Savanna Hoffman
International students can undertake summer internships, but they may need to navigate visa requirements and other regulations. In the US, F-1 visa holders can undertake internships that fall under the category of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), allowing up to 40 hours of work per week during the summer. J-1 visas are also an option for international internships. Students must understand the specific rules and requirements for their visa type, as some internships may be restricted to US citizens only. Additionally, they should be proactive in seeking opportunities and start their search early, utilising career services, networking events, and online platforms to find suitable internships.
Characteristics of International Students Doing Summer Internships
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | F-1, J-1, CPT, OPT |
| Visa eligibility | Enrolled in a degree program, graduated in the last 12 months, degree and previous working experience outside the US |
| Visa costs | Application fees |
| Visa duration | 12 months (J-1 Intern), 18 months (J-1 Trainee), 36 months (J-1 University Student) |
| Work duration | 20 hours/week during semesters, 40 hours/week during summer |
| Work authorization | Required for paid internships, not always required for unpaid internships |
| Work opportunities | On-campus, off-campus, with international organizations |
| Competition | High |
| Search window | Starts as early as the previous fall |
| Application materials | Resume, Cover letter, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, portfolio |
| Application process | Networking, online job boards, internship platforms, career services |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements
International students can undertake internships in the US, but it requires careful planning and research. The visa type and status will determine whether a work permit or authorization is required.
F-1 Visa
International students already studying in the US on an F-1 visa can intern in the US. This is typically easier because the paperwork is already filled out for their F1 student visa and study abroad purposes. Students can choose between Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a degree-related internship, or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be unrelated to their degree. CPT can be paid or unpaid, but students must have completed their first year at university and received CPT authorization. They must also obtain an updated I-20 form before beginning their internship. With an F-1 visa, students can accept on-campus employment opportunities during their first academic year, but off-campus work is not permitted without university permission.
J-1 Visa
Students coming to the US solely for an internship will likely need to enter on a J-1 visa. J-1 visas require sponsorship by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution. J-1 students 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. J-1 visa applicants should be prepared for interview questions to ensure their intentions are not to remain in the country permanently.
Other Options
International students experiencing economic hardship on an F-1 visa may apply for authorization to work full time during summer vacation at an off-campus job. Additionally, F-1 students offered work with certain international organizations may be eligible to apply for a work authorization based on an internship with an international organization.
Visa Support
Some universities offer support to international students with their internship applications, including visa assistance. There are also internship placement providers that can organize internship logistics, prepare applications, and provide visa support and in-country assistance.
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Eligibility
International students aiming for internships in the USA might face challenges due to visa rules and work permit stipulations. However, there are several routes they can explore to secure internships:
- If you are an F-1 international student who wants to intern during the summer, your first step is to talk to your designated school official (DSO). It is illegal to work in the United States without authorization, so it is important that you speak with your DSO to make sure you follow the rules and maintain your student status. The summer training and work opportunities available to you depend on the type of authorization you have or apply for, and whether you are eligible to take annual vacation. F-1 students are eligible to receive authorization to work full-time or part-time on campus during the summer vacation.
- Visa holders who want an internship in the USA without enrolling in a degree program can apply for a J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa. Most businesses require interns to be enrolled in a university or have graduated in the last 12 months. J-1 visa holders cannot do casual work, and no more than 20% of their job can be clerical work. Specific internship dates must be clearly stated, and you must leave the US within 30 days of completing the internship. After leaving, you may not return to the US for 2 years.
- To apply for an F-1 visa, you must first apply to a school and receive your I-20 – a Student and Exchange Visitor Program document. After a full school year (typically 9 months) and enrollment in at least 6 credit hours, F-1 visa holders are eligible for practical training, or internships. Internships fall under the category of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows students to work 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during the summer for a time frame of 12 to 14 months before returning to full-time education.
International students can also explore other routes to secure internships, such as university career services, networking, and online job boards and internship platforms.
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Application process
International students can undertake summer internships, but there are several steps to the application process that they need to be aware of.
Firstly, it is important to start your search early. Summer internships are competitive, and many employers start recruiting and hiring for these roles in the previous year. International students should also be aware of visa requirements and whether their visa allows them to undertake an internship. F-1 visa holders, for example, are eligible for practical training after a full school year (9 months) and enrollment in at least 6 credit hours. This includes internships, which fall under the category of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT must be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) and must be part of your academic program and integral to your major field of study. It is illegal to work in the US without authorization, so it is important to speak to your DSO to ensure you follow the rules and maintain your student status.
