Lana Oconnell
International students can intern in the US, and it is a popular choice, with over 1 million international students in the US as of 2023, and around 23,000 participating in internships during their studies. There are several visa routes that allow international students to intern in the US, including the F-1 visa with CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training), and the J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa. Students can choose between on-campus or independent internships, and can select from a variety of industries, such as entertainment, engineering, fashion, and business.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa options | F-1 with CPT (Curricular Practical Training), J-1, OPT (Optional Practical Training) |
| Visa requirements | F-1: assistance from accredited university or college; J-1: written approval from sponsoring institution |
| Visa validity | J-1: 12 months for students, 18 months for trainees |
| Internship duration | Up to 12 months, full-time |
| Internship type | Degree-related (CPT), unrelated to degree (OPT) |
| Work hours | Pre-completion OPT: maximum of 20 hours per week during school |
| Post-completion OPT | Work full-time in the US for up to 12 months with approval from USCIS; STEM degrees can request up to two additional years |
| Internship search | MyVisaJobs, Handshake, LinkedIn, career fairs, alumni connections |
| Internship benefits | Personal growth, social skills, cultural immersion, resume building, skill development, exposure to leading industries |
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What You'll Learn
Visa options: J-1, F-1 with CPT, and OPT
International students can apply for internships in the US, and there are several visa options available to them, including J-1, F-1 with CPT, and OPT.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is a good option for international students seeking internships in the US. It is designed for students and recent graduates who want to gain work experience in their field of study. The J-1 visa is typically valid for up to 12 months for students and can be extended to 18 months for graduates with a degree or professional certificate and at least one year of professional work experience. To obtain a J-1 visa, students must receive written approval from their sponsoring institution, and the internship must be directly related to their field of study.
F-1 Visa with CPT
The F-1 visa is a common choice for international students studying in the US, and it also offers the opportunity to gain practical work experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is available during the school year or annual summer vacation and must be authorised by the student's Designated School Official (DSO). It is important to note that CPT must be an integral part of the student's academic program and related to their major field of study. CPT can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, but students must have completed their first year of university and obtain an updated I-20 form before beginning their internship.
OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another option available to F-1 visa holders, allowing them to gain temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. OPT can be applied for during studies (pre-completion OPT) or after completing the program (post-completion OPT). Pre-completion OPT limits working hours to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term, while post-completion OPT allows full-time work for up to 12 months with approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students with STEM degrees can request an additional two years of OPT. To apply for OPT, students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with the required fee and supporting documentation to USCIS.
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CPT requirements: degree-related, completed 1 year, updated I-20 form
International students with an F-1 visa can apply for internships in the US, but they must be degree-related and completed after the first year of university. One of the requirements for F-1 students to be eligible for CPT is that they must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters) in their current field of study/major. This means that CPT cannot be authorised during the first academic year. Students must also apply for CPT authorization and obtain an updated Form I-20 to begin an internship in the US.
Form I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", is issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) to show that the DSO has approved the student for employment. Students are expected to keep all Forms I-20 issued during their academic career, and when information on the form changes, it is best to give a new copy to the student. CPT authorization can be added to the student record, and an Update Successful page will open, where the student can select "Return to Employment List" or "Print I-20".
The CPT authorization will be printed on page two of Form I-20. CPT must be an "integral part of an established curriculum", and it is more difficult to argue that an experience is integral if the credits do not count towards completion of the degree. CPT can be full-time or part-time, and it must be part of the academic program and be integral to the major field of study. CPT can be paid or unpaid, but it must be related to the degree program.
Students with 12 months or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not affect OPT eligibility.
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OPT requirements: approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
International students on an F-1 visa in the US can apply for internships, with the assistance of their accredited university or college. One such option is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which can be applied for during their studies (pre-completion OPT) or after completion (post-completion OPT).
To receive approval for OPT from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are several steps and requirements that must be followed:
Pre-completion OPT
To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students.
During the pre-completion OPT, students are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year and can work full-time during academic breaks and annual vacations. To receive approval, students must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS and receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning their training opportunity.
