Lana Oconnell
International students on F-1 visas in the United States are eligible for internships during or after their studies, but they must first obtain work authorization. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of work authorizations that allow international students to gain practical experience through internships. CPT is available during the academic year or summer break, while OPT can be used before or after graduation. Students can work part-time or full-time during internships, and the duration of OPT is typically 12 months, with STEM majors sometimes qualifying for a 24-month extension. To secure an internship, international students should research opportunities, network, and ensure they meet visa requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1 |
| Student status | Full-time student during the academic year |
| Work authorization | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| CPT eligibility | Studied as an F-1 student for at least a year at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school |
| OPT eligibility | Maintained valid F-1 status for one academic year |
| OPT duration | 12 months of work, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM majors |
| OPT application | File Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services |
| OPT start date | Chosen by the student, from one day to 60 days after program completion |
| OPT end date | 12 months after the chosen OPT start date, or 14 months after completing studies |
| OPT employment | Can work up to 20 hours per week during school, full-time during breaks |
| OPT volunteering/internship | Allowed, but must be related to the field of study |
| OPT reporting | Report all internships and volunteer work through the SEVP portal to avoid accruing unemployment days |
| OPT unemployment | 90 days of unemployment are allowed; reaching 90 days means the student is considered "out of status" and must leave the U.S. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Internship requirements for international students
International students in the US are typically enrolled in academic programs under one of two non-immigrant student immigration statuses: F-1 or J-1. F-1 visas are the most common for internships, and students with this visa are eligible for practical training, or internships, after a full school year.
F-1 Visa Requirements
To obtain an F-1 visa, students must:
- Be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program
- Be enrolled in an institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program
- Be enrolled as a full-time student
- Be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies
- Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up
F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Students can work 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during the summer for 12 to 14 months. CPT can be full or part-time, and students can choose their preference. Graduate students who are required to participate in an internship in their first year may be eligible for CPT immediately.
- Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT): Students must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to receive authorization before beginning their training opportunity. Pre-completion OPT must relate to the student's major.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension: Students must file their STEM OPT extension application before the expiration of the initial OPT period.
J-1 Visa Requirements
J-1 visas are sponsored visas designed for students and trainees. To obtain a J-1 visa, students must complete form IAP-66 and then apply for the J-1. Holders must be currently enrolled as students or have graduated within 12 months from a higher education institution outside the US. 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 visa holders must leave the US within 30 days of completing the internship. After leaving, they may not return to the US for 2 years.
How Canadians Can Sponsor International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
During the fall and winter terms, students must be enrolled full-time or have an approved Reduced Course Load (RCL). CPT authorization is only required for training inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in the student's home country does not need CPT authorization. CPT authorization is strongly recommended for all unpaid internships, and students must still be enrolled full-time during the academic year even when CPT is authorized.
To apply for CPT, students must first take the CPT Certification Course and save their certificate as a PDF. They then need to speak with their company or employer and obtain a Detailed Training Description. Next, students should meet with their Academic or Faculty Advisor to discuss their CPT plans and show them the Detailed Training Description. If the advisor believes the training is integral to the curriculum, they may recommend CPT by completing the Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. The advisor may also help the student enroll in a Registrar Designated CPT course if applicable. Finally, students must gather all the required documents and submit their CPT application through the M-Passport portal.
It is important to note that 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, part-time CPT employment does not affect OPT eligibility.
How International Students Can Land a JPL Internship
You may want to see also
Explore related products
OPT application process
International students on an F-1 visa are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain practical work experience related to their major field of study. Students can apply for pre-completion OPT, which allows them to work 20 hours or less per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session. Alternatively, they can apply for post-completion OPT, which requires them to work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time.
The OPT application process is as follows:
- The student must request that their Designated School Official (DSO) recommend OPT by endorsing their Form I-20 and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- The student must properly file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the required fee and supporting documentation.
- The student may not begin their OPT until after USCIS approves their Form I-765 and they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- If the student's OPT period expires while their STEM OPT extension application is pending, their work authorization is automatically extended for 180 days.
It is important to note that the OPT application process can be lengthy, with USCIS processing times taking up to 3-5 months. Additionally, students must adhere to strict rules and guidelines, such as not beginning work before the start date on their EAD.
The Wealth of Chinese International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
OPT internship duration
International students on F-1 visas are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain practical work experience in their field of study. OPT internships must be directly related to the student's major area of study and can be paid or unpaid as long as the unpaid work does not violate labor laws. Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time during their OPT internships. The duration of OPT authorization is generally up to 12 months, but this can be affected by several factors.
Pre-Completion vs. Post-Completion OPT
OPT can be utilized during studies (Pre-Completion OPT) or after completing the degree (Post-Completion OPT). Pre-Completion OPT allows students to work part-time while classes are in session and full-time during school breaks. The use of Pre-Completion OPT will reduce the total time available for Post-Completion OPT. For example, if a student uses 5 months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT, 2.5 months will be deducted from the total 12 months of OPT authorization. Similarly, if a student uses 12 months of full-time Pre-Completion OPT, they will not be entitled to any period of Post-Completion OPT.
STEM OPT Extension
Students who have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their Post-Completion OPT. To be eligible, students must meet specific requirements, including having an initial grant of Post-Completion OPT based on their STEM degree and being employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program. The STEM OPT Extension must be filed before the expiration of the initial OPT period, and timely filing can result in an automatic extension of work authorization for 180 days.
Grace Period
Students who complete their OPT period are allowed a 60-day grace period to stay in the United States to prepare for their departure, transfer to a new school, or change their visa status. However, students cannot work during this grace period. If a student ends their OPT early, they are not entitled to the grace period and should depart the country soon after.
In conclusion, the duration of OPT internships for international students depends on various factors, including the type of OPT (Pre-Completion or Post-Completion), the number of hours worked, and the eligibility for extensions. Students should carefully consider their options and seek guidance from their university's international student office to ensure compliance with OPT regulations.
International Students in the US: Permanent Residents?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Post-internship full-time employment
International students on F-1 visas are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) as long as they have been in valid F-1 student status for one academic year. OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their studies (post-completion).
Post-completion, F-1 students can work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time. Students can only be unemployed for a total of 90 days during post-completion OPT. If a student reaches 90 days of unemployment, they are considered "out of status" and should leave the US immediately.
Students can intern during OPT, but it must be related to their field of study. Students can choose to work full-time or part-time during their internships, depending on the institution's CPT policy. If the internship is unpaid, it can still be authorized as a practical training experience. Students can work for multiple employers, as long as the work is directly related to their program of study.
If a student has earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, they may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization. To be eligible, students must meet specific requirements, including being employed by an employer enrolled in and using E-Verify and receiving an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree.
To apply for OPT, students must complete an OPT Canvas course and then request their OPT I-20 Form via their MyISSS Portal. They must also file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the required fee and supporting documentation. Students should carefully consider their post-graduation plans before choosing their OPT dates and submitting their OPT request. Changing OPT dates after submission is challenging and not guaranteed.
Passport Rules for International Students on Domestic Flights
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, and OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. Both CPT and OPT can authorize international students to work or intern in the US.
To be eligible for CPT, students must have studied as an F-1 student for at least a year and be enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. OPT eligibility requires students to have been in valid F-1 student status for one academic year.
Yes, international students can intern during OPT, but it must be related to their field of study. Students can intern up to 20 hours per week while in school or full-time during the summer or after graduation.
Reach out to your designated school official for guidance on the next steps and to obtain the appropriate authorization, whether CPT or OPT.
