Janice Lozano
International students on F-1 visas in the US can undertake internships, but they must ensure they have the proper work authorization to do so. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows international students to work off-campus during their academic program. CPT is typically required for internships, whether paid or unpaid, as these are considered employment opportunities. However, if an internship is properly unpaid and meets the Department of Labor's (DOL) rules for volunteer work, it may not require CPT authorization. Students should consult with their designated school official (DSO) and seek advice from their school's International Student Services (ISS) office to ensure they comply with all relevant regulations and maintain their student status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is CPT required for internships? | CPT is required for internships that are considered "employment". |
| What is CPT? | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work authorization for international students on F-1 visas. |
| When is CPT required? | CPT is required for internships that are off-campus and during the academic year or annual summer vacation. |
| Can F-1 students work without CPT? | F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during vacations without CPT. |
| Can international students do unpaid internships without CPT? | Unpaid internships that meet Department of Labor (DOL) rules for "volunteer work" can be done without CPT. |
| What are the risks of not having CPT? | If an internship is considered "employment", not having CPT can lead to a violation of F-1 status and unauthorized employment. |
| Can international students do virtual internships without CPT? | CPT is not needed for virtual internships done outside the US, but some companies may still require US work authorization. |
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What You'll Learn
Unpaid internships
Firstly, it is important to understand the distinction between "volunteer work" and "employment" as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). If an internship is properly classified as "unpaid" and considered “volunteer work” under DOL rules, it does not require the student to have "employment authorization," such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT). In this case, international students can engage in the internship without any work authorization.
However, if the internship should have been paid under DOL rules, the student must have employment authorization, such as CPT or OPT, to undertake the internship lawfully. Most unpaid internships for international students require CPT, and it is generally recommended that students register for CPT even when their internship is unpaid. CPT is a type of work authorization specifically designed for international students on F-1 visas, allowing them to participate in off-campus academic internships during their degree program. To be eligible for CPT, students must be enrolled full-time and maintain their F-1 status each semester. The internship must also be considered an integral part of their degree program and not just a way to continue previous employment.
It is worth noting that the criteria for an internship to be lawfully unpaid are very strict and limited. For an employer to legally not pay an intern, the internship must primarily benefit the intern and not the employer. The intern's work cannot displace that of regular employees, and the employer must provide supervision and training. If these requirements are not met, the internship may violate Department of Labor laws and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
In conclusion, international students can do unpaid internships without CPT, but it is a sensitive issue. To avoid any legal or immigration complications, it is essential to understand the rules and criteria governing unpaid internships. Students are advised to consult with their school's International Student Services (ISS) office or a student advisor to ensure they have the proper authorization and that their internship complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
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Volunteering
Firstly, the volunteer work must be for an organisation that does civic, charity, or humanitarian work. Secondly, the work must not be for a position that is normally paid. This is a crucial distinction, as unpaid internships may be classified as employment and thus require work authorisation, such as CPT.
The US Department of Labor (DOL) investigates "unpaid internship" programs to determine if they are properly classified as "volunteer work" or if they should be compensated under Wage and Hour laws. If an internship is properly classified as "unpaid" by the DOL, it is not considered employment, and international students do not need work authorisation. However, if an internship should be paid under DOL rules, students must have work authorisation to undertake the internship.
To avoid misclassification, it is recommended that international students register for CPT even for unpaid internships. This ensures that their F-1 visa status is protected. Prior approval is required for CPT, and the internship must be related to the student's academic program. CPT can be used for part-time employment during the academic semester and full-time employment when school is not in session, making it a great option for summer internships.
In conclusion, while volunteering is unrestricted for international students, they should be cautious when considering unpaid internships to avoid violating their visa status. Speaking with a student advisor or designated school official (DSO) is always recommended to ensure compliance with regulations.
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F-1 status and work authorization
F-1 status is a typical "student" status for students enrolled in an academic program. F-1 students are not permitted to engage in employment without the proper authorization. There are two types of work authorization options for F-1 students:
On-Campus Employment
F-1 students maintaining their status may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full time during school vacations, as long as they intend to register for the following term. The work must be on campus or at an off-campus location educationally affiliated with the school. No U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) authorization is required for this employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a work authorization for international students on F-1 visas. It allows international students to work off-campus during their academic program. Prior approval is required, and the work experience must be related to the student's academic program. CPT can be used for part-time employment (20 hours or less per week) during academic semesters. When school is not in session, CPT can be used for full-time employment (up to 40 hours per week). CPT cannot be used after graduation, nor can a student delay graduation to work under CPT.