When searching for internships, it is important to limit your search to companies that are legally able to hire international students. Some organizations are limited to hiring only US citizens, so it is useful to focus on companies that have hired and sponsored international students in the past. Sites like MyVisaJobs can be used to research employers and narrow down your search.
Once you have found internships that match your field and visa requirements, you can start the application process. Best practices for submitting your application include triple-proofreading your application to ensure no details are missed, and providing all the necessary documentation. Some internships may require transcripts, for example, and it is useful to be aware of any technical difficulties that may arise when submitting your application.
Some internships may also require security clearances. The NASA internship program, for example, requires students to undergo a background investigation and receive a Public Trust, Secret, or Top Secret security clearance. This process can take up to 150 days, so it is important to be aware of any such requirements and plan ahead.
Overall, the key to a successful application as an international student is to start early, be aware of visa requirements, and understand the best practices for submitting your application.
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Interview preparation
Understand the Visa Requirements
Firstly, it is important to understand the visa requirements for international students seeking internships. In the US, F-1 students can participate in summer practical training, which can be authorized by a designated school official (DSO). CPT (curricular practical training) is a form of paid, off-campus academic work that F-1 visa holders are eligible for after a full school year and enrollment in at least 6 credit hours. J-1 visa holders, on the other hand, cannot engage in casual work, and no more than 20% of their internship can consist of clerical work.
Start Your Search Early
It is recommended to start your internship search early, as many employers begin recruiting for summer internships in the previous fall. Additionally, understanding your visa eligibility and the requirements of the internship are crucial. While some organizations only hire US citizens, there are companies that have previously hired and sponsored international students. Utilize resources like MyVisaJobs to research employers and narrow down your options.
Prepare for the Interview
Once you've secured an interview, it's essential to prepare thoroughly. Treat the interview with the same level of seriousness as a job interview. Anticipate common interview questions and prepare responses that showcase your skills and experiences. Practice answering questions out loud, either with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on demonstrating your drive and initiative, and be ready to discuss how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role.
Ask Questions
During the interview, don't forget to ask questions. This shows your genuine interest in the company, the position, and your potential future coworkers. Prepare a list of questions beforehand, such as inquiring about opportunities for full-time work after the internship.
Be Open to New Experiences
Lastly, remember that interning in a new country may bring cultural differences and a unique way of life. Embrace these new experiences and be open to learning and adapting. This will not only enhance your resume but also provide you with a valuable network of contacts and a better understanding of your career path.
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Work authorisation
International students aiming for internships in the USA might face challenges due to visa rules and work permit stipulations. However, there are several routes they can explore to secure internships.
F-1 Visa
F-1 students are eligible to receive authorization to work full or part-time on campus during the summer vacation. F-1 visa holders can also receive authorization to work full-time during the summer vacation at an off-campus job if they are experiencing economic hardship. F-1 students who are offered work opportunities with certain international organizations may be eligible to apply for work authorization based on an internship with an international organization.
CPT Authorization
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a full-time or part-time training opportunity available during the school year or annual summer vacation. CPT can be authorized by your DSO but must be part of your academic program and be integral to your major field of study. CPT allows students to work 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during the summer for a time frame of 12 to 14 months before returning to full-time education.
J-1 Visa
Students can apply for a J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa if they are not enrolled in a degree program in the USA. The J-1 Intern visa allows students to intern for 12 months, while the J-1 Trainee visa allows for 18 months but requires visa holders to have 5 years of work experience outside the US. J-1 visa holders cannot do casual work, and no more than 20% of their job can be clerical work.
University Career Services
Many American universities have dedicated career services departments that help students, including international students, in securing internships and job placements. They often have ties with firms that are open to hiring international students.
Online Job Boards and Internship Platforms
Websites like MyVisaJobs, Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Internships.com are tailored for students seeking internships and often list opportunities open to international students.
Visa Considerations
It is important to understand whether your visa makes you eligible for certain internships and what to look for in a student internship beyond visa considerations. Many companies in the US do not understand the work authorization rules for international students, so it is up to the student to ensure that prospective employers understand the legal guidelines and that there will be no cost to them for hosting an international intern.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can do summer internships in the US. However, they need to ensure they have the right visa and work authorization.
There are two main types of visas that international students can apply for to do a summer internship in the US: an F1 visa or a J-1 visa. An F1 visa is for international students already studying in the US, while a J-1 visa is for those coming solely for an internship.
There are a few ways to find summer internship opportunities in the US as an international student. You can search for internships independently or use an internship placement provider, who will help with the logistics and provide support throughout the process. You can also use dedicated employment sites like LinkedIn and Handshake to find internship opportunities with major companies.
