Janice Lozano
International students face many challenges when seeking internships due to visa rules and work permits. However, internships in the US are a great way to make a resume stand out. The first step is to understand the visa regulations and ensure eligibility to work in the US. Most international students hold an F-1 visa, which allows for practical training during or after their academic program. Students must then build a strong resume and cover letter, attend career fairs, and network. They can also utilize university career services, which assist in finding internships and jobs. When applying, it is important to research the company and prepare for interviews. Understanding the legal requirements and staying updated on immigration policies are crucial. Additionally, international students can seek help from internship placement providers, who can assist with application preparation, placement, and visa support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, J-1 |
| Visa requirements | Passport, proof of ability to support yourself financially, enrollment in school, completion of a full school year |
| Visa restrictions | J-1 visa holders cannot do casual work, and no more than 20% of their job can be clerical work. |
| Visa timing | Visas typically will not be approved until 120 days before the start date, and you will only be allowed into the country 30 days or less prior to the start date. |
| Visa fees | Both F-1 and J-1 visas require application fees. |
| Visa duration | Intern visas allow students to intern for 12 months. Trainee visas allow for 18 months, but visa holders must have 5 years of work experience outside the US. |
| Work authorization | F-1 visa holders must obtain work authorization through CPT or OPT. |
| CPT requirements | CPT requires an agreement between the employer and the school, and the internship must be related to the student's major. |
| OPT requirements | OPT can authorize an internship before or after graduation, and the internship should relate to the student's major. |
| Internship duration | Students can work 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during the summer for a timeframe of 12 to 14 months. |
| Internship payment | CPT internships can be paid or unpaid. |
| Internship search | Utilize university career services, networking events, and online employment sites. |
| Application process | Prepare and submit required materials (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, portfolio), build a resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews. |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding visa regulations and eligibility
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is the most common type of visa for international students studying in the United States. It allows students to engage in optional practical training (OPT) during or after completing their academic program. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must first apply to a school and receive a Form I-20, which confirms your enrolment in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. After completing a full school year, typically nine months, and enrolling in at least six credit hours, F-1 visa holders become eligible for practical training or internships.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a type of training opportunity available to F-1 visa holders. It allows students to gain practical experience by working in an internship or cooperative education program during the school year or on summer break. The internship must be related to the student's major and can be either part-time or full-time. CPT can be paid or unpaid, but students must have completed their first year at university.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is typically for those coming to the United States solely for an internship. It is important to note that J-1 visa holders cannot engage in casual work, and no more than 20% of their job can be clerical work. Specific internship dates must be stated, and the visa holder must leave the US within 30 days of completing the internship.
Passport and Timing
When planning an international internship, it is important to start early. Obtaining a passport can take a month or longer. Visas are typically not approved until 120 days before the start date, and entry into the country may be restricted to 30 days or less prior to the start date due to security stipulations.
Work Authorization
Before beginning an internship, international students must obtain work authorization. This can be done through CPT or OPT. For CPT, the employer will set up an agreement with the student's school to authorize part-time or full-time work. For OPT, students can work up to 20 hours per week while in school or full-time during the summer or after graduation.
Navigating visa regulations and eligibility can be a complex process. It is important to carefully review the requirements and plan well in advance to ensure a smooth experience when seeking an internship as an international student.
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Networking and career services
Understanding Visa Requirements and Regulations:
Before beginning your internship search, it is imperative to comprehend the visa regulations and requirements for international students seeking internships in the desired country. For instance, in the United States, international students typically need an F-1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program. Understanding these regulations is essential to ensuring your eligibility for internships and maintaining legal student status.
Utilizing University Career Services:
Many universities in the US offer dedicated career services to assist students in finding internships. Schedule appointments with career advisors, attend workshops, and make use of the resources provided by your university. These advisors are experienced in helping international students navigate the path toward successful careers. They can provide guidance on visa requirements, internship opportunities, and building a strong resume and cover letter.
Networking Opportunities:
Networking is a valuable tool for international students seeking internships. Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops both on and off campus. Connect with professors, fellow students, mentors, and guest lecturers. Each connection expands your professional network and can potentially lead to unique internship opportunities. Stay in touch with your network and don't be afraid to ask for advice or recommendations.
Building a Strong Resume and Cover Letter:
A well-formatted and concise resume is essential when applying for internships. Your career services office can provide guidance on resume writing and offer feedback. Additionally, a thoughtful cover letter is crucial for introducing yourself and explaining why you are a good fit for the internship role. Focus on highlighting your strengths, skills, and passion for the company and its mission.
Interview Preparation:
Prepare for interviews by practicing common interview questions and refining your communication and presentation skills. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and be confident and courteous. During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for the internship role. Remember to follow up with the interviewer afterward to thank them for their time and consideration.
