Janice Lozano
International students can apply for internships in the United States, and doing so can be an excellent way to gain experience in their field. However, the process can be challenging due to visa requirements and competition from other applicants. To increase their chances of success, international students should research the visa requirements for their desired internships and carefully plan their applications. They may also benefit from using an internship placement provider, which can help with the logistics and provide strong connections to established companies. Students with an F-1 student visa can apply for internships in the US, with assistance from their accredited university or college. Additionally, some programs may require an internship as part of the curriculum, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). It is important to note that not all companies in the US are eligible to hire international students, so students should focus their search on companies that are legally able to hire them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, J-1 |
| Visa requirements | Assistance from accredited university or college, CPT authorization, updated I-20 form |
| Visa limitations | F-1: No off-campus work during the first academic year without permission; J-1: Cannot apply for OPT |
| Visa benefits | CPT, OPT, Academic Training (AT) |
| Visa eligibility | Work authorization, student status |
| Internship search tools | MyVisaJobs, Go Overseas |
| Internship location | Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco |
| Internship benefits | Resume boost, full-time employment opportunities, skill development, career exploration |
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Visa requirements
As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. Your visa will outline the terms and conditions for employment in the country in which you are studying, including internships.
F-1 Visa
If you are an F-1 international student, you can do an internship under a work authorization status through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT allows you to gain practical experience by working an internship during the school year or on summer break, which must be related to your degree. To be eligible for CPT, you must have already studied as an F-1 student for at least a year and be enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. You will also need to apply for CPT authorization and obtain an updated I-20 form to begin an internship.
Once you have completed your degree, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the same country for up to 12 months, or an additional two-year extension for STEM graduates. To be eligible for OPT, you must have studied for at least a year. You can apply for OPT during your studies (pre-completion OPT) or after completing your program (post-completion OPT), and it must relate to your major. To receive authorization, you must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
J-1 Visa
If you are a J-1 student, you must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other non-profit institution, and you may be able to find internship placements through your sponsor. J-1 students 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.
Other Options
If you are not eligible for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you can still apply for internships independently or with the assistance of an internship placement provider. They will help you prepare your internship application, find a placement, support your visa application, and provide in-country support. You can also use internship search websites, such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Idealist.org, or reach out to specific companies or organizations directly to inquire about internship opportunities.
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Eligibility
International students can do internships in the US, and it can be one of the biggest benefits of studying in the country. However, eligibility for internships as an international student depends on several factors, including visa status, industry, location, and individual company policies.
Visa Status
International students with an F-1 student visa can apply for internships in the US, either independently or with the assistance of their accredited university or college. The F-1 visa allows students to undertake Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which must be related to their degree program and completed after the first year of university. CPT can be authorised by a Designated School Official (DSO) and must be part of the academic program. Students with an F-1 visa can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be done during or after completing their program. OPT allows international students to work in the US for up to 12 months, with a possible two-year extension for STEM graduates.
Additionally, J-1 visa holders can apply for internships in the US. J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational institution or other nonprofit organisation and can apply for Academic Training (AT) in their field for up to 18 months after graduating. Those who want an internship without enrolling in a degree program can apply for a J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa, which may require previous work experience outside the US.
Industry and Company Policies
When considering eligibility for internships, international students should focus on industries and companies that are open to hiring international interns. Some organisations are limited to hiring only US citizens, so it is important to research employers and understand their policies and capabilities regarding international students. Visa considerations and work authorisation rules can be complex for employers, so international students should be well-informed and prepared to guide prospective employers through the process.
Location
University Partnerships
International students may have an advantage in applying for internships with organisations that have existing partnerships with their university. Many companies in the US host internship programs specifically for students, and current or former universities may have partners in the US with existing internship programs.
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Application process
International students can apply for internships in the US, and many do. However, it can be a challenging process with many hurdles to overcome. The first step is to ensure that you are legally allowed to work in the US. It is illegal to work without authorization, so it is important to speak with your Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure you follow the rules and maintain your student status. F-1 students at SEVP-certified colleges, universities, seminaries or conservatories can participate in summer practical training. Curricular practical training (CPT) can be authorized by your DSO but must be part of your academic program and be integral to your major field of study.
