Janice Lozano
International students in the USA have access to a wide range of internships, which can be a great way to gain experience in their field and enhance their professional and personal lives. However, the process of securing an internship can be challenging due to visa restrictions and unfamiliarity with the U.S. job market. To get an internship in the USA, international students need to ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization. They can also take advantage of their university's career services, on-campus career fairs, and job boards to connect with employers and find internship opportunities. While some internships in the USA for international students are unpaid, paid internships are also available and can offer valuable insights and a higher number of job offers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 Visa, J-1 Visa, CPT, OPT |
| Visa requirements | Proof of acceptance to an institution or university, sufficient financial support, intent to return home after studies |
| Work hours | Maximum of 20 hours per week |
| Work duration | Full-time work for up to 12 months, with a possible 2-year extension for STEM graduates |
| Application process | Understanding visa regulations, preparing application materials, networking, applying to multiple organizations |
| Resources | University career services, professors, mentors, online job portals (LinkedIn, Internships.com, Indeed.com), specialized platforms (Cultural Vistas, Career Premium) |
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$52.25 $65
What You'll Learn
Visa requirements: F-1, J-1, CPT, OPT
To complete an internship in the United States as an international student, you must first ensure that you have the correct visa. There are four types of visas that will enable you to secure an internship in the USA:
F-1 Visa
Full-time students who wish to study in the US must typically apply for an F-1 visa. Holders of an F-1 visa do not need to complete any additional paperwork to apply for internships, whether they are paid or unpaid. F-1 visa holders are eligible to receive authorization to work full-time or part-time on-campus during the summer vacation. Students who are experiencing financial hardship may also apply for authorization to work full-time off-campus during the summer vacation.
J-1 Visa
Students who are not enrolled full-time may apply for a J-1 visa to work as trainees in the United States. With a J-1 visa, students can work for up to 18 months with academic training.
CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of training opportunity available to F-1 students during the school year or annual summer vacation. CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. CPT must be an integral part of your major, and the experience must be a part of your program of study. CPT can be authorized on a full-time or part-time basis, in accordance with school policies.
OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another type of practical training available to F-1 students. Students with an F-1 visa can work full-time in the US for up to 12 months during OPT. Students with a degree in a STEM field can apply for up to two additional years. Students with more than 12 months of full-time CPT are ineligible for OPT.
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Paid vs. unpaid internships
Paid internships are generally more attractive to interns than unpaid internships. This is because paid internships are more likely to result in a job offer. According to U.S. News, 65.4% of paid interns were offered jobs upon completion, while only 38% of unpaid interns received job offers. Moreover, current employment trends favor paid internships, making them easier to find.
However, unpaid internships can still be worth considering, depending on the kind of experience you are looking for. An unpaid internship at your dream company may provide a more valuable experience than a paid internship unrelated to your career goals. Unpaid internships are also generally easier to attain, as they require less from their prospects than paid internships. This makes them a good option if you don't have much relevant experience. Additionally, the low-stakes, practical environment of an unpaid internship can allow you to grow and learn about the job and industry without the pressure and expectations of a paid role.
It is important to note that, legally, internships in the "for-profit" or private sector must be paid positions, with interns receiving at least the federal minimum wage for the services they provide. Unpaid internships are generally only permissible in the public sector or for non-profit charitable organizations, where the intern volunteers without expecting compensation. To determine whether an internship qualifies as unpaid, the U.S. Department of Labor has established six criteria that employers must apply:
- The employer and intern both understand that compensation is not expected. If compensation is implied or promised, the intern is considered an employee.
- The internship is similar to training that would be given in an educational environment, even if it includes the actual operation of the employer's facilities.
- The internship benefits the intern and ties into their formal education, integrated coursework, or academic credit.
- The intern works under the supervision of existing staff without displacing regular employees.
- The internship accommodates the intern's academic schedule.
- The internship is limited to a period in which the intern receives beneficial learning.
If an internship qualifies under all seven factors as unpaid, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not consider an employment relationship to exist, and thus the intern is not entitled to minimum wage or overtime pay.
In the United States, internships for international students can be offered with or without pay, depending on the industry, the specific company, and the level of competition for roles. Typically, companies will specify whether an internship is paid or unpaid in the job description or during the interview. To work as an international student in the US, you must have permission from US Citizenship and Immigration Services and ensure you have the appropriate student visa.
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University resources
Some universities and colleges provide specialized tools to assist students in developing and maintaining their resumes. These include classes that teach students how resumes are made in the US and how they differ from CVs in other countries. For example, photos and marital status are typically not included in a US resume, and most are kept to one page or less.
Universities often serve as gateways to internship opportunities, and many partner with various companies for internships. Professors and mentors are also valuable resources who can help students navigate the path to a rewarding internship experience.
