International Students: Access To Public University Internships

Internships are a crucial part of a student's career, offering a chance to explore interests, work styles, and capabilities while gaining real-world experience. For international students, an internship in the US can be particularly beneficial, providing a foundation for their resume and future career. While finding and landing an internship can be challenging, it is worth the effort. This is especially true given that, on average, 52.7% of interns are offered full-time employment opportunities after completing their internship.

International students with F-1 and J-1 visas can pursue internships in the US, but each visa has specific internship conditions. For instance, F-1 visa holders can apply for internships with assistance from their accredited university or college, while J-1 students can often find placements through their sponsor. Additionally, international students can explore virtual internships, though these may be harder to find and are often paid programmes.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the steps international students can take to find and secure internships at public universities in the US, covering visa requirements, application processes, and other key considerations.

International students with F-1 and J-1 visas

F-1 Visa Internships

With an F-1 student visa, you can apply for an internship with the assistance of 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). To begin an internship in America, you must apply for CPT authorisation and obtain an updated I-20 form.

During your first academic year, you may not work off-campus unless you have permission from your university, but you can accept on-campus employment opportunities.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be applied for during your studies (pre-completion OPT) or after completing your program (post-completion OPT). Pre-completion OPT limits working hours to a maximum of 20 hours per week during school, but allows full-time hours during academic breaks and annual vacation. Post-completion OPT allows you to work full-time in the US for up to 12 months with approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). With a STEM-related degree, you can request up to two additional years of OPT.

J-1 Visa Internships

Students with a J-1 visa are usually enrolled in work- or study-based exchange visitor programs, approved by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. As J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution, you may be able to find internship placements through your sponsor. While J-1 students cannot apply for OPT, they are able to 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 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 to have graduated in the last 12 months. Trainees may be required to have a degree and previous working experience outside the US. J-1 university students have the unique opportunity to extend their academic training period in the US for a total of 36 months.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Eligibility

To be eligible for CPT, you must:

• Be enrolled in an F-1 program at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary.
• Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least a full academic year. (An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require earlier training).
• Not be studying English as a second language.
• Have secured a training position.

Application Process

• Request CPT using your school's established processes.
• The designated school official (DSO) will review your request and determine your eligibility for CPT.
• The DSO authorizes CPT in SEVIS for a specific employer.
• The DSO prints and signs Form I-20 with CPT authorization.
• You can begin work on or after the CPT start date.

Important Notes

• CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States.
• CPT must be authorized before you can begin work.
• You can have more than one CPT authorization at the same time.
• One year of full-time CPT eliminates your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• While school is in session, you may only work 20 hours per week.

Benefits of CPT

CPT is a fantastic opportunity for international students to gain practical experience in their field of study. It can help you develop valuable skills, enhance your resume, and make professional connections. Additionally, CPT can provide a glimpse into the US work culture and help you build a professional network.

On-campus employment opportunities

Eligibility

To be eligible for on-campus employment, international students must typically hold an F-1 or J-1 visa status. These visas outline the terms and conditions for employment, including internships. Students with other immigration categories may also be eligible with U.S. employment authorization.

Steps to Follow

Before starting an on-campus job, international students should follow these steps:

• Find a job on campus or with a qualified institutional affiliate.
• Register for a full course of study.
• Understand the conditions of your work permission.
• Obtain work authorization from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), if required.
• Complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification.
• Apply for a Social Security Number if you don't already have one. This is necessary for receiving payment.
• Understand the U.S. tax system and research applicable tax treaty benefits.

Available Opportunities

At New York University (NYU), there are online job databases specifically for NYU students and alumni, such as Handshake and WayUp, which offer a range of on-campus employment opportunities. Additionally, students can learn about job openings through professors, schools/departments, and friends.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

For international students with an F-1 visa, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows for internships, but they must be related to the student's degree program, and the student must have completed their first year of university. CPT authorization and an updated I-20 form are required to begin an internship.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another option for F-1 students, which can be applied for during or after completing their studies. Pre-completion OPT allows for a maximum of 20 hours of work per week during the school year and full-time hours during academic breaks. Post-completion OPT enables full-time work in the U.S. for up to 12 months with approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

In conclusion, on-campus employment opportunities provide international students with valuable work experience while studying in the United States. By understanding the eligibility requirements, following the necessary steps, and exploring the available opportunities, international students can enhance their professional skills and build a strong foundation for their future careers.

Nonprofit internships

If you're an international student in the US, you may be eligible for an internship with a nonprofit organisation. This will depend on your visa type and status, and you may need to apply for a work permit or authorisation.

Visa Requirements

Those on an F-1 visa can apply for internships with no additional paperwork, but they are limited to working 20 hours per week for part-time internships related to their curriculum.

With a J-1 visa, students can work for up to 18 months in academic training. Those not enrolled in US programs can apply for a J-1 Intern or Trainee visa.

Where to Look

University career services are a good place to start, as they often have ties with nonprofit organisations that are open to hiring international students.

Networking is also crucial in the US job market, so building a robust network can open doors to internship opportunities. Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops to meet professionals in your chosen field.

Online job boards and internship platforms such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed are also tailored for students seeking internships and often list opportunities open to international students.

You can also directly approach companies you wish to intern with. A well-drafted email expressing interest in an unpaid internship for experience can sometimes yield positive results.

Other Options

Volunteering for a nonprofit organisation or cause can provide valuable experience without needing work authorisation. It can also help build a resume and network.

Cultural Exchange Programs, such as the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, permit international students to take part in internships or training programs in the US for a limited period.

Paid vs. Unpaid internships

Internships can be offered with or without pay, and this often depends on the nature of the industry, the specific company offering the internship, and the level of competition for available roles. Typically, companies will specify whether an internship is paid or unpaid in the job description or during the interview.

Paid internships tend to have more specific responsibilities and a higher scope of work and tasks compared to unpaid internships. Pay levels may be based on the technical requirements of the role on an hourly or salary basis. Paid internships can offer a glimpse of what it's like to have a permanent job role, as the tasks may require more responsibility and results. A recent study from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) indicates that students with paid internships receive a higher number of job offers compared to those with unpaid internships, making it an ideal option for those with a clearly defined career path.

Unpaid internships, on the other hand, are ideal for students seeking a rewarding learning experience, exploring professional specializations and interests, developing interpersonal skills, earning college credits, and understanding the local work culture. Unpaid internships usually offer a broader range of opportunities to choose from, allowing students to explore, experiment, and understand individual roles and responsibilities across a diverse array of industries and companies.

Externships

Externships are temporary, short-term, and usually unpaid learning programs that involve shadowing professionals on the job. They are less formal than internships, typically lasting from a day to a few weeks, and provide valuable insights for informed career decisions.

Frequently asked questions