Savanna Hoffman
International students can work as part-time interns, but there are several factors to consider. The student's visa status and eligibility are crucial, as different visas have varying internship conditions. For instance, F-1 students must maintain their status for an academic year and be enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school to be eligible for internships. Additionally, authorization is essential, and students should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure they follow the rules and maintain their student status. The DSO guides students on obtaining the proper authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT must be part of the academic program and integral to the student's major field of study, while OPT allows students to work for any employer related to their degree program. Students should also be aware of on-campus and off-campus employment regulations and ensure that their internships align with these rules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1, J-1 |
| Student status | Nonimmigrant |
| Employment type | On-campus, off-campus |
| Work hours | Part-time (up to 20 hours per week), full-time |
| Work authorization | Required, obtained through CPT or OPT |
| DSO involvement | Necessary for guidance and authorization |
| Internship type | Paid, unpaid |
| Visa process | J-1 trainee visa for degree/certificate holders with work experience |
| Internship search | Job forums, company websites, internship providers |
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What You'll Learn
International students can apply for internships
To start the process, international students should speak with their designated school official (DSO) to understand the specific requirements and options available. For instance, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two common ways for F-1 students to gain employment or internship experience. CPT must be part of the academic program and integral to the student's major field of study, while OPT allows students to work for any employer related to their degree program. Additionally, economic hardship provisions may allow F-1 students to seek off-campus employment if they face financial difficulties beyond their control.
When applying for internships, international students should consider their career goals and choose an industry that aligns with their aspirations. Building a strong resume and writing a thoughtful cover letter are crucial steps in the application process. Networking is also essential; connecting with professors, students, and professionals in the field can help uncover valuable internship opportunities. Websites like Handshake, which partners with US universities and employers, offer internship listings, and internship placement providers can assist with logistics and visa applications for a fee.
International students should be mindful of their visa conditions and any restrictions on work hours and locations. For instance, J-1 students can engage in part-time on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. It is illegal to work without authorization in some countries, so ensuring compliance with regulations is vital to maintaining student status. Internships can be a great way for international students to gain valuable experience, build their networks, and enhance their career prospects.
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Part-time work is allowed for F-1 students
F-1 students are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
One option for F-1 students to work as employees or trainees is through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students to work for any employer in a job related to their degree program. Most students in F-1 status are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT, which can be used during the degree program or after graduation. OPT can be part-time while school is in session or full-time during breaks. It is important to note that OPT used during the degree program is subtracted from the OPT time available after graduation.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option for F-1 students to gain work experience. CPT is a full-time or part-time training opportunity available during the school year or annual summer vacation. CPT employment is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school." To qualify, the work experience must be required for the student's degree, or academic credit must be awarded. There is no limit to how long a student can work on CPT, but it is important to note that 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes a student ineligible for OPT.
F-1 students must also comply with certain federal laws and regulations when seeking employment in the United States. On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place either at the student's school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location. The work must be directly providing services for students, such as in a bookstore or cafeteria.
It is important for F-1 students to maintain their student status and follow the rules regarding employment. This includes obtaining proper work authorization and complying with the terms and restrictions of their F-1 visa.
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Internships must relate to the student's degree program
International students with F-1 visas are allowed to work as part-time interns in the United States. However, they must first obtain an internship offer and then apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. One of the requirements for this authorization is that the internship must be related to the student's degree program. This is also known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and must be authorized by the school's Designated School Official (DSO). CPT can be full-time or part-time and is available during the school year or annual summer vacation.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another way for F-1 students to gain work experience as employees or trainees. OPT allows students to work for any employer, provided the job is related to their degree program. Students in F-1 status are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT, which can be used during or after their degree program. OPT can also be part-time during the school year or full-time during breaks.
For internships that are unpaid, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has rules governing whether the work should be considered "volunteer" work or whether it should be compensated. If the internship is properly “unpaid" according to DOL rules, it is not considered "employment," and the student does not need to be "employment authorized." However, if the DOL determines that the internship should be paid, the student must obtain the necessary authorization before undertaking the internship.
Additionally, students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university to be eligible for internships. They must also provide transcripts and may be required to meet certain academic standards, such as a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA). Some internships, such as those with the U.S. Department of State, may also require security clearances and background checks.
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Students must obtain work authorization
International students with an F-1 visa are permitted to undertake internships in the US, but they must first obtain work authorization. This can be done through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT must be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) and must be part of the student's academic program and integral to their major field of study. OPT allows students to work for any employer in a job related to their degree program. Most F-1 students are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT, which can be used during their degree or after graduation. OPT can be part-time while school is in session or full-time during breaks.
To obtain work authorization through CPT, students must first obtain an internship offer with an international organization and then work with their DSO to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO must certify the student's eligibility and enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO then prints and signs the supporting Form I-20 and gives it to the student. Students must also submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with the associated fee, to USCIS.
For OPT, students must have maintained their F-1 status for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing. They must apply to USCIS for authorization, and OPT can be authorized for up to 12 months, with STEM majors qualifying for a 24-month extension. Students will need a Form I-20 with a school official's recommendation for OPT.
It is important to note that students cannot work full-time for 12 months on CPT and then switch to OPT. Additionally, commuter students are not permitted to work as interns within the United States, and J-1 students may only engage in part-time employment on campus for no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session.
In summary, international students seeking part-time internships in the US must obtain work authorization through CPT or OPT, follow the necessary procedures, and comply with federal laws and regulations.
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On-campus employment is an option for J-1 students
On-campus employment is typically defined as work done on the premises of the school, including at educationally affiliated off-campus locations. This includes work at on-campus commercial businesses, such as bookstores or cafeterias, as long as the work directly provides services for students. At the University of Michigan, on-campus employment is defined as work performed on the premises of the university, including the Medical Center and any on-site commercial entities that directly serve students.
There are limits to on-campus employment for J-1 students. They may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer and official university breaks. Students with assistantships considered to be equivalent to 20 hours a week are not eligible for additional on-campus employment. Additionally, J-1 students must have a job offer in their field of study and obtain a written recommendation for academic training from their academic advisor to apply for academic training with the international centre.
J-1 students must also be mindful of the authorization and renewal process for on-campus employment. For example, at Georgetown University, J-1 students must request authorization from the OGS for each new position and period of employment, and this authorization is valid for a maximum of 12 months. Similarly, at Johns Hopkins University, J-1 students must submit an on-campus employment request to the OIS for authorization.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work as interns in the US, but they must first obtain authorization. Students can get authorization through CPT or OPT, which must be obtained before starting an internship.
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a full-time or part-time training opportunity available during the school year or annual summer vacation. It must be authorized by a DSO and must be part of the student's academic program and integral to their major field of study.
OPT, or Optional Practical Training, allows students to work for any employer in a job related to their degree program. Students can work part-time while school is in session and full-time during breaks, up to 20 hours per week. Most students in F-1 status are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT.