Additionally, students can take advantage of on-campus career fairs and job boards to connect with employers near their university. Many organizations that attend these events or list offers on job boards work with universities to provide internship opportunities that help students gain professional experience.
Finally, students can also utilize online resources provided by their university to search for internships. Websites like LinkedIn, Handshake, Internships.com, and Indeed.com list internship opportunities, and some universities even offer virtual internships that can be done from the student's home country.
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Job boards and career fairs
International students can find internships in the USA through on-campus career fairs and job boards. These events and platforms allow students to connect with employers and find internship opportunities that provide valuable professional experience.
When attending career fairs, international students should be prepared to discuss their qualifications and fit for the company, rather than focusing on their international status or asking about sponsorship. It is important to research the company beforehand and ask questions that showcase your interest and qualifications.
Job boards are another great way to find internships. Platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, CareerShift, and MyVisaJobs offer filters for OPT/CPT eligibility and visa sponsorship, making it easier for international students to find suitable opportunities. These platforms also allow students to connect with employers and schedule appointments with career advisors.
Some universities also provide specialized tools and resources to help international students develop their resumes and cover letters, which are crucial components of the internship application process. It is recommended to research the specific internship requirements and application process before applying.
Additionally, international students should ensure they have the appropriate US student visa to work. There are different visa options available, such as the F-1 visa for full-time students and the J-1 visa for trainees, each with its own regulations and limitations. Understanding the visa requirements is essential for a successful internship search.
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Resume and cover letter preparation
International students can find paid internships in the USA, which can offer valuable work experience and insights. These internships are often competitive, and it is important to ensure you have the correct visa and work authorization. Now, let's delve into the specifics of resume and cover letter preparation for international students seeking internships in the USA:
Resume Preparation:
- Name and Contact Information: Start your resume with your name and contact details. Include your full name, cell phone number, and email address. You may also add your home address, city, personal website, or LinkedIn profile link.
- Education: Provide details about your educational background, including the name and location of your school, your degree, area of study, and dates of attendance. Include your GPA, relevant coursework, awards, and honors if possible. List your most recent degree or the one currently in progress first, followed by previous degrees in reverse chronological order.
- Relevant Experience: Highlight your relevant work experiences, such as internships, jobs, research projects, student leadership roles, volunteering, and independent projects. Focus on experiences that align with the internship you're applying for.
- Skills and Interests: Mention technical skills applicable to the role, as well as international experiences and language proficiency. You may also include hobbies and interests if they showcase transferable skills.
- Format and Length: Keep your resume concise and easy to read. Standard US resumes are typically limited to one page. Use a reverse-chronological format, showcasing your most recent experiences first. Avoid including photos, high school information, or unnecessary personal details.
- Visa and Work Authorization: Ensure you have the appropriate US student visa that permits internships, such as an F-1 visa for full-time students. Understand the work hour limitations and any specific requirements for international students.
- American Workplace Culture: Demonstrate an understanding of American workplace culture by detailing your experiences with US organizations, including volunteering or language skills. Emphasize your English communication skills, both oral and written.
- Review and Feedback: Utilize the resources available at your university, such as career offices, resume workshops, and career advisors, to get feedback on your resume. Reach out to alumni mentors who may also be willing to review your resume.
Cover Letter Preparation:
- Salutation: Use standard business salutations (Mr., Ms., Dr.) if you know the gender and full name of the recipient. If you don't know their name or gender, address them as "Dear Hiring Manager(s):".
- Content and Format: Focus on your strengths, skills, and experiences, including paid and unpaid work, extracurricular activities, and volunteering. Use action words and concrete examples to articulate your skills. Ensure your cover letter is free of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
- Submission Date: Include the submission date on the cover letter, but not on the resume or references.
- Signature: Conclude your cover letter with "Sincerely," followed by your name.
- References: Prepare a separate sheet for your references, including the organization's name, city, and country if outside Canada. Don't include references on your resume or cover letter.
- Review and Feedback: Have your cover letter reviewed by a career advisor or a native English speaker to ensure it adheres to North American standards and is free of errors.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get paid internships in the USA. However, it is important to ensure that you have the appropriate visa and work authorization. F-1 visa holders can apply for paid internships without additional paperwork but are limited to working 20 hours per week.
In addition to having the appropriate visa, international students must create a compelling resume tailored to the US job market. It is also beneficial to take advantage of on-campus career fairs and job boards to connect with employers.
There are several ways to find paid internship opportunities in the USA as an international student. Popular job portals like LinkedIn, Internships.com, and Indeed.com provide access to a wide range of internship listings. Specialized platforms such as Cultural Vistas also offer internship programs and resources specifically for international students.
Paid internships offer international students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and make informed career decisions. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), having a paid internship makes students 20% more likely to receive a job offer. Additionally, paid internships often provide more specific responsibilities and a higher scope of work compared to unpaid internships.