Once you have ensured that you are legally allowed to work, the next step is to find the right internship opportunities. LinkedIn is a great place to start, as it is the current king of professional networking websites and is used by many companies to advertise internships. There are also dedicated employment sites that list unpaid and paid internships for international students, such as Handshake, which partners with many US universities and major employers. It is recommended to apply to both unpaid and paid internships, as paid internships are often very competitive. Many organizations post their applications online via job boards, LinkedIn, or other career-seeking websites, and you can usually apply by submitting your resume and a cover letter.
When applying, it is important to stand out from domestic students. You should tailor your resume to highlight the unique cultural perspectives and skill sets you offer as an international candidate. It is also a good idea to visit your university's career center and register with them, as many companies specifically recruit international students through university career fairs and job boards. You can also search for openings using keywords related to your major and ideal internship role. Large multinational companies are more likely to hire and sponsor international interns, so start your search there.
Finally, it is important to prepare for the interview. Ask a family member or trusted friend to do a mock interview with you to help you get comfortable answering questions. You should also be prepared to answer questions about your education, work experience, and personality.
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Industry and location
The United States is a popular destination for internships in different fields, including entertainment, engineering, fashion, and business. The US workplace promotes both professional and personal development while students are enrolled in specific programs.
International students seeking internships in the US should be aware that some organizations are limited to hiring only US citizens. Additionally, some companies might have policies against hiring international students. However, it is worth checking if they have sponsored students previously, as employers might be open to updating their policies for suitable candidates.
To be eligible for internships in the US, international students must have the appropriate student visa. The F-1 student visa allows international students to apply for internships, with assistance from their accredited university or college. Students on F-1 visas can work for up to 20 hours per week for part-time internships and are not permitted to work off-campus during the first academic year without permission from their university.
The J-1 visa is another option for international students, allowing them to work as trainees in the US for up to 18 months. The J-1 intern visa is specifically for students or recent graduates to undergo internships for up to 12 months.
To find internships, international students can search job forums, apply directly on company websites, or use program providers that help match students with suitable internships. Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco are popular hubs for interns, but other locations may be considered based on climate and work environment preferences.
It is recommended to start the internship search early, as many employers recruit for summer internships during the previous fall. Networking through clubs and professional associations is also beneficial for improving soft skills and creating valuable connections.
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Benefits
International students can gain numerous benefits from applying for internships. One of the biggest advantages of studying in the US is the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships. These internships can provide a strong foundation for your resume and future career prospects. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), interns have a high chance of receiving full-time employment offers, with an average of 52.7% of interns being offered jobs after their internships.
Internships allow international students to gain valuable skills and knowledge in their chosen field, making them more competitive candidates for future job applications. They can explore different career paths and discover their interests and strengths, helping them make informed decisions about their long-term goals. Additionally, internships provide networking opportunities and connections that can be beneficial for future endeavours.
For international students in the US, understanding visa requirements and work authorization rules is crucial. F-1 student visas allow international students to apply for internships, and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) offers a great opportunity to gain degree-related work experience. CPT internships must be authorized and related to the student's degree program, and they can be paid or unpaid. Students with F-1 visas can also explore Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be applied during or after their studies, providing valuable work experience.
Another option for international students is to use internship placement providers. These organizations have strong connections with established companies and can assist with various aspects of the internship process, including application preparation, placement, visa support, accommodation, and in-country assistance. While these services come at a cost, they offer guaranteed placement and comprehensive support, making them a valuable investment for international students seeking internships in the US. Overall, internships provide international students with valuable experience, enhance their employability, and offer a chance to explore career paths while building a professional network.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can apply for internships in the US.
Students with an F-1 visa can undertake internships in the US under work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT must be related to your degree, and you must have completed your first year at university. OPT can be unrelated to your degree and can be applied for during or after completing your program.
Yes, J-1 visa holders can apply for internships in the US. J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other non-profit institution and can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their program for up to 18 months after graduating.
It is important to understand your visa eligibility for internships and research companies that are legally able to hire international students. You can use sites like MyVisaJobs to research employers. You can also consider using an internship placement provider, which can help with logistics, applications, and visa support.
Internships can provide international students with valuable experience in their field, help build in-demand skills, and offer a sense of different career paths. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), interns often have the opportunity to turn their internships into full-time employment, with an average of 52.7% of interns receiving such offers.
