Executive Branch Internships: Are International Students Eligible?

International students can intern in the US, including in the US executive branch. However, the process can be challenging due to the visa requirements and the competitiveness of internships. Students already studying in the US on an F1 visa can intern with authorization from the Designated School Official and USCIS. Those coming to the US solely for an internship will likely need a J-1 visa. The US Department of State offers internships for students to gain insight into diplomacy and foreign policy, explore career avenues, and develop valuable skills. These internships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

International students on F-1 visas can apply for internships in the USA

To apply for an internship in the USA as an international student, your student visa will outline your terms and conditions for employment, and you must adhere to these. Each student visa has its own specific internship conditions. For example, with an F-1 student visa, you can apply for an internship with assistance from your accredited university or college. Some programs may even require an internship as part of your course, in the form of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). In this case, your internship must be related to your degree program, and you must have completed your first year of university. You will also need to apply for CPT authorisation and obtain an updated I-20 form to begin an internship in America.

There are other visa options for international students seeking internships in the USA. J-1 visa holders, for instance, cannot apply for OPT but can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their program for up to 18 months after graduating. Visa holders who want an internship without enrolling in a degree program can apply for a J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa. Most businesses, however, require interns to be enrolled in a university or to have graduated in the last 12 months.

There are a variety of internship opportunities available in the USA for international students. The U.S. Department of Commerce Internship Program, for instance, engages and empowers developing leaders with a passion for public service. Interns are placed with a political appointee from the Trump Administration in one of several DOC offices. The DOC Office of White House Liaison Internship Program accepts applications on a rolling basis for summer, spring, and fall sessions. This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity, and hours are flexible. Candidates should be available for the duration of the session and meet the requirements, including demonstrating a strong interest in public policy, governmental affairs, public affairs, economics, or business.

There are also internship opportunities within the Executive Office of the President (EOP). These internships are paid and are offered in many of the offices. Participants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old before the first day of the program. There are also internship opportunities with the National Space Council (NSpC), the Office of Administration (OA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

J-1 visa holders can apply for Academic Training in a related field

To apply for Academic Training, J-1 visa holders must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other non-profit institution, and the training must be directly related to their major field of study. The application process typically involves obtaining a formal employment offer, a letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or dean, and an authorization letter from a responsible officer at the sponsoring institution. The processing time for Academic Training applications can vary, with some institutions requiring up to 10 business days, while others may take up to 2-3 weeks for applications with STEM extensions.

It is important to note that J-1 visa holders are required to maintain health insurance throughout their stay in the US, and they must notify the relevant authorities if they change their visa status or permanently depart the country. Additionally, Academic Training positions must either be fully in-person or hybrid, as remote positions are not permitted. After completing the AT period, options to continue working in the US may be limited due to the 12-Month Repeat Participation Bar on the J-1 visa and the potential Two-Year Home Residency Requirement.

The Executive Office of the President offers paid internships

The Executive Office of the President (EOP) offers paid internships in many of its offices. These internships are a great opportunity for emerging leaders to gain valuable skills and support the work of the White House Office and the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration. The White House Internship Program (WHIP) is a public service leadership and development program that allows interns to work directly for the White House Office and the Office of the Vice President, which are components of the EOP.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), within the EOP, is one such office that offers internships. The CEQ advises the President and develops policies on climate change, environmental justice, federal sustainability, public lands, oceans, and wildlife conservation, among other areas. The National Space Council (NSpC) is another office within the EOP that offers internships. The NSpC advises and assists the President on the development and implementation of space policy and strategy and is led by the Vice President.

The Office of Administration (OA) is committed to providing administrative and business support services to all 13 components within the EOP, and it also offers internship opportunities. Internships at the EOP will pay a stipend of $750 per week for full-time participation (a minimum of 35 hours per week) and $375 per week for part-time participation (15-34 hours per week). However, living accommodations and relocation support are not provided, although a transportation subsidy is available to assist with local commuting costs.

To be eligible for an internship at the EOP, participants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years or older before the first day of the program. International students with an F-1 student visa can apply for internships in the USA, with assistance from their accredited university or college. Additionally, some programs may require an internship as part of the student's curriculum, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

The National Space Council offers internships in space policy

The National Space Council is not alone in offering internships in the space sector. NASA, for instance, offers a range of internships, including its International Internship (I²) program, which seeks to prepare students for working in a global environment and on multinational missions. NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) also provides over 2000 students with internships annually, allowing them to impact the agency's mission through hands-on experience.

Additionally, NASA's Pathways program offers paid internships to current students and recent graduates, providing a direct path to full-time employment at NASA. The work-study (co-op) program is another entry point to a career at NASA, offering valuable work experience and professional development. NASA also offers fellowships to graduate-level students, allowing them to pursue research projects that align with the agency's research priorities.

For international students, internships in the US can be a valuable part of their studies and a foundation for their resumes and future careers. While the specific conditions vary depending on the student visa type, internships are typically allowed with certain requirements and restrictions. For instance, students with an F-1 visa can apply for internships with assistance from their accredited university or college, and those with a J-1 visa can apply for Academic Training (AT) in their field of study for up to 18 months after graduating.

Overall, the National Space Council internships in space policy present an excellent opportunity for doctoral students interested in space and related policies to gain valuable experience and skills while also receiving a stipend.

The Office of Management and Budget oversees the implementation of the President's vision

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is a crucial component of the Executive Branch, charged with the vital task of assisting the President in realising their vision. The OMB plays a pivotal role in ensuring the President's policies, budget plans, management strategies, and regulatory objectives are effectively implemented across the Executive Branch. Its mission is multi-faceted and encompasses five key functions:

Firstly, the OMB is responsible for budget development and execution, ensuring the President's financial plans are translated into concrete actions. This involves intricate financial management and coordination with various departments and agencies.

Secondly, the OMB undertakes management functions, including overseeing agency performance, procurement processes, and information technology systems. This aspect ensures that government agencies operate efficiently and in alignment with the President's goals.

Thirdly, the OMB coordinates and reviews significant federal regulations from executive agencies. This entails scrutinising privacy and information policies, ensuring they are consistent with the President's vision and statutory responsibilities.

Fourthly, the OMB is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the President's management agenda. This involves assessing how well agencies are performing in executing the President's priorities and objectives.

Lastly, the OMB assists in fulfilling the agency's statutory responsibilities. This includes adhering to laws, regulations, and ethical standards that govern the Executive Branch's operations.

Now, regarding your query about international students interning in the US Executive Branch, it is indeed possible. International students with a student visa, such as the F-1 visa, can apply for internships in the US. These internships can be a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience and build a strong resume. However, it's important to note that the terms and conditions of internships may vary depending on the specific visa an international student holds. For instance, with an F-1 visa, an international student must have completed their first academic year and obtain CPT authorisation with an updated I-20 form to begin an off-campus internship. Additionally, resources like the Virtual Student Federal Service offer remote internship opportunities for US citizen college students to work with federal agencies. Furthermore, students can leverage university resources and create a structured career action plan to identify and apply for suitable internships.

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