To apply for CPT, students must first obtain an offer for a qualifying internship. They then submit their application to their university's International Student Services (ISS) office, along with their official job offer letter. Once their CPT is approved, students must print and sign their Form I-20, which will be emailed to them by the university. The DSO must authorize CPT on the student's Form I-20, and the student should enter the CPT employment end date from the employment authorization section of their Form I-20.
It is important to note that volunteering is not limited for international students in the US, but it must be for an organization that does civic, charity, or humanitarian work. Additionally, the volunteer work must not be for a position that is normally paid.
In conclusion, F-1 students must maintain their status and be in good academic standing to remain work-authorized. Work authorization continues as long as the student's Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has not expired and they maintain their F-1 status.
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Virtual internships
International students on F-1 visas can intern remotely through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is the most common form of work authorization for internships in the US. CPT allows international students to work off-campus, including remote internships, as long as certain requirements are met. These include having completed at least one full academic year of study, possessing a valid internship offer, ensuring the internship is related to your field of study, and that it ends before you graduate.
CPT is not required if the internship takes place outside the US, and no authorization is needed. However, some US companies require interns to have US work authorization, regardless of their location. It is up to the individual company or internship site to decide whether to offer internships that are conducted online or remotely.
If you are an international student inside the US on an F-1 visa, you must have US work authorization to do an internship, whether it is virtual or in-person. CPT allows for part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week) during academic semesters, and full-time employment (up to 40 hours per week) during official school breaks.
It is important to consult your Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure all CPT requirements are satisfied before starting a remote internship. DSO approval for CPT usually takes 1-2 weeks. It is also recommended that international students register for CPT even when their internship is unpaid, as an unpaid experience can still be counted as an employment opportunity. This avoids accidental misclassifications that could lead to a violation of F-1 status.
To find a virtual internship as an international student, you can apply directly or through a placement program. It is important to adapt to US professional culture and communication norms to build stronger professional relationships.
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Social Security Numbers
International students on F-1 visas can undertake internships in the US, but they must have the necessary work authorization. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is the most common form of work authorization for international students on F-1 visas who wish to pursue internships during their studies. To qualify for CPT, students must complete at least one academic year (two semesters) and the internship must be an integral part of their curriculum. CPT can be approved for part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time internships.
If an internship is unpaid and meets the Department of Labor (DOL) rules, it is not considered "employment," and therefore does not require work authorization. However, if an unpaid internship should be paid under DOL rules, the student must have work authorization, such as CPT, to undertake the internship without violating their status.
Regarding Social Security Numbers (SSNs), international students with work authorization for paid internships are required to apply for and obtain an SSN. SSNs are only required for paid employment inside the US, so an intern's location and whether the internship is paid or unpaid will determine the need for an SSN. It's important to note that an SSN alone does not grant legal authorization to work in the US, and employers must confirm an international student's work authorization before the start of employment.
To apply for an SSN, students typically need valid immigration documents, including a passport, Form I-20, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with specific notations. For CPT authorization, the I-20 form must have CPT authorization printed on it. Additionally, students must bring their unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card if they are engaged in OPT. It is recommended to apply for an SSN no more than 30 days before the start of employment.
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Frequently asked questions
Most US colleges and universities recommend that international students on F-1 visas register for CPT even when their internship is unpaid. This is because an unpaid internship can still be counted as an employment opportunity, and it is essential to avoid any accidental misclassifications that could lead to a violation of your F-1 status. However, if an internship is properly "unpaid" within the Department of Labor (DOL) rules, then it is not considered "employment" and does not require work authorization.
Yes, CPT is only needed if all or part of your internship experience will take place while you are physically inside the US. If your internship will take place while you are outside the US, no authorization is needed.
If you are doing a virtual internship while living inside the US, you are subject to F-1 immigration requirements and will need CPT or similar US work authorization. If you are doing a virtual internship while living outside the US, it is up to you and your internship company to decide on the appropriate number of hours per week.