Securing an internship as an international student can be challenging due to visa regulations and competition, but with proper planning, networking, and utilization of career services, it is certainly achievable. These steps will help increase your chances of obtaining a valuable internship opportunity that aligns with your career goals.
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Resume and cover letter preparation
When applying for internships, it is important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific country and role you are applying for. This is because there are often differences in format and creation between international and domestic resumes. For instance, some countries may request a translated version of your resume in their primary language.
Your resume should include your contact information, qualifications, and work experiences. It should also highlight cross-cultural and technical skills that demonstrate your ability to work in another country. Examples of cross-cultural proficiencies include languages spoken and experiences where you have worked with international clients or collaborators. You may also include fluency in languages, academic information from the last 2-3 years, and extracurricular activities. However, do not include references on your resume; instead, prepare a separate sheet with this information.
The cover letter is your opportunity to fill in the blanks from your resume and pique the curiosity of the employer. It should include standard business salutations (e.g. Mr., Ms., Dr.) if you are sure about their gender, followed by the person's last name. If you do not know their gender and know their full name, you can use their full name. If you do not know their name, "Dear Hiring Manager(s):" is appropriate. When ending the letter, use "Sincerely," followed by your name. For all documents, check your grammar and syntax and avoid flowery language or words that are not usually used in this context.
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Researching and applying for internships
As an international student, there are several steps you should take to research and apply for internships. Firstly, understand the visa regulations and ensure you are eligible to work in your desired country as an international student. For instance, in the United States, most international students hold an F-1 visa, which allows for internships during or after their studies. However, you must obtain work authorization first, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Understanding these regulations is crucial before applying for internships.
Next, create a shortlist of roles to apply for. Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn, dedicated employment sites, and career development sites like Handshake, which offer listings for internships. Additionally, take advantage of your university's career services, as they often assist students in finding internships and can provide valuable resources and guidance. Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops to expand your connections and gain insights into potential opportunities.
When applying for internships, ensure you have a well-formatted resume and a thoughtful cover letter. Your cover letter should highlight your strengths, skills, and passion for the company and its mission. Prepare and submit all required documents, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, or portfolios. Be mindful of the specific requirements and application processes for each organization.
During your research and application process, remember to stay patient and determined. Securing an internship as an international student can be challenging due to visa rules and work permit stipulations, but it is not impossible. Many international students successfully obtain internships and make their resumes stand out. Plan ahead, be proactive, and don't be discouraged by rejections—use them as learning opportunities.
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Interview preparation
As an international student, there are a few extra considerations to make when preparing for an interview for an internship. Firstly, ensure you are eligible for the internship by checking your visa regulations and work authorization. For example, international students in the US typically hold an F-1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, it is time to prepare for the interview. Here are some key steps to follow:
Research the company and role
Get to know the company beyond just the product or service they provide. This demonstrates your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the internship. Understanding the company can also help you prepare for the tone of the interview. For example, a corporate law firm interview will likely be more serious in tone than one for a marketing agency.
Prepare your answers and questions
Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences, skills, and why you are interested in the specific internship. You can also prepare questions to ask the interviewer, which further demonstrates your interest and knowledge of the company and role.
Practice your communication skills
Interviewers will be interested in candidates who can express themselves properly, so focus on communicating clearly and concisely. Practice your presentation skills and be prepared for different types of interviews, such as phone or video interviews. Ensure you have a strong internet connection if the interview is online, and familiarize yourself with the technology to avoid any complications.
Dress professionally and be punctual
Dressing professionally and arriving on time are simple but important ways to make a good first impression.
Follow up with the interviewer
After the interview, send a short email to thank the interviewer for their time and to reaffirm your interest in the role. This is a great way to create a lasting impression and demonstrate your enthusiasm.
Remember, the interview process is a valuable learning experience, so take note of what you could improve for next time and don't be discouraged by rejections.
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Frequently asked questions
You will likely need an F1 visa or a J-1 visa. If you are already studying in the US, you will need an F1 visa, which allows for extracurricular training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT). If you are coming to the US solely for an internship, you will likely need to enter on a J-1 visa.
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. CPT lets you gain practical experience by working an internship or taking part in cooperative education during the school year or on summer break. Your employer will set up an agreement with your school to authorize part-time or full-time work. You must have completed your first year of university and your internship must be related to your degree program. You need to apply for CPT authorization and obtain an updated I-20 form to begin an internship in America.
You can search for internships independently or with the assistance of an internship provider. Your university's career services office can provide invaluable guidance on finding internships, understanding visa regulations, and preparing for the application process. You can also rely on your network of professors and fellow students to help you find opportunities.