Post-completion OPT
Students may apply for post-completion OPT after completing their studies. If approved, they must work part-time (a minimum of 20 hours per week) or full-time. The OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
To receive approval, students must submit Form I-765 and receive their EAD before beginning work. Additionally, students must not have a record of studying English as a Second Language. Students with a STEM-related degree can request up to two additional years of OPT.
It is important to note that students cannot begin their OPT until after receiving approval from USCIS and must adhere to the start date on their EAD.
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J-1 visa: for students and recent graduates
The J-1 visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa, is a non-immigrant visa issued to international students and recent graduates wishing to participate in study- and work-related exchange programs in the US. The J-1 visa has 16 categories, including Camp Counselor, Au Pair, and Research Scholar, each with different durations. For example, a Camp Counselor on a J-1 visa may stay in the US for four months over the summer, while an Au Pair or Research Scholar may hold a J-1 visa valid for several years.
To be eligible for a J-1 visa, applicants must meet various criteria, including English language requirements, and must be sponsored by an accredited educational institution, a private sector entity, or a government program. J-1 visa applicants must also submit Form DS-2019, which outlines program details, costs, dates, and financial support options. Additionally, they must read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet to understand their rights and protections in the US.
Upon completion of their program, J-1 students are eligible for Academic Training (AT) in their field of study for up to 18 months. STEM undergraduate and pre-doctoral students may request an extension, allowing for a maximum of 36 months of AT. J-1 visa holders in STEM fields may also be eligible to work in the US for three years after graduation under a 2022 State Department initiative.
It is important to note that J-1 visa holders are typically required to return to their home country for at least two years after their program or visa expiration. This requirement may be waived under specific circumstances, such as exceptional hardship or a no-objection statement from the home country's government.
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Internship search: choose industry and location, network
International students can do internships in the US, and there are various visa options available depending on your situation. If you are already studying in the US on an F-1 visa, you can undertake an F-1 visa internship. Alternatively, you can apply for a J-1 intern or trainee visa, which allows students and recent graduates to undertake an internship in the US.
Now, onto the internship search. Here are some tips to help you choose an industry and location, and to network effectively:
Choosing an Industry
Firstly, you need to choose an industry that aligns with your unique career goals. The US has many thriving industries, including entertainment, engineering, fashion, and business. Think about what type of work you want to do and what will benefit your future career path.
Choosing a Location
The US is a large country with many internship opportunities, so deciding on a location can be challenging. Major hubs for interns include Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco, but there are also other locations to consider. Think about the climate and work environment that appeals to you, and don't be afraid to explore less popular destinations.
Networking
Networking is crucial when searching for internships. Over 80% of jobs are filled through networking, so don't rely solely on online applications. Here are some tips to network effectively:
- Connect with professors, alumni, and professionals on LinkedIn.
- Attend career fairs and industry-specific events to meet potential employers and peers.
- Utilize your personal network, including your parents' contacts, to see if anyone has connections to companies offering internships.
- Reach out to your contacts and express your enthusiasm for potential internship opportunities.
- Join industry-specific groups on LinkedIn to expand your professional network.
- Build a strong LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills, experiences, and recommendations from previous employers or professors.
Remember, finding an internship can be competitive, so it's essential to start your search early and be proactive in your networking efforts.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few different visas that allow international students to intern in the US, including the F-1 visa, J-1 Intern visa, and J-1 Trainee visa. The F-1 visa is for international students enrolled in a degree program, while the J-1 visas are for students or graduates who want to intern in the US without enrolling in a degree program.
To be eligible for an F-1 visa internship in the US, you must have completed your first year of university and the internship must be related to your degree program. You will also need to apply for CPT authorization and obtain an updated I-20 form.
There are a few ways to find internship opportunities in the US as an international student. You can use job search websites like MyVisaJobs or Handshake, attend career fairs to connect with recruiters and employers, or utilize your network of alumni and industry professionals. You can also look for existing internship programs at US companies or partner with your current or former university.
