Internships For International Students: E-Verify Exemption Explored

International students seeking internships in the United States must navigate various immigration requirements and work authorizations. One crucial aspect is understanding the E-Verify system, which is used by employers to confirm their eligibility to work. E-Verify is an online tool that cross-references employee information with government records, and it has become an integral part of the job search for international students. While Curricular Practical Training (CPT) mandates employment at an E-Verify enrolled company, Optional Practical Training (OPT) does not require E-Verify during the initial phase. However, if international students plan to continue their employment after OPT or pursue a STEM OPT extension, their employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. This highlights the importance of international students being proactive in understanding their work authorizations and ensuring their documents are accurate and up to date.

International students on F-1 visas can pursue internships through Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International students on F-1 visas can gain valuable work experience in the US by pursuing internships through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is a temporary work authorization program that allows international students to work off-campus during their academic program. To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed at least one full academic year of school and have a valid internship offer that is related to their field of study. The internship must also satisfy an integral component of the student's academic program and must not exceed the duration of the academic program.

The process of obtaining CPT authorization typically involves submitting an application to the university's International Student Services Office (ISSO) or a designated school official (DSO), along with an official job offer letter. The DSO will then authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with the school's policies. It is important to note that CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. For internships outside the US, such as in the student's home country, CPT authorization is not necessary.

Prior approval is essential for CPT, and the work experience must align with the student's academic program. The duration of a CPT internship is determined collaboratively by the employer and the student's academic program, with part-time CPT allowing up to 20 hours of work per week and full-time CPT allowing up to 40 hours. Notably, engaging in 12 months of full-time CPT will result in ineligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

When seeking CPT internships, international students should be aware of E-Verify, an online system that allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of new hires. CPT internships must be with companies that are enrolled in E-Verify, and students must submit work authorization documents and personal information for verification. This step ensures compliance with US employment laws and is an important consideration in the job-seeking journey for international students.

CPT requires working for an E-Verify enrolled company

For international students in the US, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows them to accept internships or other practical training in their academic field. CPT is only available to students with F-1 status, which is the most common non-immigrant student immigration status.

Students can obtain CPT authorization by working with their school's international office. The Designated School Official (DSO) will endorse the student's Form I-20, which includes details such as start and end dates, employment type, and employer details. The student's employment authorization can also be verified through a job offer letter.

It is important to note that CPT does not guarantee eligibility to work for all companies in the US, and each company must be enrolled in E-Verify. Additionally, CPT may only be part-time or full-time for up to 12 months, as working longer than that may make the student ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is another type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain work experience related to their major field of study.

Students must submit work authorization documents and personal information to verify work eligibility

As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. If you're studying in the United States, you likely have an F-1 student visa, which allows you to work as an intern during or after your studies, but you'll need to get work authorization first. Specifically, you'll need to get approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows you to gain practical experience by working an internship during the school year or on summer break, while OPT authorizes you to work an internship before or after you graduate.

To get approved for CPT or OPT, you must submit work authorization documents and personal information to verify your work eligibility. This process ensures that you have the right authorization to work in the United States. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Work Authorization Documents: These documents prove that you are authorized to work in the United States for a specific period. One such document is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Form I-766/EAD, which you can obtain from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Other acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp, or specific nonimmigrant visas such as H-1B or O visas.
• Personal Information: Along with your work authorization documents, you will need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, address, and Social Security number. This information will be verified against government records to confirm your employment eligibility.
• E-Verify Enrollment: If you are seeking CPT, you can only work for companies enrolled in E-Verify, an online system that allows employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of new hires. While E-Verify enrollment is not required for OPT, if you plan to stay with the company after OPT ends or transition to a STEM OPT extension, they must be enrolled.
• Document Validity and Accuracy: Ensure that all your documents are valid, accurate, and up to date. Check that the information, such as your name and birth date, matches across all documents, including your passport, Employment Authorization Document, and records with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Students can use the F1 Hire extension to check a company's E-Verify participation

International students in the US can use the F-1 visa to enter the country as full-time students at an accredited college, university, or other academic institution. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment, including internships.

To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain work authorization, which they can do by working with their school's international office to submit an application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the student will receive an I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which is valid for a maximum of 12 months.

For F-1 students who have graduated with a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field, they may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows them to gain extra practical work experience related to their STEM field. To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must have a valid job offer from an employer enrolled in the US Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program.

E-Verify is a free web-based service that allows employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of new hires. It is an important part of the job-seeking journey for international students. To check a company's E-Verify participation, students can use the F1 Hire extension during their job search. This extension not only shows the company's participation in E-Verify but also allows students to filter and only view companies participating in the E-Verify program.

Students can also use myE-Verify to confirm government records' accuracy

As an international student seeking internships in the United States, it is important to be aware of the E-Verify system. E-Verify is a platform that employers use to confirm the employment eligibility of new employees. Over 1 million employers at 2.4 million hiring sites use E-Verify, and on average, 1500 businesses create E-Verify accounts each week.

As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. Most international students in the US are on F-1 or J-1 visas, and an F-1 visa allows you to work an internship during or after school with prior work authorization. To gain work authorization, you will need to get approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows you to gain practical experience through internships or cooperative education during the school year or on summer break.

When applying for internships, it is in your best interest to check the employer's enrollment in E-Verify, as this can impact your decision-making process if you have multiple offers. If hired by an E-Verify employer, they will submit your information, and results will be generated within seconds. The results can range from “Employment Authorized” to “Final Nonconfirmation." If there is a mismatch, it is important to ensure that your employer entered your information correctly, as this can be due to a data entry error or changes in your name, citizenship status, or work authorization.

To confirm government records' accuracy, students can use myE-Verify, a free web-based service for workers and job seekers in the United States. It does not enable changes to citizenship or immigration status but helps prepare you for the E-Verify process by informing you of your rights and employer responsibilities. It also provides free tools to protect your identity. To access myE-Verify, you will need to create a USCIS online account by passing an identity authentication quiz. This account will provide access to myE-Verify features and allow you to track your E-Verify case, learn your rights, and confirm your employment eligibility.

While myE-Verify can help ensure the accuracy of government records, it does not replace the need for employers to complete Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Additionally, neither myE-Verify nor Self Check provides users with a work authorization credential. Self Check is another voluntary and free tool that allows job seekers to confirm their work authorization and correct their records before starting a new job.

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