities Act, as defined in 22 U.S.C. § 288 59 Stat. 669. The student must then work with their designated school official (DSO) and apply for an Employment Authorization Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO must enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Before submitting Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", to USCIS, the DSO off-campus recommendation must be on the student's SEVIS record. The student must also have a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", from the DSO, signed within the last 30 days, certifying that the applicant is a bona fide F-1 student.

F-1 students can also apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a full-time or part-time training opportunity available during the school year or annual summer vacation. CPT can be authorized by a DSO but must be part of the student's academic program and be integral to their major field of study. CPT is usually used for internships, but students must have attended school for at least one year before they are eligible. There is a cumulative limit of 6 months for full-time CPT internships, but no limit for employment of less than 20 hours per week.

F-1 students can do virtual internships

F-1 students can undertake virtual internships, but there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine whether the internship is considered a training opportunity or a job. If the internship is unpaid and primarily serves as a learning experience, it may be authorized as practical training. In this case, F-1 students can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to engage in virtual internships. However, it is worth noting that CPT authorization requires certain conditions to be met, such as being enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. Additionally, the number of hours allowed for CPT internships during the school year may be limited to 20 hours per week.

On the other hand, if the internship is a paid position where the organization would typically hire and pay someone, it is considered employment, and different rules apply. F-1 students can work part-time on campus during the academic year and full-time during summer vacation with appropriate authorization. To work off-campus, F-1 students must meet certain criteria, such as experiencing economic hardship. In this case, they may apply for authorization to work full-time off-campus during the summer.

It is worth noting that the physical location of the student during the virtual internship is also a factor. If an F-1 student is physically located outside the US during their virtual internship, they are not subject to US visa or immigration restrictions and do not need US work authorization, even if the internship is with a US company. However, some US companies may still require interns to have US work authorization, regardless of their location. Therefore, it is essential to check with the company about their specific policies.

When considering a virtual internship, F-1 students should be mindful of academic and immigration considerations. Internships, whether in-person or virtual, should primarily provide learning and growth opportunities in the student's field of study or area of interest. Companies offering virtual internships are responsible for providing structured training and mentorship. Additionally, F-1 students should never pay a company to secure a virtual internship, as internships are meant to benefit the intern's educational development rather than the company's operations.

Emergent circumstances allow F-1 students to work off-campus

F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year in the United States. However, they may accept on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment under specific circumstances.

One such circumstance is the Special Student Relief (SSR) program, which is offered due to emergent circumstances. The SSR is a suspension of specific regulatory requirements for F-1 students due to unforeseen situations, as determined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It allows eligible F-1 students to work off-campus and addresses their full course of study requirements. To be eligible for SSR, students must be impacted by the emergent circumstances specified in the applicable SSR notice and provide evidence of severe economic hardship as a direct result.

To work off-campus under the SSR program, F-1 students must obtain a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) and apply for an employment authorization document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO must verify the student's eligibility for off-campus employment by entering the relevant information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Additionally, the student must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the USCIS.

It is important to note that off-campus employment recommendations under the SSR program cannot exceed one year. The employment will end on the last date of the authorized SSR, as published in the Federal Register notice, or the student's program end date, whichever comes earlier. F-1 students should refer to the specific SSR notice in the Federal Register for detailed eligibility requirements and additional guidelines.

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