Savanna Hoffman
International students seeking internships in the United States must navigate visa rules and work permit stipulations, which can be tedious and intimidating. The type of visa required depends on whether the student is already in the US or will be travelling to the US specifically for the internship. For students already in the US, an F1 visa is typically required to intern, while those travelling to the US solely for an internship will likely need a J1 visa. F1 visa holders can undertake Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), while J1 visa holders can undertake Academic Training (AT).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F1 visa or J1 visa |
| Who is it for? | Students and graduates enrolled in a foreign college or university, or those who have graduated within the past 12 months |
| Validity | Up to 12 months |
| Work hours | Maximum of 20 hours per week during school |
| Work type | Paid or unpaid |
| Work authorization | Required for paid internships; Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are types of work authorization |
| Visa requirements | Permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work; Sufficient funds for self-support; Proficiency in English; Enrollment as a full-time student |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa requirements
The F-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and enrol full-time in an accredited academic institution. To obtain an F-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Institution certification
The college or university where you plan to study must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Full-time enrollment
You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution while your academic term is in session.
English language proficiency
You must meet the required English language proficiency score of the institution you are attending or be enrolled in courses that will help you improve your English proficiency.
Sufficient funding
You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses while in the US. This includes demonstrating that you can afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the country.
Valid passport
Your passport should be valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
Home country residency
You must maintain a residence in your home country that you have no intention of giving up. You are expected to return to this residence after the completion of your degree.
Additional requirements:
- You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Your spouse and/or minor children, if they intend to live in the United States with you, will each receive an individual Form I-20.
- You must complete the DS-160 visa application and schedule an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
- You must pay the SEVIS fee.
- You must obtain a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status."
- You must provide proof of your relationship and a copy of your F-1 or M-1 visa.
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J-1 visa requirements
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for exchange visitors participating in educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State. The duration of your stay in the US on a J-1 visa depends on the program you choose. For example, a Camp Counselor program may have a short stay requirement of four months over the summer, whereas an Au Pair or Research Scholar program may require a J-1 visa that is valid for several years.
- A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for US travel for at least six months ahead of your program completion date.
- DS-2019 form, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status: After your program sponsor enters your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database, they will send you this form.
- DS-7002 form, Training/Internship Placement Plan: This is only necessary for exchange visitor trainees or intern visa applicants.
- DS-160 form, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application: Pay attention to the visa photo requirements when completing this form.
- Additional documents: You may be asked to provide additional documents, so follow the instructions from the US embassy or consulate closely.
- Visa interview: You will need to schedule a visa interview and present your payment receipt at that time.
- Home residency requirement: Upon completion of your program, you must return to your home country and live there for at least two years.
- Full-time enrollment: While you can work full-time during academic break periods, you must maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year.
- Address updates: If you change your residence, you must update your sponsor and university within 10 days.
- Orientation: Your sponsor is required to provide you with an orientation that includes information about the region where you will study.
- 24-hour emergency contact: Your sponsor must provide you with an emergency contact number that you can reach 24 hours a day.
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On-campus vs off-campus internships
To study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa. The two nonimmigrant visa categories are the F and M visas.
F-1 students can work on-campus or off-campus, but there are some differences in the requirements and restrictions for each.
On-Campus Internships
On-campus employment for F-1 students must take place at the school or an educationally affiliated location. This includes work for an on-campus commercial business, such as a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students. For example, an F-1 student can work for a contractually affiliated company like a school bookstore but cannot work for a construction company, even if the job site is on campus.
F-1 students can also continue on-campus employment if they finish one program and start another at the same campus, as long as they plan to enroll in the new program for the next term.
Off-Campus Internships
Off-campus employment for F-1 students must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS before starting work. Students must demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus.
Off-campus employment authorization is valid for one year and ends upon completion of the program or after one year, whichever comes first. F-1 students may be eligible for post-completion optional practical training (OPT) upon graduation.
In special circumstances, such as economic hardship or global events, the US government may allow students from affected countries temporary benefits, including the opportunity to apply for off-campus employment.
Both on-campus and off-campus internships are possible for F-1 students, but careful consideration of the requirements and restrictions for each is necessary to maintain compliance with US visa regulations. Speaking with a DSO is essential to ensure proper authorization and maintenance of student status.
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Paid vs unpaid internships
Generally, to study as a full-time student in the United States, you will need a student visa, specifically an F or M visa. F-1 students can participate in summer practical training, which can be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) and must be part of the academic program and integral to the major field of study.
Now, when it comes to paid vs unpaid internships, there are a few key points to consider:
Paid Internships
Paid internships are ideal as they provide financial compensation for the intern's work. This can be in the form of a paycheck, cash, housing, or other forms of compensation. However, paid internships may be harder to acquire as there is a higher demand for them.
Unpaid Internships
Unpaid internships do not provide financial compensation, but they can still offer valuable work experience and be authorized as practical training. According to the US Department of Labor (DOL), an unpaid internship must meet strict criteria to be lawfully unpaid, and it cannot be for a position that is normally paid. Unpaid internships may require additional work authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), to ensure that the intern's F-1 visa status is protected.
It is important to note that even if an internship is unpaid, it is still considered employment under US law, and it is illegal to work without authorization. Therefore, international students must ensure they have the proper work authorization to avoid violating their student status and immigration laws.
In conclusion, both paid and unpaid internships have their advantages, but it is crucial for international students to understand the regulations and obtain the necessary authorizations to maintain compliance with their visa requirements.
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How to find internships
International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to apply for internships in the USA, with assistance from their accredited university or college. Students with this type of visa can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) during or after their studies, as well as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) which must be related to their degree program and completed after their first year of university.
If you are an international student looking for internships in the USA, here are some steps you can follow:
- Understand visa regulations: Before starting your internship search, it is crucial to ensure that you are eligible and authorized to work in the USA as an international student. Different visa types and statuses may require you to apply for a work permit or authorization, such as the OPT or CPT for F-1 visa holders, or Academic Training (AT) for J-1 visa holders. Consult with your designated school official (DSO) or responsible officer (RO) to understand the specific regulations and requirements for internships.
- Utilize university resources: Take advantage of the resources and services provided by your university to assist you in finding internships. Many universities have career centers or advisors that can guide you through the internship search, application, and placement process. They can also help you understand the visa regulations and how they apply to your specific situation.
- Research companies that hire international interns: Many American companies value the diverse viewpoints, skills, and experiences that international students bring to internships. However, some firms may have specific policies or constraints due to visa and work permit rules. Research and target companies that have a history of hiring international interns or have programs tailored for international applicants.
- Craft a strong application: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your application, and effectively communicate the unique value you can bring to the company. A well-prepared resume, cover letter, and other application materials can significantly enhance your chances of securing an internship, even in a competitive market.
- Consider paid vs. unpaid internships: Internships in the USA for international students can be paid or unpaid, depending on factors such as the industry, the specific company, and the level of competition. Paid internships typically offer more specific responsibilities and a higher scope of work. However, unpaid internships can still provide valuable learning opportunities and experiences, and they may be authorized as practical training.
Remember to carefully plan and prepare your internship search, and always ensure that you comply with visa regulations and maintain your student status.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to intern in the US on a student visa. There are two types of student visas: F-1 and J-1. F-1 visa holders can undertake Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). J-1 visa holders can undertake Academic Training (AT).
CPT is a degree-related internship that can be paid or unpaid. Students must have completed their first year at university and receive authorization on their student visa. OPT can be unrelated to your degree and can be applied for during or after your studies.
To get a student visa for an internship in the US, you must first obtain an internship offer. Then, you must work with the Designated School Official (DSO) and apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS.
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